Sony Corp. will start sample shipments of the AIRFLEX SSFF21B, a low-noise, long-life air cooler fan, to consumer AV equipment manufacturers in the second half of June, 2005. Noise level is 29 dB (A) at maximum airflow 1 m away from the air suction port. This is approximately 3 dB (A) lower, compared to the company's existing product with similar cooling performance which uses a ball bearing. To lower noise, Sony introduced a fluid dynamic bearing, while reducing the fan blade turbulence.
The fluid dynamic bearing "has a longer life span, reflecting our proprietary, resin housing, which blocks oil leakage," said a company spokesperson. "Average time to malfunction when operating under dynamic pressure is 170,000 hours," he added.
The fan case measures 120 x 120 x 25 mm. The maximum airflow is 1.68 m3 per minute. Orders are available in lots of 5 units at the unit price of ¥1,000. Beside the fan case, Sony will also market the fluid dynamic bearings used in the fan. The unit price of the SFF12AB, a fluid dynamic bearing with an outside diameter of 8 mm, is ¥300, while the SFF13AB measuring 4 mm in diameter is priced at ¥400. This will be the first time that the company has ever marketed air cooler fans and bearing components to other companies. The air cooler fan has been used in the company's QUALIA 005 LCD TV.
Tomohiro Ootsuki, Nikkei Electronics; Chiho Matsuda, Nikkei Monozukuri
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