Development Story: Elevating Material Development and Manufacturing to a New Level Through Particle Measurement and Analysis Technology

The size and shape of particles are among the crucial factors that directly affect the performance of various products. For example, the smoothness of chocolate depends on the size of its ingredients, such as cacao nibs and sugar. In pharmaceuticals, the particle size of powders can influence both the efficacy of the medicine and where in the body the effects are most pronounced. As a result, research facilities and factories that use powdered raw materials-including those in the food, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, and battery industries-demand advanced technologies for more precise and efficient particle measurement.

HORIBA is rolling out its new flagship product, the Laser Diffraction and Dynamic Imaging Particle Size and Shape Analyzer "Partica," to the global market sequentially, starting April 1 (product release and distribution may differ depending on the regions and countries). In addition leading^*1 precision and wide-range measurement capabilities, Partica utilizes two different measurement principles-laser diffraction and dynamic imaging-to simultaneously analyze the same particles in the sample. This enables highly detailed analysis of particle size, quantity, and shape information in just a one-minute analysis. Through Partica, HORIBA aims to strengthen material development and quality control across diverse industries. To learn more about this innovative product, we interviewed Tetsuya Mori, the business strategy leader for the Partica, and Yasuhiro Tatewaki, the development leader.

*1 HORIBA internal research as of August 1, 2024

Mori:
HORIBA has been developing and selling particle size distribution analyzers for over 40 years, steadily increasing our market share in the world. The global market for particle measurement devices continues to expand, and customer needs are diversifying-not only for laser diffraction-based particle size distribution measurement^*2 but also for shape analysis, automation, and data integrity. In the United States especially, there is strong demand for dynamic imaging, a principle that uses cameras to analyze particle shape. To meet these needs, we previously developed accessory units that could be added to existing products.
They received excellent feedback from our customers. However, to address new requirements such as enhanced performance, improved usability, and automation, we made the proactive decision to create a completely new product-one that would inherit the strengths of our previous devices while updating both software and hardware. At that point, the development baton was officially passed to Mr. Tatewaki.

*2 Particle size distribution: an index indicating the sizes and frequencies of particles in a sample

Tatewaki:
The biggest challenge in developing Partica was "combining two different measurement principles and assuring that they provided identical results." One of Partica's key features is its ability to simultaneously measure the same particles using both laser diffraction and dynamic imaging. Achieving this required us to shine a laser on the sample while capturing its image with a camera. However, certain components needed for imaging the particles could not block the laser, affecting the measurement results. Therefore, we had to find the optimal arrangement that would allow the laser to pass through while still capturing clear images. Making the device larger would have been an easy solution but we were determined to maintain the same size as our previous products. This was critical because we wanted to ensure that customers with limited laboratory space could continue using our devices in the future. After repeatedly testing different configurations and hypotheses, we finally discovered the perfect balance between the sample, camera, laser, and lighting.

Mori:
Partica was developed with a strong focus on expanding our market share overseas. While the main development hub was in Japan, many global team members contributed throughout the process. Dr. Anderson Bonon, Sales Manager at HORIBA Instruments Incorporated (based in the U.S.), played a particularly important role. He frequently visited Japan and provided invaluable customer insights and instrument designs, which helped us improve customer satisfaction in both software and hardware development.
About two years before its global launch, members responsible for development, strategy, and sales from HORIBA offices worldwide gathered in Japan. Using a prototype, they discussed the business direction and prepared for the product's release.
　

Tatewaki:
Anderson's passion was exceptional, and his development requests covered a wide range of customer needs. We worked hard to realize his vision for the customer, and his feedback was instrumental in achieving Partica's final performance. For instance, he once asked, "Can we analyze particles as large as coffee beans?" This was not a request we often received from Japanese customers, but in the U.S. and other global markets, there is significant demand for analyzing larger particles using imaging. Anderson's insistence pushed us to broaden the measurement range while maintaining the device size-a difficult challenge, but one we ultimately overcame through trial and error. Responding to such high demands resulted in unique product specifications that sets Partica apart.

Mori:
HORIBA has strong expertise in measuring particles for materials used in semiconductors and electronic components. With Partica, we aim to expand into three focus fields identified in our mid-long term management plan "MLMAP 2028": "Energy & Environment," "Bio & Healthcare," and "Materials & Semiconductor." While continuing to serve our existing customers, we are now also focusing on the pharmaceutical sector. Partica is equipped with data integrity features required by the pharmaceutical industry. It can be customized with robotic arms for automated measurement, enabling integration into production lines. This high level of customization is one of Partica's strengths as we expand into broader markets.

Tatewaki:
We pursued "functional elegance" in both the software and hardware, aiming for ease of use and aesthetic appeal. The software quickly delivers visually intuitive measurement results, such as graphs, even while processing complex data from both measurement principles. It's designed to be easy for first-time users, while still offering extensive customization options for expert users.
Customers often compliment the door design, which was one of the details we paid attention to. By adopting a sliding door that opens diagonally, we reduced the space required for installation.  This makes it suitable for research facilities and factories with limited space, while ensuring smooth operation. Other features, including automated dilution of solvents and automated cleaning of sample containers, also reflect our attention to detail.

Mori:    
Conversations with customers during development revealed the depth of the particle measurement field.
Recently, a customer at a cement factory told us that, during production, some powder lines flow smoothly while others stop abruptly due to clogging.  This happens even when the powders are poured in the exact same fashion. The reason was the shape of the material particles: round particles flow easily, while irregular ones cause blockages. Such stoppages can delay production unless the flow is manually restarted. This example shows that HORIBA's particle measurement and analysis technology has vast potential to improve manufacturing processes. We are confident that Partica's advanced analysis capabilities and high customizability will contribute to new discoveries and innovations across various industries.
　

Tatewaki:
When introducing Partica to customers, many are surprised by the breadth of data that is provided. They often ask, "Can it measure this as well?" As a developer, it's incredibly rewarding to fulfill these "I want to try this" requests. Through Partica, we will continue to meet customer needs and strive to develop new products that solve their challenges.

• News Release: Release of the "Partica" Laser Diffraction and Dynamic Imaging Particle Size and Shape Analyzer
• Product Details: Laser Diffraction and Dynamic Imaging Particle Size and Shape Analyzer "Partica"