What is in demand for automobiles today is environmental performance such as better fuel efficiency and lighter weight. The lighter the body becomes, the better the fuel efficiency gets. If the materials become lighter and rigidity is lost, however, safety, which is another challenge, will be compromised. This is a dilemma that makes it difficult to kill two birds with one stone. Nevertheless, the environmental standards that are imposed on automobiles in society are becoming more stringent. For the automobile industry, there is pressing demand for the breakthrough of manufacturing methods to make lighter and safer vehicles.

One example is the steel frames that support the body. It is common to make them by the metallic mold pressing of steel sheets. Several methods have been used in the past, including sheet metal stamping and hot stamping. There were several challenges, such as difficulties in making them lighter, and complicated processes and facilities.

What made an appearance in this situation was STAF, which was developed by Sumitomo Heavy Industries. STAF stands for Steel Tube Air Forming, and it is a method of passing a strong electric current through the steel tubes, and blow molding them with high pressure air and hardening them simultaneously. This makes it possible to perform the integrated forming of the frame and the flange, which is a brim-like component that is essential for assembling a frame. In other words, there is no need to connect the flange at a later stage by welding, and therefore rigidity will be improved and the processes can be simplified. Higher rigidity in this manufacturing method means lighter weight. The ability to simplify the processes is directly related to reducing manufacturing costs.

"With regard to the body frame manufacturing method, we went into the market later. However, it was a mandatory challenge to enter this field in order to stay ahead of our overseas competitors, who are trying to catch up with us in terms of the technological aspects. We commenced fundamental research in the technology research center where I worked at that time. I became acquainted with a technological venture at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2011, and I participated in the study meetings and gained knowledge of on-vehicle component technology," said Norieda Ueno (chief engineer, current Corporate Planning Dept., Corporate Planning Group), looking back on the situation at the time.

Mr. Takashi Komatsu, a technology consultant who has experience working in the technology research center of a major automobile manufacturer, joined the study meetings. Ueno did not miss his words at one meeting: "In order to achieve lighter weight, there is a method of forming the frame and flange all at once by feeding in high pressure air..." That was STAF. Although the idea of STAF existed, no company had developed it successfully.

It was not certain whether Sumitomo Heavy Industries could do it. However, it was worthwhile to take on the challenge. Ueno immediately went around the related people in the company and attempted to persuade them. He wanted to achieve his own mission to make the seeds of the technology research centers sprout and deliver them as products to the market.

In 2013, the STAF process verification project was launched in the technology research center, and he asked the press design group of the Industrial Equipment Division for their support. In 2015, the project office was moved to Niihama, and repeated verification experiments were conducted. Specialized engineers were invited from design subsidiaries such as Sumimec Engineering. Despite the select few of a total of eight people, the members were excited about the engineering challenge, which nobody in the world had attempted.

"The most challenging task was to consider forming conditions including material characteristics and mold design. We conducted more than 200 tests for forming one shape. We managed to reach the point of making it technologically possible, but it was not sufficient. We needed to complete equipment that was easy for our clients, who are automobile part manufacturers, to use. In addition to technology, a marketing sense is required at the same time," said Masayuki Ishizuka (chief researcher and engineering doctor, Technology Research Center, Corporate Technology Operations Group), who continues to support Ueno. What is required for people involved in research and development is to maintain a comprehensive customer perspective. This was what Ueno always talked about repeatedly.