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  • Figure 1. A Tesla Model Y giga-casting. (Source: S. Munro.)

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    The Impact of Giga-Castings on Car Manufacturing and Aluminum Content

    By Alicia Hartlieb and Martin Hartlieb, Viami International Inc. Numerous studies, especially from Ducker-Carlisle, have shown that aluminum usage in light vehicles has been growing for decades, having surpassed 500 lbs (227 kg) per light vehicle in North America and 396 lbs (180 kg) per vehicle in Europe. Until now, castings have been the predominant […]

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    Constellium to Supply Aluminum for 3D-Printed Components in Formula 1 Racing

    Constellium is working with multiple partners to supply Aheadd® CP1 aluminum additive manufacturing powder for the manufacture of highly efficient, compact, and lightweight heat exchangers for Formula 1 vehicles. The alloy was approved by Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the governing body over Formula 1 and other global motorsports, for use in Formula 1 cars beginning […]

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    Porsche Partners with Hydro to Lower the Carbon Footprint of Its Luxury Sports Cars

    Porsche AG signed an agreement with Norsk Hydro ASA to further reduce the carbon footprint of its luxury sports car models by using low-carbon aluminum and extrusions. In addition, the two companies will collaborate on an innovative value chain concept for battery materials and their recycling. “Porsche is working towards a net carbon-neutral value chain […]

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    China’s First Magnesium Alloy Lightweight Trailer Unveiled

    This week, China’s first magnesium alloy lightweight trailer was unveiled at the Western China Science and Technology Innovation Port in Xi’an, China. The trailer uses magnesium alloy parts that weigh just a little more than 800 kg, and the single largest such part is 13 m long. Nearly 1 tonne lighter than a similar trailer […]

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    New Extrusion Applications in Commercial Vehicles

    By Andrew Halonen, Mayflower Consulting LLC. Commercial vehicles have one key difference from passenger cars. They are a tool to do work and are, therefore, specified and built with a certain application in mind, which is often referred to as the duty cycle. Maintenance of the commercial vehicle is necessary, yet downtime to fix the […]

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    Closed Loop Aluminum Recycling is a Key Driver in the Sustainable Cars of the Future

    By Alison Conroy and Thomas Rudlaff, Alumobility. A revolution in automotive sustainability is underway in the industry. The World Economic Forum and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) have jointly formed the Circular Cars Initiative, which is charting the course towards a zero-emission future through new technology, materials innovation, efficient vehicle usage, and full life-cycle […]

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    Ronal Now Producing Recycled Aluminum Wheels for BMW

    Ronal Group has produced the world’s first light-alloy wheels made of 100% secondary aluminum for use on a vehicle in series production in cooperation with BMW Group. Manufactured at Ronal’s plant in Landau, Germany, the wheels are being utilized on the new MINI Cooper SE convertible. The wheels are comprised of 40% pre-consumer scrap (including […]