SMC(Soft Magnetic Composite) materials which we have newly developed were studied for their applying effects. It shows almost the same motor output power as the laminated Si-steels of 0.35mm in thickness, although core loss of SMC is about 1.5 times that of the laminations. As shown in the results, the SMC motor core is sufficient for real use as a motor core. Furthermore, a 3-D shaped motor core made of SMC can improve approximately 20% of the output compared with the same size motor made of laminations.

Recently, automotive engines have changed to the silent chain system in order to reduce noise and to improve reliability. High contact fatigue strength is needed for the sprockets of silent chain system. As a result, a high-contact-fatigue-strength P/M material was developed using the technology of surface rolling, which densifies the surface layer of sintered parts. It was established that the contact fatigue strength of the developed material was a great improvement over that of the conventionally used sintered material.