Japan: MA Aluminum boosts torsion pipe production capacity for air conditioners

• MA Aluminum Co. doubling torsion pipe capacity
  
  
• Company to boost aluminum demand in ACs amid rising copper prices
  
  

Japan Metal Daily: MA Aluminum Co., Ltd, plans to double its production capacity for aluminum pipes with internal threaded surfaces (torsion pipes) using a proprietary manufacturing method to meet the rising demand for aluminum piping in air conditioners.

MA Aluminum Co., Ltd. will invest JPY 500 million ($3.1 Million) to add a torsion pipe processing line at Fuji Works in Shizuoka. Starting November 2025, this will double the monthly production capacity from over 50 tons to more than 100 tons to meet high demand for air conditioner piping.

Innovative manufacturing process

The torsion tube from MA Aluminum is an aluminum heat transfer tube with an internal spiral groove created using the "Tornado Twishing Method (TT Method)." This process involves twisting and drawing the inner groove simultaneously with the extrusion of the element tube. Compared to the traditional method where a grooved plug is fixed and pulled out, the TT Method offers greater flexibility in the shape of the inner groove and ensures no oil or debris remains inside the pipe.

This innovative technique earned the 58th Oyamada Memorial Award from the Japan Society of Light Metals for its excellence in technology.

Rising demand for aluminum piping

MA Aluminum has successfully sold torsion pipes for air conditioning systems for over 22 years. As copper prices rise, manufacturers are increasingly promoting aluminum as a cost-effective alternative, driving a shift towards aluminum piping.

This trend is prompting air conditioner manufacturers to accelerate domestic production plans to leverage aluminum's benefits. MA Aluminum's strong market position and the growing demand for aluminum pipes are fueling their sales growth.

In addition to multi-hole pipes, grooved pipes are used for air conditioner piping. These pipes, including torsion pipes, are compatible with equipment designed for copper pipes, making them easy to adopt. Torsion pipes are especially in high demand due to their superior quality.

Market strategy

MA Aluminum is maxing out its production of torsion tubes and plans to set up an additional production line to meet rising demand and attract new customers. This new facility, located near their current plant by Prefectural, will feature upgraded equipment to enhance productivity.

Officer anticipates the new line will produce over 50 tons monthly, boosting MA Aluminum's market presence.

MA Aluminum specializes in torsion tubes for room air conditioners but plans to expand into commercial packaged air conditioners and other applications. They are also developing new applications beyond air conditioning to diversify their product offerings.

In addition to torsion pipes, MA Aluminum manufactures multi-hole pipes to meet the growing demand for aluminum pipes in the air conditioning sector. They focus on providing optimal product choices to customers, aligning with specific needs and preferences across various applications.

Dynamic growth and market diversification

This expansion shows MA Aluminum's proactive approach in adapting to market changes and using their products to meet industry needs. By broadening their focus beyond traditional uses, they are strategically positioned to take advantage of new opportunities in the aluminum piping market.

This article has been published under an agreement between BigMint and Japan Metal Daily.