By Yahya Mahmoodkhani and Paul Robbins, Castool Tooling Systems. Abstract This paper will discuss the most important aspects of material selection for extrusion tooling in detail. Correct material selection and proper heat treatment for tooling are vital factors of profitability. A good decision theory must consider different aspects and variables, including cost, longevity, cycle time, […]
By Andrew Halonen, Mayflower Consulting LLC. The automotive business is rife with change as OEMs introduce new powertrains for hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs). Car companies are also spending billions in big bets on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), ride sharing, artificial intelligence (AI), and service businesses in an attempt to shift dollars from the […]
Shape Corp., a global tier-one automotive supplier, recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Aluminum Center of Excellence to be located in Trenton, OH (Figure 1). The 322,000 sq ft facility will allow the company to expand its manufacturing capacity for the production of tight tolerance aluminum extrusions and assemblies, while also providing research […]
Matalco Inc., a division of the Giampaolo Group, started up production at its new $80 million remelt and casting facility in Wisconsin Rapids, WI — making it the company’s fifth production plant in North America. The greenfield facility is capable of producing over 250 million lbs of billet or rolling ingot per year and is […]
By Andrea Svendsen, Managing Editor. Alexandria Industries completed an investment project at its operations in Alexandria, MN, where the company has expanded its manufacturing space, installed a new 7 inch, 26 MN front-loading extrusion press line with advanced automation capabilities, and added a new front office and entry. The new press line allows the company […]
Western Extrusions, located in Carrollton, TX, manufactures and supplies quality aluminum profiles to a variety of industries and markets, including building and construction, transportation, consumer durables, electrical, and distribution. Recently, the company completed the construction and start up of its first casting facility. The new casthouse empowers the company to have control over its own […]
By Andrew Halonen, Mayflower Consulting LLC. Regardless of whether a vehicle features an electric or internal combustion engine (ICE), there are many factors that affect the fuel efficiency and range in its design. Efficiency losses can come in many forms, but are generally affected by factors such as aerodynamics, rolling resistance, friction losses, and weight. […]
By Andrea Svendsen, Managing Editor. Alumobility is a new non-profit organization recently launched by Novelis and Constellium in January 2021. Acting as a global ecosystem, the organization fosters collaboration between leading aluminum manufacturers and downstream technology partners, with input from vehicle OEMs, in order to advance the adoption of aluminum body sheet in the automotive […]
By Dr. Anne Deacon Juhl, AluConsult and AnodizingSchool. Editor’s Note: Aluminum manufacturers are not always consistently satisfied with the surface quality of the anodized extrusion and sheet products returned from their anodizers. The anodized products may have patchy surfaces, color variations, or corrosion pits, causing rejects, higher cost, and frustration. Therefore, it is crucial that […]
