Materials and molding technologies

Simple, deep-seated, valve materials and forming techniques

Valves are generally as a device with fewer components. For example, a lift structure check valve consists of only three parts: the body, the cap, and the valve body.

Despite such a simple structure, various fluids such as water, oil, and gas flow through the valve. The temperature and pressure of the fluid also vary depending on the application. To safely control these fluids, the valve body, valve plug, valve seat, valve stem, and other major parts (trim) that come in contact with the fluid must be made of copper, iron, stainless steel, or other materials, and in some cases, hardening treatment, such as filｌing, must be applied.

The optimum valve materials and forming techniques have been selected, taking into account not only the fluid but also the pipes bore to which valve is connected, opening/closing frequency of the valve, the opening/closing mechanism, and the cost/delivery.

Integral production from raw materials inherited from startup

Since its foundation in 1951, KITZ has been producing valve in a variety of materials, including bronze, Brass, ductile cast iron, and stainless-steel, based on integrated production from materials. All processes, including casting, forging, machining, assembly, inspection, and shipment, are performed in-house.In particular, KITZ’s commitment to “better quality” in production has been consistently passed down since its founding, including the development of alloy compositions and the adoption of casting methods suited to those materials. KITZ offers special alloyed steel such as “lead-free bronze” suitable for drinking-water and “super duplex stainless steel” suitable for corrosive fluids. By developing materials that meet diverse needs, we have a lineup of more than 90,000 types.

Initiatives for Sustainable Growth

In order to further deepen the integrated manufacturing of materials inherited from the company’s founding, KITZ utilizes digital technologies such as IoT and AI to optimize casting requirements. We are working to introduce new techniques based on speed and cost. For example, we use 3D printers to mold castings.

To comply with EU Directive on the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS2), we are working to reduce the lead content of copper-alloy valve and fittings to 0.1wt%.

In addition to pursuing better quality in production, KITZ has strengthened its efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions and recycle molding sand and other materials by, for example, reducing the energy-consumption required for production in order to achieve carbon neutrality. We will continuously strive to create manufacturing processes with reduced environmental impact.