Furuya Metal works with iridium (Ir) and ruthenium (Ru), two rare and precious metals that are extremely difficult to process.
By developing and accumulating proprietary technologies, we contribute to the advancement of society and the protection of the global environment.
Who we are
Professionals in handling iridium and ruthenium
ridium and ruthenium are among the rarest and most valuable metals in the platinum group, requiring exceptionally advanced technologies for processing and refining.
Their extremely high melting points make them impossible to melt or shape using conventional metalworking equipment. Their hardness and brittleness demand highly specialized manufacturing processes.
Working with iridium and ruthenium requires state-of-the-art facilities and highly skilled craftsmanship. Only a small number of companies worldwide have the technological capability to process and refine these metals to the highest levels of purity and precision.
A Global niche leader with world-class market share
Iridium and ruthenium have unique properties—resistance to oxidation and corrosion, chemical stability, and exceptionally high melting points—that make them essential in industries such as electronic components, medical equipment, and catalysts.
As global trends toward decarbonization and energy transition accelerate, demand for these metals is expected to grow even further. Leveraging its proprietary technologies, Furuya Metal ensures a stable supply of iridium and ruthenium and has built a strong presence in the global market. The company holds leading market shares across multiple product lines recognized worldwide.
What makes us unique
Japan’s first achievement in developing iridium crucibles
In 1981, Furuya Metal reached a historic milestone by successfully developing Japan’s first domestically produced iridium crucible.
An iridium crucible is a specialized vessel used for high-temperature material melting and single-crystal growth. Its ability to withstand extreme heat and oxidizing atmospheres makes it essential for growing oxide single crystals with very high melting points—a critical foundation for advanced technology industries.
At that time, Japan relied almost entirely on imports for iridium crucibles. Furuya Metal’s success not only ensured a stable domestic supply but also set a benchmark for high-quality, homegrown technological capability.
Advanced recycling technology and stable procurement of rare resources
Furuya Metal has developed advanced recycling technologies that reprocess used iridium and ruthenium products into ultra-high-purity materials—up to 99.999%. This proprietary capability allows the efficient use of rare precious metals while minimizing environmental impact.
The company also maintains direct contractual partnerships with major mining companies in South Africa, a leading source of platinum group metals (PGMs).
These strong procurement networks ensure a stable and sustainable supply of rare resources.
By integrating a closed-loop recycling system with a robust sourcing infrastructure, Furuya Metal contributes to a sustainable, resource-circulating society.
Furuya in numbers
Iridium crucibles for mobile phone noise filter materials
Ruthenium sputtering targets for hard disk drives
Thermocouples for semiconductor manufacturing equipment
Iridium compounds for OLED applications
Furuya in everyday life
At home
Furuya Metal’s technologies are integrated into countless aspects of our everyday lives —from smartphones and camera lenses to refrigerators and home gaming consoles.
Examples of applications
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In smartphones
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Iridium compounds, iridium crucibles
Iridium compounds are used as phosphorescent materials in OLED displays, while single crystals grown in iridium crucibles are utilized as substrates for noise filter components.
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In cameras
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Platinum products
Platinum-based materials are used in the glass-melting process for manufacturing camera lenses and optical components.
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In rings
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Iridium crucibles
Iridium is used as a precious metal for fine jewelry such as rings. In addition, iridium crucibles are employed in the production of synthetic gemstones, including artificial sapphire.
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In refrigerators
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Iridium targets, ruthenium targets, FT-eco® catalysts
Thin films of iridium and ruthenium are applied to reed switches, while the FT-eco® catalyst is used to preserve the freshness of fruits and vegetables by decomposing ethylene gas.
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In home gaming consoles
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Iridium targets, iridium compounds
Thin films of iridium are used in motion sensors that detect player movement, while iridium compounds serve as phosphorescent materials in OLED displays.
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In air purifiers
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Iridium and ruthenium are utilized to generate hypochlorous acid, which provides sterilizing and deodorizing effects for cleaner indoor air.
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At the office
Furuya Metal’s products are also essential in office environments — used in computer hard drives, display panels, LED lighting, and many other devices that support digital infrastructure.
Examples of applications
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In computers
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Ruthenium targets
Thin films of ruthenium are used in the magnetic recording media that form the core of hard disk drives (HDDs).
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In displays
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APC targets, iridium compounds
Thin films of APC (silver alloy) are used in display panels, while iridium compounds serve as phosphorescent materials in OLED displays.
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In LED lighting
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Ruthenium targets
Ruthenium thin films are utilized in the manufacturing of LED lighting devices.
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In inkjet printers
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Iridium targets
Thin films of iridium are used in inkjet printer components that enable high-precision printing performance.
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In servers
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Ruthenium targets, platinum products
Ruthenium thin films are used in the magnetic recording media of HDDs, and crystals grown in platinum crucibles are employed in optical fiber communication systems.
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At airports
Furuya Metal’s technologies are also utilized in the manufacturing of airport baggage inspection systems, and their applications are expected to expand to aircraft components in the future.
Examples of applications
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In baggage inspection systems
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Iridium crucibles, platinum products
Scintillator crystals grown in iridium and platinum crucibles are used in X-ray baggage inspection systems at airports.
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In aircraft
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Iridium and ruthenium thin films, ruthenium-added superalloys Thin films of iridium and ruthenium are applied to anti-glare mirrors, while ruthenium-containing superalloys are used as turbine blade materials for aircraft engines.
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Around the city
Furuya Metal’s technologies play an essential role in manufacturing automobiles, digital signage, and medical diagnostic equipment used in hospitals.
They are also vital for advancing infrastructure such as hydrogen stations that support next-generation energy systems.
Examples of applications
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In hydrogen stations
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Iridium catalysts, ruthenium catalysts
Iridium and ruthenium catalysts are used in PEM-type hydrogen stations to facilitate efficient hydrogen production and fuel cell reactions.
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In automobiles
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Thermocouples, iridium products, ruthenium targets
Thermocouples are used in the power semiconductor manufacturing process, while thin films of iridium and ruthenium are applied to anti-glare mirrors and electronic components.
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In digital signage
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APC targets
Thin films of APC (silver alloy) are used in the displays of digital signage systems.
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In PET scanners
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Iridium crucibles
Scintillator crystals grown in iridium crucibles are employed in PET scanners used for cancer diagnostics.
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At supermarkets
Furuya Metal’s technologies help keep food fresh and make shopping more convenient in supermarkets.
Examples of applications
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In fresh produce display shelves
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FT-eco® catalysts
FT-eco® catalysts are used to preserve the freshness of fruits and vegetables by decomposing ethylene gas, which accelerates ripening.
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In contactless IC cards
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Iridium targets
Thin films of iridium, ruthenium, and platinum are used in non-volatile memory components that enable the functionality of contactless IC cards.
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In outer space...!?
Furuya Metal’s technologies are expected to make further contributions in the aerospace sector supporting stable rocket operation and space observation under the extreme conditions of outer space.
Examples of applications
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In rockets
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Iridium catalysts are used to promote the combustion of propellants in rocket engines.
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In artificial satellites
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Thin films of iridium are applied to hard X-ray telescopes installed on satellites for space observation.
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In astronomical telescopes
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Platinum products
Platinum materials are used in the glass-melting process for manufacturing optical components in astronomical telescopes
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What lies ahead?
Innovation begins at the edge.
Through innovative technologies and visionary thinking, we have unlocked new value from the rare precious metals iridium and ruthenium, contributing to the advancement of society.
Guided by exceptional foresight and unmatched technological expertise, we continue to pioneer new frontiers, shaping a future that no one else has yet imagined.
