Core Viewpoint - Shibaura Machinery is entering the Gigacast market with a new aluminum casting equipment aimed at significantly reducing manufacturing processes and costs for electric vehicles (EVs) [1][3]. Group 1: Product Development and Market Entry - Shibaura Machinery plans to launch aluminum casting equipment for Gigacast technology, targeting annual sales of 10 units [1]. - The company has developed casting equipment with clamping forces ranging from 6,100 to 12,000 tons, enabling the production of larger components [2]. - The equipment, with a clamping force of 12,000 tons, is the largest in Japan, measuring approximately 27 meters wide, 9 meters long, and 9 meters high, weighing 1,100 tons [2]. Group 2: Market Potential and Growth - The global market for Gigacast-related automotive applications is projected to grow to approximately $3.6 billion by 2033, a 50-fold increase from $71 million in 2023 [3]. - Shibaura Machinery aims to capture this growing demand as a new entrant in the market, with trends indicating an expansion in the use of Gigacast technology in EV manufacturing [3]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Competitors, including UBE Machinery, are also advancing in this field, with UBE developing a 9,000-ton clamping force equipment and securing orders from Toyota [3][4]. - Chinese companies, such as Lijiang Technology Group, are developing even larger equipment with clamping forces of 20,000 tons, indicating a competitive international landscape [4]. Group 4: Technological Advantages and Challenges - Gigacast technology allows for the production of large automotive components in a single piece, significantly reducing manufacturing time compared to traditional methods [4]. - However, challenges remain, including the potential for high repair costs if parts fail and difficulties in maintaining consistent quality due to the size of the components [6]. - The stability of the EV market is also a concern, with fluctuations in government policies and sales trends impacting the overall demand for Gigacast technology [6].