1. What "Kanigen" means
The company name and the synonym for electroless nickel plating "Kanigen" was adopted by combining the first syllables from the words C(K)atalytic, Nickel and Generation.
Kanigen plating is a nickel phosphorus alloy coating by the chemical reaction without using electricity.
Compared to other plating, the advantage of Kanigen plating is as follows.
- Superior qualities in thickness uniformity.
- Plating of the insulator materials is possible.
- Plating of various type of metals is possible.
- Superior qualities in adhesion, hardness, abrasion resistance and corrosion resistance.
Kanigen plating is used as a "functional coating" which strengthens the function of industrial components in a wide range of field including automobile industry, precision equipment and electronic equipment such as PC and digital camera, Formula One, airplane and satellite.
That explains why our company "Kanigen", named after Kanigen plating, has been the synonym of electroless plating.
2. History of Kanigen
(1)Discovery of "Kanigen", the electroless nickel plating
In 1944, while applying electrolytic solution mixed with hypophosphates for nickel tungsten alloy plating, German chemists A.Brenner and G.Riddell discovered the strange phenomenon that plating placed not only to the inner surface of a metallic tube but also to the exterior surface resulted in the current efficiency reaching 120%.
With continued research on this phenomenon, it turned out that precipitation begins not only with electrolysis but also with the reduction of hypophosphates and it forms the coating chemically under the certain composition of solution and the condition.
However, this landmark discovery by A.Brenner and G.Riddell was not put to practical use due to the following problems.
- Slow plating rate
- Layered and uneven plating surface
- Unstable Plating solution and its short life span
- High cost
(2)Progress towards practical application of Kanigen planting
In 1947, G.Gutzeit and his team in GATC Co. in the United States continued the research of Kanigen plating (electroless nickel plating), which A.Brenner and G.Riddell had discovered in the pilot plant of EAST-CHICAGO and in 1952 they finally completed the method of current Kanigen plating (electroless nickel plating).
(3)Birth of Kanigen
After recognizing the practical application of Kanigen planting (electroless nickel plating), GATC Co. started to sell the licenses of Kanigen plating in United States, Europe, Australia, and Japan. Onoda Cement (currently Taiheiyo Cement Co., Ltd.) acquired the license in Japan, and established Japan Kanigen Co., Ltd. in 1955.
- December 1955
- Establishment of Japan Kanigen Co., Ltd.
Launched head office and Tokyo plant in Edagawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo.
- August 1957
- Instigated trial operation at the Tokyo plant.
- January 1958
- Began the first electroless nickel plating operation in Japan at the Tokyo plant.
- July 1963
- Launched SUMER division
Started sales of electroless nickel plating solution (SUMER®)
Since then, the company developed a variety of electroless plating solutions and has met expanding demand in various industrial fields.
- September 1973
- Launched Yokkaichi plant. The manufacturing department of electroless nickel plating solutions was enhanced.
- November 1982
- Launched Chiba plant thereby strengthening the manufacturing structure to meet a rush of demand.
- April 1989
- Establishment of Nagoya office to enhance the distribution department of electroless plating solutions.
- June 1997
- Establishment of Kanigen (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Promoted overseas sales operation.
- June 2002
- Joined the Nihon Parkerizing Group, which is the country's biggest in the field of surface treatment.
- March 2004
- Establishment of Kanigen (Shanghai) Trade Co., Ltd.
Promoted to strengthen international sales operation structure.
- August 2006
- Head office moved to Adachi-ku, Tokyo
- September 2006
- Launched Gunma plant, which is the country's biggest in terms of scale and facilities. The Tokyo plant was transferred to Gunma plant.