Metra Group is a global manufacturer of complex extruded aluminum profiles, with nine production plants located in Italy, Canada, and the U.S. Recently, the company reaffirmed its presence in North America through the formation of a new business unit, Metra North America. The new unit was formed through the acquisition and merger of three premier […]
By Martin Hartlieb, Viami International Inc. In December 2019, the European Union (EU) launched its “European Green Deal,” a roadmap to achieve protection of the environment, efficient use of resources, decarbonization and climate neutrality by 2050.1 The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is one pillar of this Green Deal.2 CBAM, which will reform and complement […]
By Andrea Svendsen, Managing Editor. MAGNA Aluminum Profile, a subsidiary of Canadian Specialty Metals, started up operation of its first aluminum extrusion press line at its new facility in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec, Canada. The new 9 inch, 28.5 MN extrusion line features a high level of automation and eliminates the use of natural gas in the […]
By Matthew Cortelli, P.E., Ramboll. As new secondary aluminum plants are not mass produced, it is pertinent to utilize the lessons learned from previous projects and apply best available technology (BAT) to the next one, so that aluminum remelt facilities can benefit from the continuous improvement process. Ideally, the secondary aluminum producer involves operations personnel […]
By Kevin Widlic, Contributing Editor. Hangarbrua, a pedestrian and cycle bridge built with aluminum from a decommissioned offshore oil platform, has been lifted into place in Trondheim, Norway, and will open this fall. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration expects the bridge to be maintenance free for 100 years, and a life cycle analysis shows that […]
By Dr. Anne Deacon Juhl, AluConsult and AnodizingSchool. Recycled aluminum, when properly processed, can deliver anodized finishes indistinguishable from primary aluminum. While higher levels of trace elements, like zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe), can increase sensitivity to corrosion or surface defects, these challenges are often smaller than variations caused by production methods and […]
By Alicia Hartlieb and Martin Hartlieb, Viami International Inc. Structural die castings for car bodies have been around for more than 30 years, and they have been growing in size and complexity. Many cars today already have parts like shock towers, cross members, and/or long side members made from structural aluminum die casting. Sometimes, even […]
Century Aluminum Company has announced plans to restart over 50,000 MT of idled production at its Mt. Holly, SC smelter. The company will invest approximately $50 million in the effort, creating over 100 new jobs and boosting U.S. primary aluminum output by nearly 10%. The restart will bring the plant, now at 75% capacity, to […]
By Dr. Anne Deacon Juhl, AluConsult and AnodizingSchool. Recycling aluminum is recognized worldwide as one of the most effective ways to reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and lower environmental impact. The process of anodizing, which involves treating aluminum to create a durable, corrosion-resistant surface, plays a crucial role in making aluminum more versatile and environmentally […]
