Product Development / Intellectual Property

Achieving "Only One" and "No. 1" Through Product Development and Intellectual Property

MAX has created a vast number of unique products by fusing user needs and technological seeds based on our thorough on-site principle, and by establishing a consistent story from product concept planning to practical application by the designer. In the intellectual property department, we have acquired the intellectual property rights of our invented technology that realizes the selling point of the product, and have constructed a strong patent network so that competitors cannot implement our selling points. Through these efforts, our products maintain the position as "No. 1."

Promoting Commercialization Through Development and Intellectual Property

Plan/concept planning Product design ability Development support Plan/concept planning Product design ability Development support

Example of the Rebar Tying Tool TWINTIER

In 1993, MAX launched the world's first rechargeable rebar tying tool. Since then, we have been expanding the market by making improvements while listening to on-site opinions. In 2017, by launching the TWINTIER product that enables faster and stronger tying by simultaneously discharging two wires, we established our position as the "only one" and "No. 1" in the global market.

Direction of Product Development

MAX possesses engineers skilled in mechanical design, and electrical, electronic, and software design. In mechanical design, we are using 3D design to strengthen structural analysis and dynamic analysis. In electrical, electronic, and software design, we are strengthening mechatronics control such as magnetic analysis and high-speed signal processing, and we are focusing on developing solutions using IoT technology.
Furthermore, in addition to expanding prototype processing equipment such as 3D metal/plastic modeling and CAM processing, we are working to rationalize research and design work through measures such as introducing an anechoic chamber, a large environmental test room, and the latest measurement experiment equipment. Through these measures, we are improving the efficiency of design and development.
The direction of product development at MAX is based on three points: (1) Creating new products that will lead to the establishment and expansion of new businesses, (2) Expanding business volume by strengthening the competitiveness of existing products, and (3) Improving design quality in upstream product development processes and shortening the lead time of the entire product development process. In fiscal 2021, R&D expenses were 3.4 billion yen and the R&D ratio was 4.6%.

Product development is promoted by teams.
Introducing cutting-edge prototype equipment and measuring instruments such as metal 3D printers and 3D scanners
Utilizing analysis technology for performance evaluation

Development Process for New Products

In order to provide products which are highly safe for customers and the environment, MAX designs and controls our products using original standards based on ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. Our product tests include environmental tests, noise and vibration tests, radio wave interference tests, material strength tests, drop tests, and insulation tests and temperature rise tests conducted in the usage environment. These tests are conducted using MAX's original standards based on market information and changes in standards such as CE, EN, ISO, and JIS.

Product Development for Solving Social Issues (Environmental Conservation)

MAX conducts product assessment based on its own standards for recycling, resource saving, energy saving, etc., including regulations on prohibited substances that exceed the RoHS Directive. Furthermore, from fiscal 2019, we have set goals that incorporate the perspective of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

Product Development for Solving Social Issues (Decreasing Labor Force)

MAX develops original technologies to accelerate technological development such as labor saving, automation, and robotization in order to solve social issues such as the decreasing labor force in developed countries. We also promote open innovation with universities and external institutions. In 2020, we launched the TWINTIER Walker Model, which is a rebar tying tool that can be used while standing without bending over. MAX is developing products that contribute to improving the working environment and increasing work efficiency. For example, we are analyzing a model of the human body to quantify the burden on the human body

Protection of Intellectual Property

In order to establish the position of MAX's "only one" and "No. 1" products, we are making the protection of intellectual property as a priority issue.
MAX grasps the legal systems of each country in the world, and works with patent attorneys and lawyers to create strong rights that match the laws of each country. We also monitor counterfeit and infringing products, and work with patent attorneys and lawyers in each country to protect MAX's intellectual property.