Award Number : 09C01019 Award-winning item : Spindle Motor[SJ-D Series] Company : Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Producer： Kazuyuki Kawashima, Senior Manager, Servo Motor Manufacturing Dept., Nagoya Works, Mitsubishi Electric Corp. Director： Naoto Higuchi, Group Manager, Information Systems Design Dept., Industrial Design Center, Mitsubishi Electric Corp. Designer： Takanori Miyake, Takashi Nakahira, Information Systems Design Dept., Industrial Design Center, Mitsubishi Electric Corp.

A spindle motor is a motor installed in machine tools such as machining centers and lathes, used to rotate cutting instruments and work being processed. Spindle motors can be grouped into two main categories: frame-type spindle motors and built-in spindle motors. The SJ-D is a series of frame-type spindle motors. Frame-type spindle motors are used primarily in machine tools affordably priced. Demand is increasing for lower-priced machine tools chiefly in the Asia region. Just like in industrially developed nations, needs are increasing from year to year for energy conservation, resource conservation, and high reliability. This series responds to these needs by massively improving performance in comparison with previous Mitsubishi models, through means including electrical and structural design using high-precision analytical technologies. (See targets to be achieved.)

Mitsubishi Electric is advancing standardization activities for industrial design focused on 15 years in the future. To this end, it has prepared design guidelines on the four areas of structure (uniformity expressing the essence of the product), coloring (use of FA device standard colors), interface (operational uniformity), and brand logo, and it is making progress in applying these guidelines to its products. This is one of the first products designed under these guidelines, introduced out of conviction based on careful design as not a one-off design but a product leading to the future essence of Mitsubishi.

Unlike consumer products, industrial devices must not be affected by trends. Their key role is played by workers, and top priority is given to providing ease of use and ensuring safety. This spindle motor, a symbol of the industrial backbone, has realized improved heat resistance, major weight reductions, and a more compact size through use of an aluminum body. Its bold beveling and black matte surface also express reliability. Its exterior, eliminating showy decoration and expressing a bold solidity, can be said to be a paragon of industrial design. It received the unanimous vote of the judges.