Tosoh Corp. (Tokyo; www.tosoh.com) is increasing its zirconia powder production capacity at its Nanyo and Yokkaichi Complexes by approximately 30% in response to growing global demand, particularly for dental and decorative applications. The investment for this expansion is estimated to be ¥3.9 billion.
Construction began to expand capacity for producing zirconia powder at the Nanyo Complex, in Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, in June 2015, and is expected to end in November 2015. Construction will likewise start at the Yokkaichi Complex, in Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture, in February 2016, with completion slated for October 2016. Commercial production at the new facilities is scheduled for March 2016 at the Nanyo Complex and for April 2017 at the Yokkaichi Complex.
Tosoh produces yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), which is called “ceramic steel” due to its strength, flexibility, wear resistance, and longevity in such industrial and commercial applications as fiber-optic connectors and several other structural components, electronic parts, and grinding balls.
Recent advances at Tosoh are extending the market for zirconia powder to dental and decorative purposes. The company’s development of translucent (Zpex, Zpex Smile) and colored grades of zirconia powder are raising international demand for the product for uses in cosmetic dentistry and in decorative fashion accessories.