HORIBA, Ltd. (hereinafter “HORIBA”) is proud to release the laser diffraction and dynamic imaging particle size and shape analyzer, “Partica,” which will be launched sequentially starting April 1 (product release and distribution may differ depending on the regions and countries). R&D centers, plants, and a wide range of other institutions need sophisticated technologies to measure the size and shape of the particles that impact the performance of semiconductors, secondary batteries, pharmaceuticals, and other products.
The new product “Partica” is a multifunctional instrument equipped with particle size distribution measurement*1 as well as particle shape analysis functions. These features obtain particle size and shape analysis results in roughly one minute, which helps not only elevate the level of research and development and quality control but also increases efficiency (up to 50% reduction in the time required for measurements compared to conventional models*2).
Partica achieves high-precision measurement and a wide range of measurable particle sizes as a top-class analyzer in the industry*3 by inheriting the excellence of previous models and innovating upon them. We have also completely renewed the software to configure a highly user-friendly and scalable platform. The remote operability, automation, support of data integrity, and other features satisfy the diverse needs of customers across a broad range of industries.
The size of particles is one major factor that determines product functionality. In the fields of research and development and quality control that use powder, including semiconductors, secondary batteries, catalysts, and pharmaceuticals, advanced technologies are required to accurately measure particles. The particle measurement market worldwide reached a scale of approximately USD 1,140 million with an average growth rate of about 5.7% (2022-2027). We expect this high level of growth to continue (based on internal research, 2023).
Tetsuya Mori, Global Product Line Manager at HORIBA, Ltd., states, “In response to the growing demand in the particle measurement market, HORIBA, which has about 40 years of sales track record in the particle size analyzer market, has developed this product in pursuit of customer needs. Partica is expected to be used in many industries, such as research into the absorption efficiency of the pharmaceutical products affected by the size and shape of particles, and faster analysis of the powder fluidity that impacts productivity. This is one of our flagship products that contribute our three focus fields—Energy & Environment, Bio & Healthcare, and Materials & Semiconductor—outlined by the Mid-Long Term Management Plan “MLMAP2028,” which contributes to a higher level of research and development as well as quality control systems for our customers.”
Main Markets/Applications
| HORIBA Focus Field | Market | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Energy & Environment | Catalysts | Research and development of new and better materials Quality control of production processes |
| Battery materials | ||
| Bio & Healthcare | Bio/Life Science | Research and development related to antibody therapies, cells, etc. |
| Pharmaceuticals/cosmetics | Research and development of synthetic medications, powders, coatings, etc. | |
| Food/beverages | Research, development, and quality control of flavors, textures, shelf life controls, etc. | |
| Materials & Semiconductor | Semiconductor materials | Production management of adhesives for semiconductor wafers (CMP slurry) |
| Chemical industry | Research, development and quality control of synthetic medications, granulated agents, powders, coatings, etc. | |
| Precision machines | Material development of laminated ceramic capacitors, printing inks, etc. |
*1 Distributions made from size and frequency information on powder samples.
*2 Compared to conventional HORIBA products; benefits vary according to the usage method and conditions
*3 Based on internal research (as of August 1, 2024)
