For the next generation of the Audi A8, an intelligent mix of four materials is being used for the first time in the weight-bearing body structure – more materials than in any of the brand’s previous production models. The mix includes aluminum, steel, magnesium, and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) to decrease weight, increase torsional rigidity, and offer greater performance, […]
The Aluminum Association’s Trade Enforcement Working Group filed antidumping and countervailing duty petitions charging that unfairly traded imports of certain aluminum foil from the People’s Republic of China are causing material injury to the domestic industry. This action is part of the U.S. aluminum industry’s broad trade strategy to address Chinese overcapacity throughout the value chain. […]
By James Grayson, Pyrotek Inc. Editor’s Note: “Casthouse Management” is an exclusive series of articles presenting the practical aspects of improving economics in the casthouse. The series includes coverage of the melting operations, practical aspects of improving process efficiency, understanding melt loss and dross generation, practical operator training, and fundamental management practices with a focus […]
By Sean Kelly and Diran Apelian, Center for Resource Recovery and Recycling, Metal Processing Institute, Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The demand for aluminum and its alloys is projected to grow by 39% over the next decade in the North American light automotive sector [1]. Aluminum is an attractive material for the transportation industry as it is […]
The U.S. launched a new trade enforcement complaint against the People’s Republic of China at the World Trade Organization (WTO) concerning China’s subsidies to certain producers of primary aluminum. These subsidies appear to be provided through artificially cheap loans from banks and through artificially low-priced inputs for aluminum production, such as coal, electricity, and alumina. […]
By Michael Niedzinski, Constellium. Aluminum armor solutions have been in existence for the past 60 years, almost since the start of the Aluminum Association circa 1954. These plate products were developed for armored personnel carriers, either wheeled or tracked. Armored vehicles serve an important function as reconnaissance, ambulance, scout, or infantry delivery vehicles. One of […]
By Lynn Brown, Consulting Collaborative. A few years ago, if you were involved in a collision, you may not have given much thought to the repair shop. Of course, you wanted the repairs to your vehicle done right and you may have dreaded the go-around with your insurance company, but you probably didn’t focus on […]
By Joseph C. Benedyk, Editor. Sapa Extrusions opened a new R&D lab in Troy, MI, dedicated to the development of extruded aluminum solutions for the automotive industry. Sapa Technology Americas specifically provides research and development activities on projects requested by Sapa’s North America Technical Center, the company’s plant network, and corporate R&D. Presently, the lab […]
By Joseph C. Benedyk, Editor. On September 29, 2016, the day after the Aluminum Association and Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC) Management Conference finished their Aluminum Week program in Washington, D.C., the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) held a hearing (Investigation No. 332-557) — Aluminum: Competitive Conditions Affecting the U.S. Industry. The hearing addressed the harmful […]
