Material Analysis Technology | Common Technology | Murata technology platform

Summary

Generally, materials analysis technology is a technique for examining the structure, composition, and properties of substances. This technique is an indispensable method for product development, quality control, failure analysis, and more.
Murata's materials analysis technology is a technology that supports product performance and quality. Focusing on ceramics, we utilize diverse techniques to precisely evaluate structures and characteristics. The data obtained is utilized in development, contributing to design and quality improvement.
Based on collaboration with development and manufacturing departments, we possess analytical capabilities for problem-solving and the ability to develop proprietary technologies. We have particular strengths in pretreatment technology. High-precision processing tailored to material characteristics enables analysis unmatched by competitors.
Murata has evolved its analytical technology since its founding. We are currently advancing the introduction of AI, data analytics, and lab automation. We aim to establish a next-generation analytical approach that enables prediction of material properties and analytical proposals during the design phase.

Technical Explanation
Technological Strengths
Technological Advancement
Application examples for this technology

Murata's Material Analysis Technology

Technical Explanation

Murata's materials analysis technology serves as the “scientific eye” supporting product performance and quality. It precisely grasps material structures and properties, playing a vital role in every process from R&D to manufacturing.

Particularly for ceramic materials, we utilize a wide range of advanced technologies. These include “inorganic and organic analysis techniques” combining electron microscope observation of microstructures, X-ray crystallographic analysis, and various spectroscopic methods; “thermal property measurement techniques” evaluating heat generation/absorption, expansion/contraction, and gas evolution behavior; and “powder evaluation techniques” assessing the specific surface area, particle size distribution, and chemical/physical properties of powdered materials.

Murata's material analysis technology goes beyond mere measurement and interpretation. It identifies target compositions, structures, and powder characteristics at each process stage from raw materials to finished products. The obtained data is fed back to development departments, contributing to elucidating functional mechanisms and determining optimal material designs and process conditions.

Furthermore, through strict molar ratio control and high-precision control of trace elements, Murata practices the principle of “scientific management,” enhancing the reliability and quality of product development.

Material Analysis Technology and Its Connection to Our Value Chain

Technological Strengths

Murata's strength in material analysis technology lies in its development capabilities to create proprietary analytical technologies and its problem-solving approach based on close collaboration between R&D and manufacturing departments.

Accurate analytical methods are essential for evaluating new materials and products during development. Murata has built high-precision analytical technologies unmatched externally, providing optimal methods at the necessary timing. One particularly critical technology is “sample pretreatment technology.” Pre-measurement processing is crucial for accurately capturing material properties. Murata independently develops and optimizes pretreatment technologies tailored to the structure and composition of each material. Examples include separation and concentration processes for trace elements in ceramic materials and dispersion processing for powder samples.

Furthermore, experienced analytical engineers possess deep understanding of material information and product structures. Leveraging extensive analytical knowledge and know-how, we share information closely with development and manufacturing personnel. This enables us to address a wide range of needs, from solving daily challenges to developing new technologies with an eye toward the future.

By combining the latest analytical techniques with our proprietary pretreatment, measurement, and analysis technologies, we have systematically established highly unique analytical capabilities covering everything from product size to powder, nanometer, and atomic levels. These technologies form a crucial foundation supporting the realization of high-performance products and new functions.

Visualizing the Strengths of Material Analysis Technology

Technological Advancement

Murata's material analysis technology has continuously advanced in precision and resolution while incorporating the latest techniques, expanding both the scope of evaluation targets and technical domains.

Since its founding, this technology has been essential for stabilizing the quality of barium titanate raw materials and creating new materials. In the 1950s, Murata was an early adopter of spectroscopic analyzers and electron microscopes, establishing an advanced analytical infrastructure. Subsequently, to support expanding product lineups and higher performance requirements, the company pursued greater precision and resolution. For example, in ceramic material evaluation, capabilities now span from particle-level observation to atomic-scale structural analysis, achieving precision sufficient to evaluate the solid solution positions of doped elements.

While initially focused on inorganic materials, recent years have seen increased emphasis on evaluation technologies for functional organic materials and polymer materials used in intermediate processes. This approach aims to create new core technologies. Furthermore, we actively pursue joint research with universities and research institutions, along with external presentations, to promote the utilization of cutting-edge technologies.

Currently, we are exploring new analytical approaches combining AI and advanced data analysis techniques. We are also working on introducing lab automation to enhance the efficiency and reproducibility of analytical tasks. These technologies will enable the prediction of material properties and the provision of analytical proposals starting from the design phase in the future. Material analysis technology is expected to bring new value to future manufacturing.