JA
PROJECT
At CASTEM, we have received numerous awards and recognitions both in Japan and internationally for our precision casting, micro machining, additive manufacturing, and high-precision metal component manufacturing technologies.
These awards reflect our expertise in producing complex metal geometries through advanced engineering, precision manufacturing, and innovative process development.
This article highlights some of CASTEM’s representative award-winning technologies, products, and business initiatives.
Awards in Microfabrication & Precision Machining
To achieve the highly intricate and artistic geometry, we intentionally used a 3-axis machining center instead of a 5-axis machine, prioritizing machining accuracy above all else.
Normally, CAM-based machining simulations require enormous amounts of time to generate machining programs. To improve efficiency, all shape analysis and process simulations were performed mentally by the machinist himself.
(Award Recipient: Yoichi Miura)
The design faithfully preserves the artistic beauty of the original artwork while recreating it three-dimensionally through precision machining. Using a 5-axis machining center and cutting tools smaller than 0.05 mm in diameter, the piece was machined from multiple directions with exceptional precision.
The project was completed collaboratively by three specialists responsible for planning, design, and machining respectively. Close coordination from the design stage ensured that the artistic integrity of the original work was maintained while adapting the geometry to machining constraints.
(Representative Award Recipient: Kenichi Ishioka)
The cup section features an ultra-thin wall thickness of only 0.1 mm. The stand section has a minimum diameter of just 1 mm and an extraordinary length of 82 mm, while the base thickness is only 0.5 mm.
Particularly challenging was machining the extremely slender 1 mm-diameter section. Developing a stable machining process required approximately three months of experimentation and repeated trial and error.
Beyond precision itself, the project also focused on creating a product whose manufacturing method would not be immediately obvious at first glance. The resulting “Eggy Stand,” named for its unconventional thinness, stands as a symbol of technical mastery and relentless curiosity.
(Award Recipient: Makoto Murakami)
Using the ultra-micro 3D printing technology of the Nanoscribe system, we recreated a dandelion seed head at finger size. The thinnest sections measure only 0.05 mm in diameter.
The work was realized through cutting-edge microfabrication technology combined with highly viscous photoresist materials. Particular attention was also paid to aesthetics, with the seed filaments intentionally spread outward to enhance visual beauty.
During the finishing stage, tweezers were used to carefully adjust the balance and overall appearance by hand.
(Award Recipient: Shuhei Masutani)
Broken Mechanical Dragon with Enchanting Light
(Runner-up, 1-Inch General Category, Expert Bisai Creators Contest 2024)
Turbine Blade Ammonite
(Technical Excellence Award, Prototype & Test Machining Parts Category, Cutting Dream Contest 2023)
Machined and Revealed: Ta-da-da-daaa!
(Bronze Prize, Prototype & Test Machining Parts Category, Cutting Dream Contest 2022)
Fully Machined 1/1500 Scale Zero Fighter
(Runner-up, Open Category, Expert Bisai Creators Contest 2021)
The Art of Thin-Wall Machining
(Silver Prize, Prototype & Test Machining Parts Category, 2020)
Awards in Precision Casting
Despite using pure copper—a material known for its high thermal conductivity and machining challenges—the product successfully realized highly complex microstructures through precision casting technology.
The product received the Grand Prize at an international casting competition and is expected to contribute to future applications in fields such as artificial intelligence and advanced electronics.
Faithfully reproducing the original mask’s size, material, shape, and structure, the project achieved an unprecedented level of realism and presence through lost-wax precision casting.
While most previous reproductions had been made from resin, CASTEM’s metal version demonstrated both the artistic and technical potential of precision casting by combining engineering excellence with entertainment value.
Jewelry Awards
At New Jewelry TOKYO 2024, one of Japan’s largest designer jewelry exhibitions, KOHKOH received both the Best Jewelry Prize and the Audience Award. In 2025, the brand once again won the Audience Award, marking its second consecutive year of recognition.
Business & Management Awards
The company was honored in the Overseas Expansion category for strengthening international competitiveness and contributing to regional economic growth through operations in the Philippines, Thailand, North and South America, in addition to Japan.
In 2026, CASTEM also celebrated the completion of its Vietnam factory, further strengthening its global manufacturing and sales network.
In addition to its core lost-wax precision casting and MIM businesses, CASTEM has actively contributed to local communities through initiatives such as promoting origami airplane culture, organizing the hands-on manufacturing festival “WAZA-One GP” with local companies, and developing high-value-added agriculture projects that support regional employment.
【New Business Award 2021 Manufacturing Category Grand Prize】
CASTEM’s new business division, “IRON FACTORY,” received the Grand Prize in the Manufacturing Category at the New Business Awards organized by chambers of commerce in the Bingo region of Hiroshima and Okayama.
【Certified Health & Productivity Management Organization】
(SME Category 2022 / Radio Calisthenics Excellence Award 2025 – Hiroshima Prefecture)
The award recognized CASTEM’s unique integration of long-established casting technologies with advanced digital manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing to create innovative products and services.
【Certified Health & Productivity Management Organization】
(SME Category 2022 / Radio Calisthenics Excellence Award 2025 – Hiroshima Prefecture)
CASTEM has also been recognized for its initiatives to promote employee health and well-being.
Through workplace environment improvements and daily health-oriented activities, the company continues to foster a sustainable and healthy working environment.
【Regional Future Driver Company】
In 2018, CASTEM was selected by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as a “Regional Future Driver Company,” recognizing its role as a core enterprise supporting regional economic growth.
From its headquarters in Fukuyama, CASTEM continues to expand its production and sales bases while advancing technological innovation together with the local community.