Development
Sumitomo Electric Hardmetal Corp. was originally a division of Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. In 2003, it became an independent business entity after separating from Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. Currently, Sumitomo Electric Hardmetal Corp. handles the development and manufacturing of products while Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. Hardmetal Division handles all domestic and international planning and sales. The company's milestones below include activities done while being a division of Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., up to its independence as a new company:
1927
Sumitomo Electric Wire & Cable Works (currently Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.) started study/research of cemented carbide
1928
Succeeded in producing cemented carbide wire and cable drawing dies for private use
1931
Started production of cemented carbide cutting tools as "IGETALLOY"
1941
Opened the Itami IGETALLOY Works
1964
Established KYUSHU SEIMITSU KOGYO CO., LTD
(currently KYUSHU SUMIDEN SEIMITSU LTD.)
1972
Established HOKKAIDO SUMIDEN PRECISION CO., LTD
(Mass production facility for throw-away inserts)
1977
Started production and marketing of CBN sintered tool "SUMIBORON"
1978
Started production and marketing of diamond sintered tool "SUMIDIA"
1981
Started recycling business of tungsten from disposed cemented carbide using a zinc treatment method
1984
Established TOKAI PRECISION CO., LTD (currently TOKAI SUMIDEN PRECISION Co., Ltd.)
1985
Commercialized synthetic monocrystal diamond "SUMICRYSTAL"
1994
Started production and marketing of laser-cut optical parts
2003
SUMITOMO ELECTRIC HARDMETAL CORP. started operation
2006
Established first "TOOL ENGINEERING CENTER" in Japan
2017
Established TOHOKU SUMIDEN PRECISION CO., LTD
We will continue to push forward with the development of high-quality, innovative technologies required in the global market.
