Auros Technologies' 'APLAS Sheet Method' Certified as New Construction Technology by Ishikawa Prefecture

The 'APLAS Sheet Method,' a new construction technique developed by Auros Technologies LLC (Headquarters: Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture; CEO: Taigo Uchida), a group company of Mitani Sangyo Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture; President: Tadaaki Mitani) specializing in research, development, manufacturing, and sales of plasma surface modification technologies, has been certified under the Ishikawa Prefecture New Technology Certification and Utilization System. A certification ceremony was held at the Ishikawa Prefectural Government building on May 21 (Thursday).

■ About the Ishikawa Prefecture New Technology Certification and Utilization System

Established in 2005, this system evaluates new technologies in civil engineering and construction developed by companies in Ishikawa Prefecture, provides support for resolving technical issues, and promotes market expansion. The system aims to achieve low-cost, high-quality social infrastructure development and industrial revitalization by actively and smoothly introducing certified technologies into public works projects.

APLAS Sheet Method, used for reinforcing concrete structures, was recognized for its ability to reduce construction processes compared to conventional carbon fiber sheet methods, as sheets are pre-impregnated with resin at the factory. This leads to expectations of improved quality, economic efficiency, and workability. Additionally, the reduction in adhesive resin used on-site contributes to lowering volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, acknowledging the method's environmental benefits. The technology has been certified as 'Category 1,' meeting all criteria in evaluation items such as social need suitability, technical feasibility, and public project applicability, and is expected to be used in future public projects within Ishikawa Prefecture.

In recent years, the importance of maintaining existing infrastructure long-term under limited budgets and sustainability goals has grown. Simultaneously, the construction industry has faced stricter overtime regulations since April 2024, making the reduction of construction periods and productivity improvement critical issues. The APLAS Sheet Method was developed to contribute to solving these challenges.

Auros Technologies aims to contribute to measures against aging infrastructure in Ishikawa Prefecture and realize a society where people can live with peace of mind by leveraging its extensive technical expertise in plasma processing.

■ What is the APLAS Sheet Method (NETIS Registration Number: KK-240024-A)?

The APLAS Sheet Method is a proprietary technique utilizing APLAS sheets developed through Auros Technologies' core plasma surface modification technology.

APLAS sheets are made of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic (CFRTP) and maintain high adhesion for long periods. With a thickness of approximately 0.25mm, they can be stored in rolls, overlapped, and heat-bent to match the shape of the structure being reinforced. Since the sheets are pre-impregnated with resin, they can be easily applied, eliminating certain processes required by current carbon fiber bonding methods and potentially reducing direct construction costs.

Furthermore, the simple process—applying adhesive to the target area and sticking the APLAS sheet—allows companies without experience in traditional carbon fiber bonding methods to perform the construction, helping to alleviate labor shortages. The method is already registered in the New Technology Information System (NETIS) operated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and its effectiveness in improving workability, economic efficiency, and shortening construction schedules is recognized.