Applications and Functions of Brushes

A brush fits not only smooth surfaces but also curved and uneven surfaces, wires, tubes and openings, and it removes foreign matter and dirt with moderate elasticity. Various functions, including sweeping like a broom (cleaning road surfaces), brushing away (dusting and removing chips and shavings), washing like a sponge (washing bottles), scrubbing like a pot cleaner and wiping/scrubbing like a cloth, can be added to brushes by adjusting the bristle density and hardness. Since we can manufacture both dry and wet brushes as well as add resistance to heat, acid, alkali and chemicals and other characteristics to brushes, we can offer brushes to best suit the washing method and the properties of the base material. We also have the technology to manufacture brushes for precision washing.

The advantage of polishing/grinding using a brush is its ability to follow the objects. Since brush bristles fit not only surfaces but also corners and edges, they can polish and grind areas that are difficult to reach with files and grinding stones, including areas around thin wire rods and inside cylinders, to smooth them evenly. Most abrasive brushes are made using bristles containing abrasive grains (compounds). The polishing strength can be adjusted and polishing marks (brush marks) can be reduced depending on the bristle material, implantation method and density. Brushes can also be used for buffing-like glossy finishes and wet and dry polishing.

Burrs generated in the machining processes of metals, resins and engineering plastics, including cutting, shearing, casting and injection molding, should always be removed for quality and worker safety reasons; however, removing burrs is significantly detailed and labor-intensive work. Brushes are effective in deburring and leveling edges, slits, screws and other grooves and bores and cross-hole bores. Since burrs are removed by rubbing with the tip of a rotating abrasive brush, which has the advantage of reducing secondary burrs, the contact is softer and more delicate than with tools such as grinding wheels, cutters, files, abrasive belts and abrasive discs. We also manufacture brushes for large machines and hand tools using durable bristle materials.

Brushes containing metal wire and abrasive grains are used to remove iron oxides (scales) from steel surfaces and oxide films called mill scales or black rust produced during hot working and rolling of steel materials. We propose appropriate bristle materials and shapes according to the specifications for specialized machines, the materials of the objects and the types of contamination.

Our high-precision brushes are used to remove microscopic contaminants from manufacturing equipment of semiconductors, flat panel displays (FPDs; LCDs, organic Els, etc.), electronic components and precision equipment to prevent intrusion of residues and contaminants. We also have experience in manufacturing delicate brushes used for cleaning and washing medical devices and precision measuring equipment. We can also manufacture brushes that meet high precision and cleanliness requirements to prevent damage to delicate objects.

Silicon ingots, which are used as semiconductor materials, are subjected to precision polishing with precision brushes containing diamond abrasives to smooth the edges (ingot surfaces) before slicing.

Brushes are also commonly used for shielding and blocking applications. They can be used for a variety of purposes, including heat insulation, heat shielding, odor control, dustproofing, windproofing, light shielding and waterproofing of buildings and industrial equipment, as well as preventing the intrusion of birds and insects into buildings and industrial equipment. Brush bristles flexibly follow changing gaps and complex shapes, such as moving and sliding parts, and block the intrusion, dispersion and diffusion of foreign matter. Brushes also have a water sealing function at the rear of the shield tunneling machines. They have a mechanism that prevents flooding by creating a clay wall through the penetration of grease into the brush, thus protecting the safety of underground excavation work.

Brushes are ideal for brushing off mud from root vegetables and other vegetables without damaging them. Furthermore, by applying the brush manufacturing method, brushes can be processed into durable mud-removing mats whose bristles are not flattened. Brush mats firmly scrape off heavy mud from the soles of shoes attached during farming, construction and other outdoor work or sports.

Brushes can be used as excellent cushioning materials by taking advantage of followability of brushes and adjusting the bristle height and density to change the elasticity and contact area. We can provide originally designed products to suit each customer’s desired purposes and applications, including product assembly workstations, mats for temporarily storing and transporting crops, and wipers for moving delicate products in batches.

By using conductive fibers as bristle materials, brushes that eliminate static electricity and have an antistatic effect can be made. This type of brush is best suited for liquid crystal panels, medical devices, precision instruments, paper, film and other items that need to be protected from dust adhesion; semiconductors, electronic equipment and other items that are damaged or defective due to electricity; high-voltage equipment; and sites where flammable products are handled.

In the early Meiji era (1868-1912), brushes were called “Western-style” hake, or brushes. Hake is used to apply agents, paint and the like to a larger area than a brush. Brushes and roll brushes are also used for application of a variety of chemicals, liquids and paints. Chemical resistance, alkali resistance, acid resistance and other functions can be added depending on the properties of the item to be applied and the object to which it is applied.