Smart Goal Settings
The Kyocera Group makes printers and copy machines that use light-sensitive amorphous silicon drums. These drums are far harder and, consequently, have an exceptionally longer life span than conventional products. They can be used continuously without needing to be replaced for the life of the machine (10 times longer than conventional drums), which makes them much better for the environment.
Kyocera was the first company to mass-produce these drums. They are made by applying a silicon film to the surface of a polished aluminum tube. The film must be applied evenly to achieve the necessary sensitivity, but doing so is extremely difficult. Any unevenness, even a discrepancy of 0.001 millimeter, is unacceptable. Three years after we began research and development of the drums, we succeeded in evenly applying the film just once but were unable to repeat the process. This meant that the technology was not suited to mass production.