NIPPON KINZOKU launches STA finish stainless steel, enhancing etching precision, sustainability, and design flexibility for smartphones, semiconductors, and 5G applications.
NIPPON KINZOKU CO., LTD. has officially introduced its latest innovation in environmentally responsible materials with the launch of its fourth product in the “Eco-Product” series. This new material, called the STA (Special Tension Annealing) finish stainless steel, is designed to enhance performance in high-precision etching applications while simultaneously addressing environmental concerns in modern manufacturing.
One of the long-standing challenges in the etching process, particularly in half-etching operations, has been the warping of spring materials. Such warping often leads to inconsistencies in dimensional accuracy and increases production complexity. By applying the STA finish, NIPPON KINZOKU has succeeded in significantly reducing warping, thereby improving dimensional stability and ensuring more reliable results in precision manufacturing.
Another key advancement of this product lies in its ability to deliver finer crystal grain sizes. This innovation supports smoother etched surfaces, a feature increasingly in demand in industries that require microfabrication of highly detailed components. With these improvements, manufacturers can expect enhanced quality while also achieving process simplification, reduced energy consumption, and minimized environmental impact—aligning with sustainable development goals.
The company emphasizes that the STA finish stainless steel offers greater design flexibility, allowing customers to optimize both shapes and specifications of their products. This translates into higher processing efficiency, reduced production time, and better overall yield. These benefits have already driven its adoption across a variety of applications, including smartphone components, precision metal masks, and wrapping carriers, showcasing its versatility in advanced technology sectors.
Recognizing its contribution to both performance and sustainability, NIPPON KINZOKU has certified the STA finish as an official “Eco-Product.” This step reflects the company’s broader environmental strategy, which is guided by its goal of achieving net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. The development aligns with the company’s philosophy of sustainable manufacturing and its commitment to supporting customers with materials that reduce environmental burdens.
Furthermore, the STA finish has been positioned within the framework of the company’s long-term management initiative, “NIPPON KINZOKU 2030.” This vision highlights the concept of “Near Net Performance,” meaning that the material itself provides the essential performance qualities expected in the final product, minimizing the need for additional processing. With this approach, the company aims to expand sales across critical growth markets such as 5G communications, mobile devices, and semiconductor-related products.
Product Features:
• Heat treatment and shape correction are performed simultaneously, ensuring outstanding flatness.
• Internal stresses and distortions created during processing are minimized, supporting high-precision applications.
• Optional fine-grained versions are available, delivering superior etched surface smoothness.
Product Specifications:
1. Steel Grades: SUS304, SUS301, SUS430, and others
2. Thickness: 0.1 – 0.5 mm
3. Width: Up to 600 mm
Note: Fine-grained variants are limited to SUS304 only.
By combining technical excellence with environmental responsibility, NIPPON KINZOKU’s STA finish stainless steel sets a new benchmark for next-generation materials in advanced manufacturing industries.
