GRIPM Powder Materials Opens New Copper Powder Production Facility in Thailand

GRIPM Expands Manufacturing Capacity in Asia
Makin Metal Powders, a subsidiary of China’s GRIPM Group, has officially launched its new electrolytic copper powder (ECP) manufacturing facility in Chonburi Province, Thailand. The plant is now fully operational and has already dispatched its first orders in July 2024. The facility is ISO 9001 certified, ensuring adherence to internationally recognized quality standards. With a production capacity of 5,000 tons per year, the plant is poised to meet the growing demand for copper powder across various industrial sectors.

Advanced Copper Powder Production Technology
The GRIPM Powder Materials facility specializes in the production of electrolytic copper powder (ECP), which is manufactured using an electrolysis process followed by refinement to meet specific customer requirements. The plant offers a full range of copper powder grades, including light, medium, and heavy ECP, suitable for a wide variety of applications. ECP is commonly used in the production of sintered parts, particularly in industries requiring high green strength for thin-walled components. Additionally, it is a key material in the manufacturing of friction components, electrical contacts, and decorative finishes.

Key Industrial Applications and Market Demand
Electrolytic copper powder plays a crucial role in several high-tech industries. Its primary applications include:

• Additives to Iron Powder: Used to improve the properties of sintered iron parts, particularly for parts requiring high green strength.
• Friction Components: ECP is integral to the production of friction materials used in automotive, brake, and clutch systems.
• Decorative and Architectural Finishes: Copper powder is used in coatings and finishes for aesthetic purposes.
• Welding and Brazing: Copper powder is essential for various welding and brazing applications, offering strong electrical and thermal conductivity.
• Diamond Tooling and Electrical Contacts: ECP is critical in the manufacturing of diamond tools and electrical contacts due to its durability and conductivity.

With the global demand for high-performance materials growing, particularly in the automotive and electronics sectors, the new GRIPM facility is strategically positioned to serve the needs of manufacturers requiring premium-grade copper powder for these advanced applications.

Strategic Importance and Future Prospects
The opening of the Chonburi plant marks a significant milestone in GRIPM’s global expansion strategy, positioning the company to tap into the rapidly growing markets in Asia. The facility not only supports regional industrial demand but also strengthens GRIPM’s supply chain capabilities, providing a steady source of copper powder to meet the needs of manufacturers in automotive, electronics, and other industries. The plant’s ability to produce high-quality copper powder at scale will be a key factor in supporting the shift towards more advanced manufacturing processes, especially in the automotive and industrial sectors where copper powder is crucial for performance and quality.