Cover
Thermal image of the dross skimming process in an aluminum tilting melting furnace (captured using a FLIR camera, with an emissivity of 0.85 and a 55° field of view). Removing dross from the furnace prior to transferring the molten aluminum to a holding furnace is critical for maintaining metal quality, reducing oxidation losses, and preventing contaminants from entering the final cast product, as well as helping with heat transfer. More on improving casthouse efficiency can be found in the article starting on page 12. (Photo: Gillespie & Powers.)
Articles
North American Automotive Aluminum Demand Remains Stable: Interview with Ducker Carlisle
Page 6
Tesla Begins Production of Electric Semi-Trucks
By Andrew Halonen
Page 8
The Number One Energy Waster Is the Casting Process Itself
By John Peterman and Jim Checkeye
Page 12
Straightening of Structural Giga-Castings
By Alicia Hartlieb and Philipp Hettich
Page 20
Aluminum Extrusion Design Competition Highlights Sustainable Innovation
Page 24
AAC to Introduce New Certification Program and Address Workforce Training and Retention: Interview with Jon Ledin
Page 28
NCCA Annual Meeting Presents Outlook for Coil Coating and Flat Rolled Aluminum
By Andrea Svendsen
Page 32
Magnesium as a Critical Mineral: Implications for Global Supply Chains, Trade Policy, and Industrial Development
By J.P. Weiler
Page 35
Meeting the Demand for Rare Earth Elements and Rare Metals Through Extraction from Red Mud
By Alton Tabereaux
Page 38
The Effect of Zirconium in Al-Mg-Si Cast Forging Stock
By Endre A. Hennum, et al.
Page 46
Ensuring Safety in Confined Spaces
By Alex Lowery
Page 50
The Importance of Process Control in the Production of Automotive Aluminum Sheet
By Marko Sydänlammi and Mitesh Upadhyay
Page 51