HexaTech, Inc. has announced the immediate production release of its new 100 mm diameter single-crystal aluminum nitride (AlN) substrate, marking a significant step in the company's efforts to scale up manufacturing of the advanced semiconductor material. The launch builds on its earlier three-inch diameter substrate introduction and strengthens its product portfolio for commercial optoelectronic and high-power radio frequency (RF) applications. The company, which describes itself as the world's leading commercial supplier of single-crystal physical vapour transport (PVT)-grown AlN substrates, said the new product combines material performance with production scale and customer value. 100 mm launch marks another step in substrate development The latest product launch follows a focused...
Global primary aluminium production staged a sequential recovery in the third quarter of 2026, supported by the gradual restoration of disrupted smelting capacity in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, stronger operational performance in Europe and Oceania, and incremental production gains across Asia and China. Yet, beneath this quarterly improvement lies a contrasting reality – global output remained below the corresponding levels of both 2025 and 2024, signalling that the recovery in aluminium supply is still incomplete. According to data from the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), global primary aluminium production reached 18.377 million tonnes in Q3 2026, an increase of 2.1 per cent from 18.003 million tonnes in the preceding quarter. However, compared with Q3 2025,...
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According to the International Aluminium Institute, alumina production in Africa & Asia (ex-China) during the second quarter of 2023 totalled 3.358 million tonnes, registering an increase of 4.38 per cent from 3.217 million tonnes a quarter ago. But on a year-on-year basis, the output in Q2 2023 stood 4.87 per cent lower than 3.530 million tonnes. In June 2023, Africa & Asia’s (ex-China) alumina production was recorded at 1.115 million tonnes, down by 4.13 per cent M-o-M from 1.163 million tonnes, following a rise of 3.24 per cent in May from 1.080 million tonnes. Compared to June 2022, Africa & Asia’s (ex-China) alumina production edged a fall of 2.28 per cent from 1.141 million tonnes. In the first half of 2023, Africa & Asia (ex-China) churned out 6.575 million tonnes of alumina in...
LME aluminium opened at US$2,224 per tonne last Friday, with its high and low at US$2,224 per tonne and US$2,205 per tonne respectively before closing at US$2,239 per tonne, an increase of US$15 per tonne or 0.7 per cent from the previous trading day. On August 4, London Metal Exchange reported that the aluminium cash bid price surged by US$17.50 per tonne or 0.81 per cent to halt at US$2,164 per tonne and the LME aluminium official settlement price spiked by US$19 per tonne or 0.88 per cent to close at US$2,166 per tonne. LME aluminium live price chart shows a Month-on-Month escalation of US$63.50 per tonne or 3.02 per cent if we consider the aluminium cash price on July 4, which was US$2,102.50 per tonne. LME 3-month bid price jumped by US$17 per tonne or 0.77 per cent, settling down at...
Hydro has allocated NOK 67 million (equivalent to EUR 6 million) to improve its aluminium extrusion factory in Lucé, France. This investment will cover the purchase of new equipment, structures and infrastructure upgrades, as well as the launch of a staff development programme. AMAG's aluminium products have been awarded the "JIS Mark Scheme" certification, in line with Japan's Industrial Standards (JIS) as set out in JIS H 4000. This recognition reinforces AMAG's position as a leading supplier renowned for delivering reliable and superior quality products, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to the Japanese market. ADDAM will host their first AM Tech Day at Durst Kraftwerk in Brixen, Italy, on September 21, 2023. The event will showcase the current and future applications of Additive...
Sustainability initiatives are no longer an occasional phenomenon in the aluminium industry, as ESG goals have become a prime focus for all companies, big or small. This week the top news that caught our eyes were Capral’s first ASI’s Chain of Custody-certified cargo from Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), CRU’s newly launched protocols for sustainability and emissions service, and Ardagh Packaging won ASI Performance Standard Certification for material stewardship. Capral Aluminium marked a significant milestone in sustainable sourcing this month with the receipt of the first Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Chain of Custody (CoC)-certified cargo from Aluminium Bahrain (Alba). The accreditation ensures that the aluminium in its products is ethically sourced and processed by the highest...
In July, the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) achieved remarkable milestones in handling bauxite and manganese, setting new records for the highest tonnage ever recorded in a calendar month. The port efficiently handled an impressive throughput of 259,242 tonnes of bauxite, surpassing its previous record of 181,741 tonnes in September 2016. This achievement was made possible by efficiently managing two vessels carrying bauxite. Visakhapatnam Port, situated on the Eastern Coast of India, is the sole major port in Andhra Pradesh and one of the twelve significant operational ports in the country. In terms of cargo volume handled it stands as India's third-largest state-owned port, underscoring its crucial role in maritime trade and commerce. Additionally, the VPA demonstrated its...
In the bustling city of Tokyo, Japan, the aluminium giant UACJ, which had long been known for its unwavering performance, the company experienced challenges in delivering the best results during the second quarter of CY23 (April to June 2023). The Japanese comprehensive aluminium manufacturer UACJ's financial results for Q2CY23 reflected some downward trends in the industry. The company's net sales, which had once soared high, were now recorded at JPY 211.1 billion, marking a significant 17.6 per cent decline compared to the same period in the previous year. The numbers were a stark reminder that even giants could face turbulent times. Operating income was also heavily impacted, experiencing a sharp fall of 53.9 per cent to JPY 8.2 billion. The company's top brass was worried, as this...
Boucheron, a prominent Parisian jewellery firm, is strengthening its environmental efforts. The Kering group brand has launched a global push to provide exclusively sustainable jewellery boxes for its items. Boucheron chose aluminium for the outside casing of their jewel boxes because it is lightweight, sturdy, and endlessly recyclable. The boxes are made of aluminium and have a consistently carved mesh of emerald-cut design to reflect the layout of Place Vendôme from above. The aluminium jewellery boxes are already used at Boucheron's main Paris' Place Vendôme shop. Boucheron intends to use eco-friendly boxes in its global stores by 2024. There are no non-recyclable metal hinges or other connecting pieces in the box. Inside the box, the jewellery is wrapped in wool-felt without glue or...
In a concerted effort to promote eco-friendliness and sustainability, the Austin Convention Center has partnered with Boomerang to introduce its state-of-the-art, eco-friendly bottling system to the center. Situated at the very core of the lively and bustling city of Austin, Texas, the Austin Convention Center (ACC) is a coveted venue for a diverse range of events, conferences, and gatherings. With this innovative system, ACC is effectively reducing the amount of plastic waste generated at the hub and contributing to a greener future for Austin. Hailing from the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Laurel Highlands in Pennsylvania, Nemacolin Resort is an exquisite destination that is renowned for its luxury and unparalleled hospitality. As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability,...
The aluminium recycling sector is witnessing major advancements every passing day. Romco Metal, a non-ferrous metal recycler based in the UK, recently launched PureCycle™, a high-quality, low-carbon aluminium product, in the global metal market. PureCycle™ ingots are manufactured using 100% post-consumer scrap material. Researchers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) found a way to recycle photovoltaic panels, separating 99% of PV cell particles. This is important as PV panels are complex to separate due to multiple components, such as glass, wiring, plastic and aluminium. Old aluminium bullet trains from Japan are now being recycled as baseball bats for children thanks to a partnership between Central Japan Railways and Mizuno. The retired trains were once used to transport...
Innovative applications of aluminium in the end-use sector know no bounds. Week comes and week goes, but we never fall short of surprising products made of aluminium. One such was DigitⓇ displayed at ProMat, one of the leading tradeshows in the US known for showcasing newest industry advances. DigitⓇ is a humanoid warehouse worker who walked erect on goatlike legs and plucked containers off shelves with strong arms fashioned of aerospace-grade aluminium. This technology, developed by Oregon-based Agility Robotics, can do a wide range of jobs and adapt to a wide range of processes; a fleet of Digits will be able to switch between applications based on current warehouse demands and seasonal changes. To know more: rb.gy/y1adp We also came across a gaming keyboard made of aluminium this week....
A man from Kerala has ingeniously designed a flying machine worth INR 2 lakhs with the help of a Bajaj Pulsar NS200 engine and aluminium as the base metal. Anand's innovative creation has been advertised through the YouTube Channel Village Vartha. This is indefinitely one of the most significant applications of aluminium wherein the cost and weight of the product were controlled due to the untamed use of the non-ferrous metal. Moreover, aluminium's 100% recyclability enhances the sustainability quotient of this lightweight aircraft as the material used can be recycled time and again, creating a circular economy. The aeroplane includes long wings, blades, a tail, tires, a seat for one person, and all necessary controls. The body is comprised of lightweight aluminium, and an electric...
Reko Rennie's 'Where Eels Lie Down' pays homage to the eel's heritage in Parramatta with a large-scale piece depicting two eels emerging from the earth and crossing each other as they play. Visitors can walk under, around, and through portions of the 7.5-metre-tall painted aluminium and granite sculpture. The 7.5-metre-tall artwork shows two eels emerging from the earth and crossing each other as they play. The stunning large-scale artwork of grey granite stone and bright pink aluminium panels will fascinate visitors. "The name of our beautiful city, Parramatta, is derived from the Dharug word Barramada meaning 'where eels lie down'. This incredible public artwork is a celebration of the significant history of Aboriginal culture here and Dharug connection to the eel and Parramatta River....
The primary aluminium segment has recorded some of the most interesting quips last week, with John Slaven being appointed by Vedanta Ltd as the Chief Executive Officer for its Aluminium Business. Slaven will begin his tenure in the company from October 3 this year and will remain in chair for the next 3.5 years. The LME aluminium price live chart flashed a depletion of US$48.50 per tonne or 2.2 per cent Week-on-Week from 31 July when the aluminium ingot price stood at US$2,195.50 per tonne to 3 August’s price of US$2,147 per tonne. If we consider the prices in August 2022, there has been a Year-on-Year plunge of US$256 per tonne or 10.65 per cent, which is quite huge. On the other hand, the SHFE aluminium price closing curve was on a brighter side with US$17 per tonne or 0.66 per cent...
The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) has certified Yinbang Clad Material Co., Ltd for its production plant in Wuxi, China, with the ASI Performance Standard V2 (2017). The factory produces over 270,000 tonnes of aluminium alloy composite materials annually. In 2022 the company had joined ASI as the new as its new production and transformation member. "We are pleased to pass the ASI Performance Standard certification, which is a recognition and affirmation of our company's commitment to independent innovation and sustainable development. We will continue to work closely with customers and suppliers to continuously promote and optimize the sustainable development of the aluminium industry chain. Our company will focus on green, low-carbon and digital management in the future, creating...
On August 4, 2023, the Indian multinational mining and metal company Vedanta Ltd. announced through an exchange filing that it appointed John Slaven as the Chief Executive Officer for its Aluminium Business. Vedanta stated that the Board of Directors approved the appointment during a meeting held earlier in the day. Slaven has been appointed to the position of Senior Management Personnel (SMP) effective October 03, 2023, for a term of 3.5 years. John is an esteemed global leader with extensive experience in the metals and mining industry, holding key executive positions at renowned companies such as Alcoa, the Pittsburgh-based industrial corporation, BHP Billiton, a major Australian mining and metals corporation, and Boston Consulting Group (BCG). He earned his bachelor's degree in...
AnkerMake, a 3D printing brand by Anker Innovations, announced the release of the AnkerMake M5C 3D printer. The company claims that this printer is designed for easy customization of functions with a single click via the AnkerMake app. The aluminium alloy base of the printer gives it extreme stability while producing complex materials. Users can easily perform tasks such as printing, re-printing, levelling, homing, pausing, or stopping the printer with a single click. According to Frank Zhu, General Manager of AnkerMake, the company is dedicated to providing artists, inventors, hobbyists, and DIY enthusiasts with a seamless tool to bring their ideas to life. The AnkerMake M5C is user-friendly, offers exceptional print speed, and produces high-quality prints accessible to all levels of...
Through a Reddit post, it came to our attention that a fanboy has uploaded pictures of a direct replica of Tony Stark's armour shown in Robert Downey Jr.'s second solo movie from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This Iron Man 2 cosplay looks exactly out of the movie set and has been designed with aluminium. Cosplay is a pretty serious affair worldwide, particularly for comic book enthusiasts, gamers and ‘nerds’. Though Iron Man 2 is considered to be the worst depiction in the otherwise blockbuster franchise, it was the first time when Tony Stark formally upgraded the flight suit to resemble its present glory. Ironcostumes shared on Reddit the pictures of this innovative creation and it has sparked a lot of vigour in the Marvel Fandom. The costume is completely hand-made and the...
In May 2023, the United States exported 72,300 tonnes of aluminium plates, sheets and bars compared to 66,500 tonnes in April 2023 and 40,700 tonnes in May 2022, found the US Census Bureau data. That reflected a month-on-month rise of 5,800 tonnes or 8.72 per cent and a year-on-year hike of 31,600 tonnes or 77.64 per cent. The increase in monthly exports of the United States aluminium flat rolled products had been continuing since late Q1, but May saw the highest growth of all the months earlier. While exports grew by 2,100 tonnes in April, they rose by 3,400 tonnes in May. In the first five months of 2023, the United States exported 327,000 tonnes of aluminium plates, sheets and bars – 77.72 per cent higher than 184,000 tonnes during the same period last year. The United States exports...
