Atomic13, a startup launched by Eric Donsky, signed an exclusive agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to commercialize the patented Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion Process (ShAPE™) technology, which can transform 100% post-consumer scrap aluminum into high quality extrusions. The new company aims to create a range of custom […]
By Peter Pollak, The Aluminum Association (Retired). According to goals announced by the U.S. and European Union, there are widespread commitments to eliminate global carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. An important aspect of achieving a net-zero emissions goal within this time frame is electrifying the global vehicle fleet and switching power generation to renewable energy […]
Vehicle manufacturers are exploring the use of aluminum, high-strength steel, magnesium, carbon-fiber composites, and other lightweight materials to reduce vehicle mass and improve fuel economy. This approach requires new adhesive chemistries that will mitigate corrosion and thermal expansion issues associated with joining dissimilar materials. PPG was selected for a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) partnership, […]
Researchers at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have developed and successfully tested a novel process — called friction stir dovetailing — that joins thick plates of aluminum to steel. The new process will be used to make lighter-weight military vehicles that are more agile and fuel efficient. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the […]
Magnesium is 75% lighter than steel and 33% lighter than aluminum. As the lightest of all structural metals, magnesium has a lot of potential for lightweighting cars and trucks in the aim of improving fuel economy. However, auto makers have been challenged in their attempts to incorporate magnesium alloys into structural car parts. The Department […]
