Shimadzu Technologies Shape the Future During the 130 years of our history, Corporation has been bolstered by three main pillars of business: the Medical Systems Division, the Analytical & Measuring Instruments Division, and the Aircraft Equipment Division. Today, Shimadzu also focuses on life science, environmental solutions, and semiconduc- tors/flat panel detectors (FPDs) as new fields of business. We continue to add exciting new chapters to our history.

Innovation No. 37 12 Medical Systems Division Shaping the Future

Advancing in Step with Medical diagnosis using the "Diana" system (circa 1921) Diagnostic X-Ray Systems

High-Resolution Digital X-ray Images and Easy Operation Direct Conversion FPD X-ray Systems

X-ray systems are one of Tomographic Images groundbreaking that they stunned many Shimadzu's specialties. In the that Stunned the World of the doctors who had come to the history of X-ray imaging equip- conference from around the world. ment, spanning more than 100 The Radiological Society of North Another surprising fact is that the sys- years, Shimadzu has devel- America hosted a conference in Chicago tem needs to take only one exposure to oped an impressive number of in November 2004. The venue drew obtain these images. This advanced new products. Many of these almost 50,000 visitors, and the Shimadzu imaging operation was made possible were industry firsts, both for booth was constantly crowded. The dis- by the direct conversion flat panel and the world, and sup- play showed slice images of a human detector (FPD) developed by Shimadzu. ported important medical body captured by a new X-ray system. The system obtains high-resolution advances. Today, Shimadzu is Unlike conventional cross-sectional images of the inside of the body, and combining the latest digital and images obtained with a CT scanner, uses its unique ability to digitally recon- X-ray technologies to create a they were continuous longitudinal cross- struct images to focus on any desired new generation of innovations. sectional images. In fact, they were so depth. The system then saves the

13 Innovation No. 37 Shaping the Future

many years of dependable operation. Many radiologists and doctors have Outline of the told me that they hope to have a Shimadzu Medical Shimadzu system someday." Systems Division This level of user confidence was creat- ed thanks to Shimadzu's long history of Main products: involvement in X-ray system develop- Diagnostic X-ray systems PET systems ment. CT scanners In 1895, soon after Dr. Roentgen dis- Diagnostic ultrasound systems covered the X-ray, Shimadzu was Systems related to medical treat- asked to cooperate in an X-ray experi- ment and surgical operations Near-infrared imaging equipment ment. The request came from Medical information systems Professor Hanichi Muraoka at Daisan Overview: Senior High School. (Daisan Senior In 1896, the Division succeeded in High School later merged with taking radiographs for the first time in Japan. In 1911, it intro- University.) Earlier, when Professor duced a medical X-ray imaging Hidefumi Suzuki, Muraoka was in Germany, he studied Senior R&D Manager, Research and Development system. Since then, the Division Department, Medical Systems Division directly under Dr. Roentgen. When has continued to develop a Professor Muraoka heard that Dr. steady stream of advanced diag- nostic imaging systems, including resulting image data. Roentgen had discovered the X-ray, he X-ray systems, PET systems and "This system performs tasks that no immediately began his own research. peripheral devices, each of which other machine in the world can. The However, Disan Senior High School did contributes to the early discovery new applications made possible by the not have an adequate power supply at of abnormalities and improves recovery rates. system are bringing about break- the time to perform full-fledged experi- throughs in medicine," explained ments. This led Professor Muraoka to Hidefumi Suzuki, Senior R&D Manager. look to Shimadzu, which was delivering physics and chemistry instruments to ic collaboration. Tremendous Brand the school and had power supply Genzo Shimadzu Jr., who was in Image equipment. Using today's jargon, this charge of the family company at the was an early form of industrial-academ- time, was very enthusiastic about the Shimadzu supplies X-ray systems for a offer and immediately began develop- variety of medical applications, togeth- ment. Ultimately, Shimadzu succeeded er with cutting-edge diagnostic and in taking radiographs only eleven examination systems, including PET months after Dr. Roentgen discovered and CT scanners. Medical system sales the X-ray. Since then, Shimadzu has account for roughly 20% of Shimadzu's continued to develop state-of-the-art X- business. Shimadzu medical systems ray systems and peripheral equipment, provide essential functions for the early carving out a leading role in the market. discovery of medical problems and the In 1909, Shimadzu developed Japan's prompt administration of precise treat- first medical X-ray system and deliv- ments. ered it to the Chiba Kokufudai Eisei Among these medical products, X-ray Hospital. The second system was deliv- systems are special for Shimadzu. ered in 1911 to Ohtsu Hospital, operat- Mr. Suzuki recalls, "When I entered the ed by the Japan Red Cross. Then, in company, Shimadzu X-ray systems 1918 the company developed the already had a solid brand image. They "Diana" X-ray system, which used an were known for their high-precision, Keiichi Fujii, AC transformer in place of the conven- high-quality imaging performance and R&D Manager, Research and Development Department, tional induction coil. This product superb reliability, which was reflected in Medical Systems Division enjoyed phenomenal sales and was

Innovation No. 37 14 also exported overseas. cessing is simpler, it provides much Later, in 1961, Shimadzu commercial- clearer images than the indirect conver- ized the world's first remote-controlled sion system. It also makes it possible to X-ray TV system. This system con- reduce the radiation dose. Although the tributed to the early discovery of stom- direct conversion system was widely ach cancer. Recently, Shimadzu devel- believed to be theoretically possible, it oped a mobile X-ray system that is able was not easy to develop the amor- to take radiographic images at a phous selenium screen, which was an patient's bedside. This product has essential part of the system. also earned widespread acclaim over- Shimadzu was confident of its ability to seas. These groundbreaking products develop digital X-ray systems using an have established Shimadzu as a lead- indirect conversion FPD that would ing manufacturer of X-ray systems. offer a level of quality as high as that of any other manufacturer. However, while Recovering Lost Ground other companies were introducing products one after another based on In the 1990s, however, Shimadzu's X- Goro Hirata, the indirect conversion method, Assistant Manager, Research & Development ray business slowed. The dip was Department, Medical Systems Division Shimadzu was examining carefully what caused by a growing number of cases was truly needed by medical profes- in which products that the company working to develop the FPD in order to sionals. As a result, it embarked on the thought would meet clinical needs were gain a leading position in the emerging challenge of developing a direct con- not exactly what doctors and other digital X-ray market. version system. medical specialists wanted. Shimadzu began developing the FPD "The history of Shimadzu Corporation "Although people working in medical for digital X-ray applications in 1995. and its founder Genzo Shimadzu is one services were seeking X-ray systems Currently, there are two distinct FPD of innovative technology. Through that were easy to use and compact, we systems: direct conversion and indirect relentless effort, Shimadzu has focused our development efforts on conversion. The indirect conversion achieved what had been thought to be improving image sharpness and making system uses a fluorescent screen (scin- impossible. This kind of don't-give-up equipment more solid. We were proba- tillator) to receive X-rays that have pen- attitude has made Shimadzu what it is bly a bit overconfident about the prod- etrated a patient's body, converts them today," explains Mr. Suzuki. ucts we produced," Mr. Suzuki reflect- to light, and then changes the light to Needless to say, it was no easy task. ed. an electric signal using photodiodes. "We were able to display images, but Shimadzu also faced another challenge Because this system was created by they had so much noise we didn't know in developing new X-ray system combining conventional technologies, it where to start. It was brain racking," devices. The radiological imaging mar- is relatively easy to develop an indirect says Keiichi Fujii, R&D Manager. ket started to shift towards "full digital- conversion X-ray system. Many of our A prototype was finally produced, then ization" by replacing the conventional competitors have opted to develop this discarded, a process that was repeated film and image intensifier tube (similar type of system. over and over. Meanwhile, other com- to a classic vacuum tube) with newly panies who chose the indirect conver- developed devices. Digital images are Meeting the sion system released FPD-equipped X- not only easier to manage, but also Challenge for New ray systems, and those systems gradu- they can be instantly viewed for quick Technology ally spread throughout the market. In diagnosis, and transferred over a data 2002, when Shimadzu began feeling network, helping to eliminate differ- Shimadzu, on the other hand, adopted the pressure mount, the development ences in the level of services available the direct conversion system, which staff reported that a satisfactory panel to outlying communities. The newly converts X-ray signals directly to elec- had at last been developed. The preci- developed flat panel detector (FPD) tric signals and uses an amorphous sion of the images taken by the newly- maximizes these digital advantages. X- selenium (a-Se) screen, which reacts developed panel was not only better ray system manufacturers are now with X-rays. Since digital image pro- than that of the indirect conversion

15 Innovation No. 37 Shaping the Future method, it was actually superior to that market. In autumn 2004, Shimadzu of conventional silver halide film in both released a new version with an expand- still images and in each frame of mov- ed imaging range of 17 inches (17 x 17 ing images. At the time, silver halide inches). This expanded the field of view film was considered to provide the best beyond that offered by film. As soon as 半切サイズ縦17" x 14", portrait17"×14" possible quality. the product hit the market, inquiries

"Exceeding the sharpness and sensitiv- poured in from all over Japan, and soon 半切サイズ横14" x 17", 14"×17" ity of film with a digital system has been production could not keep pace with landscape a long-cherished dream for many engi- demand. 17"島津 x 17"［大視野Ｆ field ofＰＤ］ viewの of the neers," said Mr. Suzuki. Mr. Fujii added, Next, Shimadzu introduced the Shimadzu視野サイズ 17"×17" large-field FPD "There were countless difficulties to Sonialvision Safire digital table system, overcome before completing the sys- a product that has the potential to The 17-inch FPD is large enough to cover any region that tem, but our development has expand- change the style of conventional diag- can be captured on a maximum-size film. While maintain- ing extremely high 150-μm resolution, Shimadzu's X-ray ed the possibilities of diagnostic imag- nosis, since it enables observation of system achieves a large viewing field of 17 x 17 inches. It provides distortion-free, ultrahigh-resolution images of ing systems." the entire esophagus, without moving large body areas for abdomen observation and orthope- the viewing area. This system's wide dic examination. Aiming to be the World's field of view can also be used for effec- offers superb image quality and No. 1 X-ray System tive functional diagnosis, and its large reduced radiation dosages, but also is Manufacturer 17 x 17-inch imaging area can be equipped with an X-ray tube that applied to ordinary abdomen and DIP moves in coordination with the stand, In the spring of 2003, Shimadzu (drip infusion pyelography) radiography. an LCD touch panel that is easy to launched the DIGITEX Safire cardiac Shimadzu's product line also includes operate and see, and many other con- and vascular X-ray system featuring a the RADIOTEX Safire general radi- venient features and functions. 9-inch (9 x 9-inch) direct conversion ographic vertical X-ray system, "There was a time when we didn't con- FPD. This system provided higher reso- designed for general radiographic duct sufficient market surveys, and lution images than anyone had ever applications such as bone fracture delivered products to customers with- seen and had a major impact on the examinations. This system not only out closely checking whether they offered the easiest possible operation. Naturally, customers weren't satisfied 17 -inch Direct Conversion FPD X-Ray System with products that were still rough around the edges. Realizing this, we New Digital Table System began to conduct extensive studies Sonialvision Safire and tests to create easy-to-use prod- Sonialvision Safire allows the observation of an entire esopha- ucts," reflects Goro Hirata, Assistant gus without moving the viewing area. This wide field of view Manager. can be effectively used in functional diagnosis. The Shimadzu is now striving to become 17 x 17-inch field of view allows ordinary abdomen radiography and DIP imaging. As the world's top X-ray system manufac- such, Sonialvision Safire has the potential to turer. change the style of conventional medical diagnosis. "We've achieved the world's highest level of quality. Now, we plan to General Radiographic improve our applications and strength- X-Ray System en our support system to gain the top RADIOTEX Safire market share worldwide. And there's RADIOTEX Safire combines superb image qual- nothing better than knowing that our ity and reduced radiation dosages with a vari- products are helping to improve peo- ety of easy-to-use and convenient features and ple's health around the world," explains functions, such as an X-ray tube that moves in coordination with the stand and an LCD touch- Mr. Suzuki. panel that is easy to operate and see. Who knows? The day Shimadzu becomes No. 1 may not be so far away.

Innovation No. 37 16 Shaping the Future

Non-Destructive Inspection Machines Using X-Rays to Keep an Eye on Quality

The SMX-160LT Micro-Focus X-Ray TV System boasts Industrial X-Ray Television System top-level precision and a 0.4-micron resolution SMX-160LT Capable of inspecting the internal structure of industrial prod- ucts without damaging them, non-destructive inspection machines are an essential part of the industrial product quality improvement process. Shimadzu utilizes its X-ray technologies to develop X-ray inspection systems for the industrial market.

himadzu is Japan's top brand in the global non-destructive inspection facturers are compelled to meet stricter industrial X-ray inspection equipment market, which has grown to requirements, as well as facing intense Smachines, with a market share of approximately US$450 million, comes competition. Unique, proprietary tech- over 20%. from the semiconductor manufacturing nologies and the ingenuous application "When I went to an electric equipment field. of engineering skills are the keys to sur- manufacturer to repair a machine we had Numerous soldering operations are per- viving in this field. delivered, the customer said, 'We count formed when manufacturing semicon- "We created an application for produc- on you because your prod- ductors or when mounting ing 3-dimensional X-ray CT images of ucts support the reputation them onto substrates. Minor cellular phones, and it was very well of our brand.' This com- soldering equipment problems received. Naturally, we plan to continue ment made me realize the can cause soldering defects. developing and marketing unique appli- importance of my work," More than 200 pins are tightly cations that only Shimadzu can offer," recalls Kenichi Maeda, arranged on an LSI that mea- explains Akira Hirakimoto, General Assistant Manager, Non- sures only 10 mm on a side and Manager. Destructive Inspection the solder applied to the tip of Many semiconductor companies are now Business Unit. one pin is only 60 microns in establishing manufacturing bases in The history of Shimadzu's Akira Hirakimoto, diameter. Since soldering must China and in East Asian countries. General Manager, Non- X-ray inspection machines Destructive Inspection be performed with micron-level Shimadzu's next challenge is to earn the dates back to 1930. When Business Unit, Analytical & accuracy, the "eye" that moni- same high evaluation in these regions as Measuring Instruments metals are welded, the heat Division tors the operation must have the it did in Japan, by making sure that its generated during the same high level of resolution. products serve as essential tools for man- process can sometimes produce air bub- Shimadzu presently provides micro-focus ufacturing plant quality control. bles in the material. This can lower the X-ray TV systems with 0.4-micron reso- strength of the material, even though lution to semiconductor manufacturers. there is no change in its external appear- These systems provide excellent clarity ance, which often causes problems in the even when fluoroscopic images are taken steelmaking industry. Non-destructive at a magnification rate of 2,700x, thus X-ray inspection machines are essential allowing accurate observation. Micro- for preventing problems like this. focus X-ray TV systems are equipped Shimadzu utilizes a wealth of X-ray tech- with control panels that allow pin-point nologies, accumulated since Japan's display of enlarged images for target sec- Meiji Era (1868–1912), to develop and tions, and precision mechanisms that produce a variety of X-ray inspection sys- enable viewing of the same location from tems that meet the needs of the steel- different angles. Kenichi Maeda, making industry. As PCs and similar devices become Assistant Manager, Non-Destructive Inspection While there is still a need for non- increasingly smaller and faster, the sizes Business Unit of the Analytical & Measuring Instruments Division destructive inspection machines for steel- of the contacts used in those products Here, he explains the SMX-160LT, a system with making, the greatest demand today in also shrink. Inspection equipment manu- 0.4-micron resolution.

17 Innovation No. 37 Shaping the Future Analytical and Measuring Instruments Division Shaping the Future Gas Chromatograph Customer-Focused Development Exploring Advanced Sciences that Support Economic Growth

Dr. Martin and Dr. Haruki at Shimadzu's Sanjo Works (1972 )

Gas and liquid chromatographs are vital analytical instruments used in many fields, such as medicine, foods, fine chemicals, and environmental analysis. Ranking first in Japan and among the top corporations worldwide in market share, Shimadzu Corporation has gained its reputation in the field of analysis on the strength of these key products. Most importantly, Shimadzu has never lost Liquid Chromatograph sight of the customer with each new chromatograph we develop, from our very first unit to our latest model.

Peering into an This is why the scientific community did Many more years passed before two Unseen World not immediately embrace his theory. Englishmen, named Archer Martin and Later, when Tswett passed chlorophyll A.T. James, finally brought the term At the turn of the 20th century, Russian through a liquefied medium using a chromatography to the attention of the botanist Mikhail Tswett immersed him- device he had been developing, amaz- world when they published their paper self in the study of chlorophyll and ingly, clearly-defined layers appeared in on gas-liquid chromatography in 1952. came up with the at the time unthink- the liquid, making Tswett the first per- That same year Archer Martin shared able theory that chlorophyll had more son ever to separate a complex chemi- the Nobel Prize with Richard Synge for than one component. cal mixture into its component com- developing partition chromatography Chlorophyll is a collection of com- pounds. based on their earlier collaboration in pounds, as every scientist knows This historic event single-handedly 1941. Many would argue that the 1952 today. The mixture is very complex, overturned many long-held beliefs and report marked the starting point of however, and it would have been diffi- altered the course of botany forever. chromatograph equipment develop- cult for scientists in Tswett's time to The analytical technique that Tswett ment. separate the individual components. used was named chromatography. Precision measurement is a vital tool

Innovation No. 37 18 without which science could not a liquid chromatograph that analyzed advance. higher boiling point liquid samples. This Shimadzu is a leader in measuring and trend has continued up to the present, analytical instruments and first began with the development of the mass developing precision scales in the early spectrometer that led to the Nobel 1990s. Then in 1934, Shimadzu built Prize in Chemistry for Mr. Koichi Japan's first spectrograph for analyzing Tanaka. and identifying elements in metals and In a world-wide chromatograph market other materials. Shimadzu subsequent- that currently tops US$4.5 billion, ly developed Japan's first gas chro- Shimadzu is No. 1 in Japan and consis- matograph, which bolstered Japan's tently in the top 3 internationally with fledgling domestic petrochemical our flagship liquid and gas chromato- industry. This industry soon grew to graph models. Our products are used in become the driving force behind a wide range of fields, including prod- Japan's strong economic growth fol- uct development, quality control, food Masato Ueda Manager, MS/GC Business Unit lowing the Second World War. product safety inspections, environ- Shimadzu has always kept pace with mental analysis and life sciences. The the demands of industry and it was no factor that has cemented Shimadzu's Shimadzu's Scientific Instruments different when the company developed position in the market is the customer- Plant, were busy traveling from coast to oriented sprit of our engineers and coast. Japanese industries had finally salespeople. recovered from the war and were just Outline of the Analytical getting up to speed. Among these, the and Measuring Gas Chromatographs petrochemical industry seemed to have Instrument Business Getting Answers from the brightest future, and many new Main products: the Workplace products were being developed specifi- Photometric analysis instruments cally for that industry. To determine Chromatographs Scanning probe microscopes As Masato Ueda, Manager of the what products were required and what Electromagnetic analyzers MS/GC Business Unit gazed at the GC- was needed in the field, Dr. Haruki and Laboratory automation systems 2014, Shimadzu's newest gas chro- other staff members spent many days Bio-related analyzers Total organic carbon (TOC) analyzers matograph, he insisted that "Customer on fact-finding missions at universities, Optical devices workplaces are full of hints. Only loca- public research facilities, petrochemical Balances tions where the products will eventually company research laboratories and Particle size analyzers Air quality analyzers be used can tell us what we need to refineries. In those days, extremely high Water quality analyzers know for development." separation ability and short analytical ISO-14001 standard support equip- The world's first gas chromatograph times were needed to help the petro- ment and software Material testing machines was sold in the United States in 1955. A chemical field advance. The answer Structure testing machines year later in 1956 Shimadzu produced that Dr.Haruki and other staff members Dynamic balancing machines Japan's first gas chromatograph. This came up with was a gas chromato- Nondestructive inspection machines Overview: product offering symbolically marked graph with the highest resolution possi- Developed precision scales in the the start of brisk economic growth for ble at the time. early 1900's. Japan and was a key element in the This new method heated a sample to Developed Japan's first spectro- graph in 1934. rapid expansion of the nation's petro- vaporize it and then passed the sample Developed the first Japanese-built chemical industry. through a separating tube called a col- gas chromatograph in 1956 to which umn, where the components were sep- the petrochemical industry owes much of its success. Scrambling to Meet arated out and detected. This revolu- Developed an array of products Market Needs tionary instrument offered separation used in wide ranging fields like accuracy 100 times greater than previ- food safety, environment-related issues, and life science. In spring of 1955, Shimadzu staff mem- ous separation analysis methods and, bers, including Tatsuro Haruki of equally important, completed its analy-

19 Innovation No. 37 Shaping the Future

will be able to take Principle of Gas Chromatography precision measure- ments, with repro- In paper chromatography, ink is dropped on a piece of Controls the Introduces a column flow rate. fixed amount of paper and one end of the paper is then dipped in sample. ducibility rivaling our water. As the water rises up through the paper, the ink top-of-the-line GC- is carried with it and naturally separates into bands of Flow rate regulator Thermostatic chamber Detectors 2010. colors, including yellow, green and red. This is the Gas cylinder basic principle of the chromatograph. With gas chro- Masato Ueda, in charge matography, a tube called a column contains packing of product design, Sample (partitioning agent or adsorbent) that replaces the injection unit Column went to our parts paper. Liquid or gas is injected into one end of the col- Detects sample manufacturing plant umn under pressure and, as they separate out, they Introduces the components using sample (liquid/gas). various detectors. reach the opposite end at different times. The separat- to review each and ed components can be measured with a detector to every part in an all- Inert gas (N2 or He) Separates sample identify them, along with their concentrations. used in the mobile components. phase. out effort to reduce costs. Plant workers were impressed, since sis in 1/100th of the time. line. Second is because the company no one of Mr. Ueda's stature had ever Dr.Haruki and his team immediately set to has constantly thought of new ways to visited a production plant. It proved to work developing the instrument and make its products easier for researchers be well worthwhile, however, as it worked all year round. One special-order to use. One such innovation came early allowed the price of the GC-2014 to be unit was developed and delivered to a in 1980, when a microcomputer was lower than the GC-2010, without sacri- petroleum company in February 1956. added that allowed measurements to ficing performance. This achievement Then, in April 1957, the prototype of be stored as digital data. This was fol- was a great source of pride for Mr. Japan’s first general-purpose gas chro- lowed soon after by full digitalization, Ueda and his team. matograph, the GC-1A, was exhibited which was introduced in the early It is now nearly 50 years since the first at the Chemical Society of Japan where 1990s. gas chromatograph was manufactured. it created quite a sensation among This same philosophy has been applied Demand for this product has steadily the academics and researchers in at- once again to enhance Shimadzu's lat- grown over the years from its humble tendance. The story is still told today est model, the GC-2014. Here, a large beginnings in the petrochemical indus- of how waves of spectators filled display has been added to make data try to present-day applications in envi- the aisles, trying to catch a glimpse easier to read and flow rates can now ronmental analysis, trace level impurity of Shimadzu's new instrument. be digitally controlled. This means that analysis for fuel cell development, and after reading a simple manual, anyone in food product analysis to satisfy con- Tirelessly Listening to sumers concerned about food safety. Customers This increased product demand is dri- ving efforts to provide greater ease of Strong gas chromatograph sales have use, as well as improved accuracy and not stopped Shimadzu from constantly versatility. updating its products and incorporating Kyoichi Komori is Product Manager in customer requirements and feedback charge of the GC for the MS/GC as it is received. Other companies have Business Unit. He put it most succinctly entered the market by developing their when he said, "The needs of customers own gas chromatographs, however, boil down to basically three things: over time Shimadzu has steadfastly higher precision, faster analysis, and remained the undisputed leader. This is easier operation. With market demands due, first and foremost, to the fact that like these, we still have a long way to Shimadzu products have been highly go with gas chromatographs, regard- regarded for the accuracy of their Kyoichi Komori less of the argument that the gas chro- analysis and stable baselines ever since Senior Product Manager, MS/GC Business Unit, matograph is a mature product." the first model came off the production Analytical and Measuring Instruments Division

Innovation No. 37 20 Liquid Chromatographs products and pharmaceuticals, and a Affordable, Compact, and growing interest in environmental pro- Easy to Operate tection. These developments led Shimadzu to release the full-featured Shimadzu began selling liquid chro- Prominence Series LC-20A liquid chro- matographs 15 years after releasing its matograph last year. first gas chromatograph. Today's liquid chromatographs feature A liquid chromatograph, as its name significantly lower "carryover", which is implies, uses liquid instead of gas as contamination due to residue from a the carrier. While the gas chromato- previous sample left in the sample graph uses a gas to separate a sample injection unit. Since a liquid carries the into constituent components, the liquid sample along in the liquid chromato-

chromatograph does the same thing Shuzo Maruyama General Manager, graph, a minute amount of each sample with a liquid. A column that separates LC Business Unit of the Analytical and Measuring will inevitably be left in the injection Instruments Division components efficiently and liquid trans- unit. When another sample is subse- port technology that can move the liq- to analyze samples without vaporizing quently analyzed, it will be contaminat- uid at a constant speed are critical for them with heat. Characteristics like ed by trace amounts left over from the accurate separation analysis.This these have prompted a shift in user previous sample. turned out to be difficult and product clientele to pharmaceutical and bio- Obviously any residue left on the tip of development took longer than expect- related industries. Now that they have the syringe from the previous sample ed. However, thanks to its strong prod- become essential analytical tools for will be mixed in with the next sample, uct development ability, Shimadzu both structural analysis and quantitative making the resulting data highly sus- surged back and in 1978 released the analysis of trace components, demand pect. This is why, in the past, the LC-3A that propelled the company into for these machines has kept pace with syringe was cleaned after every injec- the position of being Japan's leading industry expansion. This now includes tion. However, times are changing liquid chromatograph manufacturer. the field of life science, rising concerns quickly. The company enhanced usability with a about the safety and potency of food Recent advances in liquid chromato- series of improvements, including development of a new modular model History of Chromatograph Development at Shimadzu that allowed the flexible arrangement of GC 2005 LC the pump, injector, column, and detec- Gas Chromatographs Liquid Chromatographs ■ 2004: LC-20A tor. The mantra at the time was "afford- ■ 2000: GC-2010 Network-compatible liquid High-end, high-throughput gas chromatograph featuring significant chromatograph improvements in carryover and other able, compact, and easy to operate." basic functions ■ 1992: GC-17A These words clearly described the Gas chromatograph with fully digital ■ 1997: LC-10AVP gas controller for easier use Liquid chromatograph with built-in validation support function for simpler product's advantages to customers ■ 1988: GC-14B instrument control Best-selling gas chromatograph that is compact and high performance ■ 1991: LC-10A and represent the history of Shimadzu's Fully digitalized liquid chromatograph ■ 1981: GC-8A capable of extensive data Steel becomes main industry Best-selling gas chromatograph that Raised from the research level to the business for food and pharmaceuticals management liquid chromatograph. is compact and high performance 1980s: ■ 1984: LC-6A ■ 1974: Chromatopac C-1A First bio- Flourishing petrochemical industry Shimadzu products have been consis- and soil pollution air, orsening water, Modular liquid chromatograph. First Gas chromatograph featuring the first- business W modular type produced in Japan. ever microcomputer boom Became a best seller since it offered tently ranked among the best in areas ■ 1957: GC-1A reliable standard functions and Japan’s first general-purpose gas 1950s: excellent cost performance. such as separation ability and soon chromatograph Moving to the ■ 1978: LC-3A ■ 1956: First special-order environmental Top-selling liquid chromatograph gained an excellent reputation around gas chromatograph age ■ 1972: LC-1 First liquid chromatograph sold under the world. 1940s: license High economic growth Significantly Improved Reliability

Today's liquid chromatographs have 1900s: become formidable tools, offering First heavy industries appear extremely high resolution and the ability

21 Innovation No. 37 Shaping the Future graph mass spectrometers have meant tested for cleaning the syringe and the tomers. This series was optimized to that mass spectrometers are now thought arose of even developing a produce substantially better results replacing conventional absorbance completely new cleaning method, none when a mass spectrometer is used as detectors in areas such as pharmaceu- of the results were satisfactory. the detector. In the meantime, informa- tical metabolism analysis. Highly sensi- Nobuyuki Tatsumi, Asst. Manager of tion technology (IT) began to spread tive mass spectrometers that are the LC Business Unit, stated, "If the around the world and demand skyrock- increasingly being used as detectors for syringe cannot be washed, then the eted for analytical instruments that compounds in even smaller quantities best solution would be to avoid conta- could operate on a computer network. have brought light to issues like carry- mination of the nozzle in the first place. To satisfy this demand, web server over that could previously be ignored. This approaches the problem from the functions were built into the LC unit's Shimadzu's development team has completely opposite direction." controller and a new function was often heard from major pharmaceutical A special coating was applied to the added to enable the status of all analyt- makers that liquid chromatographs syringe needle and a new adsorption- ical equipment to be monitored over cannot be used in their current state for resistant material was used for the flow the Internet. pharmaceutical metabolism analysis. lines. The results measured up perfectly Mr. Maruyama put it this way, "The Even though a number of agents were with expectations. Carryover was goals set for liquid chromatographs, reduced to 1/10th the standard level at from their very inception up to the pre- the time and customers were elated. sent day, have always been to improve functionality and make the equipment Partnering with smaller, faster, and more advanced. Customers Now system connectivity has become the newest priority on this list." Shuzo Maruyama, General Manager of Mr. Tatsumi expressed the renewed the LC Business Unit, described it this corporate enthusiasm when he said, way, "While this development started "We have to do all we can to satisfy our out as a product complaint, it provided customers. At the same time, we have an opportunity for us to take a step or to make analytical instruments that are two forward, and the result was a newly not only easy to operate, but actually developed product. We are sincerely enjoyable to use." grateful to our customers." To that end, Shimadzu remains 100% Nobuyuki Tatsumi Assistant Manager, LC Business Unit of the Analytical and Measuring The Prominence Series is an example committed to producing the right tools Instruments Division of our partnering efforts with cus- for the job.

GC-2014 LC-20A Prominence High-Performance, General-Purpose Modular-type High-Speed Gas Chromatograph High-Throughput Liquid Chromatograph

The GC-2014 is the newest addition to Shimadzu's lineup The LC-20A is the newest addition to Shimadzu's liquid chromato- of gas chromatographs. It succeeds the very popular GC- graph lineup. The modular format is ideal for expandability, giving the 14B and covers a wide range of applications from capillary user the freedom to select the components best suited to their applica- column to packed column analysis. The large tion. Network compatibility means that the LC-20A can be connected monitor screen can even display chro- to a network and collect data from remote locations using Internet matograms, while easy-to-understand button Explorer. The LC-20A's standard functions make it an international operation greatly reduces the chance of opera- frontrunner with the fastest sample injection, minimum carryover, and tion errors. Moreover, expandability for up to best detection sensitivity in the world. three injector units Specially coated needle and four detectors increases analysis productivity.

Minimum contact area design

Low-carryover sample injector

Innovation No. 37 22 Aircraft Equipment Division Shaping the Future

Entering Global Markets Backed with Reliability and Proven Track Records Shimadzu utilizes state-of-the-art technology to improve aircraft Facing New Challenges as operation safety and cabin comfort and to reduce pilot load. Building on a long and distinguished track record, Shimadzu is a System Integrator now taking its first steps as a true system integrator.

Shimadzu started to produce aircraft Three Central Areas of year track record and a domestic mar- equipment in 1936 and established its Shimadzu’s Aircraft ket share of over 90%. Aircraft Equipment Division in 1957. Equipment Business Designed for highly mobile aircraft fly- Since then, it has continued to develop ing at high speeds, Shimadzu's cockpit superior products for ensuring aircraft First are air management systems, display systems are equipped with flight safety and onboard comfort. In designed to control the cabin environ- advanced optical indicators that allow 2001, it began to focus resources on ment and ensure passenger comfort. pilots to easily ascertain both flight and three fields: air management systems, Second are cockpit display systems cockpit display systems, and flight con- that help reduce pilot load during Overview of Aircraft trol systems. Shimadzu is infusing flights. Third are flight control systems Business increasing amounts of energy into the that ensure and maintain flight safety. Main products development and manufacture of highly These three systems are central to Air management systems reliable equipment, and its technical Shimadzu’s aircraft equipment busi- Cockpit display systems Flight control systems expertise and skills enjoy a favorable ness. Let's have a look at Shimadzu’s Engine starting & power system reputation both in Japan and overseas. history and track record in each of Electronic control equipment Magnetic detection systems Building on a base of technology culti- these fields. Hydraulic/electric/mechanical control vated through component design and Air management systems are designed equipment Space rocket valves and control manufacturing, Shimadzu is looking to to ensure the overall control of aircraft equipment Division Outline open up new markets as a system inte- onboard systems, including air condi- Established in 1957, Shimadzu's grator and expand the scope of its air- tioning, cabin pressurization and air Aircraft Equipment Division initially produced air conditioning equipment craft business to a global level. With bleed systems, and to provide the opti- for the Jet Development this business strategy clearly in mind, mum onboard environment. In air con- Plan. Later, in the latter part of the 1970s, this division then began devel- the division is currently working all-out ditioning systems, for example, oping space equipment. on system development. Shimadzu enjoys both a successful 50-

23 Innovation No. 37 Shaping the Future external condition information. One of Shimadzu Products Used to Enhance Aircraft these systems is installed directly in Cockpit Display Systems Flight Control Systems front of the pilot, where it projects alti- Shimadzu electro-optical systems display a variety of flight Shimadzu manufactures the gearboxes, valves, information to improve navigation and aircraft safety. and actuators that are used to control the motion tude, speed, direction, and other vital These include three types of systems, one which is installed of aircraft flaps. Shimadzu's highly acclaimed directly in front of the pilot (HUD), one which is mounted in high-lift system provides integrated control over flight information. the instrument panel (HDD), and one which is helmet- the entire flap mechanism to enable low-speed approaches during landing. Production of these displays began in mounted (HMD). Our latest models even use holographic technology to dis- the late 1970s and Shimadzu now play image information and Shimadzu currently holds 100% of the Japanese market for HUDs and HMDs. boasts 100% of the Japanese market. Cockpit display systems are now being installed in various type of commercial aircraft, and Shimadzu is now striving to expand its overseas share of these products. Even though initially air management Air Management System and cockpit display system develop- In a jet engine, air drawn in from outside is compressed, mixed with fuel, and ignited to provide thrust. Some of that air is also diverted to the cabin of the aircraft for air conditioning. Shimadzu manufactures a variety of aircraft ment was performed through technical systems, such as the bleed air system that draws air from the engine, the cabin pressure control system that collaboration with overseas manufac- maintains the cabin pressure at ground level, the air conditioning system that cools and circulates the air drawn into the cabin, and the anti-icing system that prevents ice from forming on the wings. Shimadzu also holds 90% turers, Shimadzu has now grown to of the market for the air management systems that provide integrated control over all of the air systems. where it can develop and produce these products independently. past few years, however, huge manu- the safe takeoff and landing of aircraft, The role of flight control systems is to facturers that can handle both aircraft and its high-quality mechanical and ensure the stable control of takeoff and equipment and overall systems have high-reliability electronic control tech- landing, and of flight altitude and atti- emerged. These manufacturers can nology is a major contribution to flight tude as well. This field involves the produce all required components safety. manufacture of gearboxes, valves, and through their own subsidiaries and sub- “We can now independently develop all actuators used to control wing flap tier partners, which means that in the of the primary aircraft equipment tech- movement. For flight control system future doing business purely as an nology we need, and have a framework mechanical, hydraulic and electric com- equipment manufacturer will become for combining this technology and ponents, Shimadzu has delivered self- increasingly difficult. In this new type of delivering it in the form of systems. designed products to aircraft manufac- business environment, we too must Recently, we have been conducting turers both in Japan and overseas for make the transition to system integra- independent R&D and have now nearly 30 years, with a consistent track tor. For this reason, we are currently reached the practical application stage record of safety and reliability. investing our resources into air man- of hydraulic control valves that can be agement systems, cockpit display sys- used for 5,000-psi hydraulic systems Commitment as a tems, and flight control systems. I feel and also high-output actuators that use System Integrator that we have sufficient electric motors to operate capacity as a system flaps. Whatever our cus- In air management systems, cockpit integrator to play a tomers’ needs are, we display systems, and flight control sys- central role in these can start development tems, Shimadzu is striving to transform three fields.” immediately using the itself from a component manufacturer Currently, the field fruits of earlier R&D,” says to a system developer. where Shimadzu Kiyotaka Ihara, Product Yutaka Nakamura, Deputy General comes closest to the Manager, Flight Control Manager of the Aircraft Equipment role of system integra- Systems. Division, describes this transition, say- tor is in the area of In the field of flight control ing “In the past, we have produced a flight control systems. systems, Shimadzu now wide variety of components for aircraft Here, Shimadzu Yutaka Nakamura has the design know-how equipment, a field that demands an develops flap control Deputy General Manager, Aircraft required to integrate a extremely high level of reliability. In the systems that ensure Equipment Division wide variety of previously-

Innovation No. 37 24 Shaping the Future

Dynamic Simulation life, reliability is of determine the optimal specifications for paramount individual components. This gives us a importance. With great advantage as a system integra- civilian aircraft in tor,” explains Mr. Ihara. particular, busi- 1000

800 ness performance Simulation Total Commitment to 600 Prototype is also a major Software Development 400

200 element and we 0 intend to fully uti- An important issue in system develop-

-200 lize domestic and ment is how to validate base technolo- -400

-600 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 international part- gy. For this reason, Shimadzu is now System Evaluation Test time (sec) nerships to create working to develop highly reliable an efficient sys- analysis methods. This will be done by created components into individual tem,” says Mr. Nakamura. customizing our computer-based systems. Also, Shimadzu is currently Mr. Ihara continues, “When operating design/system performance analysis to conducting dynamic simulations using within a limited timeframe and budget, conform to hardware parameters that computers in order to improve the even with equipment or systems that truly reflect our manufacturing skills. accuracy of design and of predictions can be developed independently, we “The most important part of a system is during the development and design have found it is more efficient to con- the software that controls the aircraft stages. duct development in collaboration with equipment itself. The amount of effort other organizations. This approach also you put into software development and Business Performance and makes it easier to win the trust of aircraft how you validate the software are key Partners in Japan and manufacturers.” issues. To ensure aircraft safety, vali- Overseas While we value all collaborations with dating the adequacy of the software specialized manufacturers, Shimadzu with established methods is a hurdle One of Shimadzu’s major strengths is will, as the primary contractor of sys- that, in applications for civilian aircraft, the wealth of technology and indepen- tems-related business, lead each pro- cannot be avoided. I would therefore dently developed components accumu- ject and assume overall responsibility like to focus our efforts in this area and lated over the years. Another strength is for system development. establish a know-how base as quickly Shimadzu's many manufacturing part- “In the past, we concentrated on as possible,” stresses Mr. Nakamura. ners both in Japan and overseas who designing and manufacturing compo- Over the past 10 years, the number of can, when required, form collaborations nents that conformed as closely as system integrators in the aircraft indus- to respond to market needs. possible to the given specifications and try has increased to nearly 20. All of “In the aircraft industry, which shoulders were not really able to participate in the these are giant manufacturers with an enormous responsibility for human creation of any optimized systems cre- globally recognized names. Through its ated from these components. Now, aircraft equipment business, Shimadzu equipped with a clear idea about the is attempting to join their ranks. overall system, we can independently Building on a proven track record in the Japanese market and on Controller CVM Flap Lever technical skills and ability Sensor Hydraulic Motor spanning more than half a century, the day will soon Position TS PDU Sensor Unit arrive when Shimadzu can To Right Wing ACT ACT serve all three key fields and AGB participate as a fully-fledged system integrator in global CVM : CONTROL VALVE MODULE markets. PDU : POWER DRIVE UNIT Kiyotaka Ihara TS : TORQUE SHAFT Product Manager,Flight Control Systems, AGB : ANGLE GEARBOX ACT : MECHANICAL ACTUATOR R&D Dept., Aircraft Equipment Division FLAP PANEL Flight Control System

25 Innovation No. 37