Indian appliance makers are raising prices ahead of the festive season as higher metal, crude-derived and freight costs put pressure on manufacturing expenses. Prices of air conditioners, LED televisions, washing machines and other home appliances in India are set to increase by 5 per cent to 8 per cent from October 1, as manufacturers pass on rising input costs to consumers ahead of the festive season. The increase marks the industry’s third round of price hikes in 2026. Manufacturers have cited higher prices for copper, aluminium, steel and crude oil derivatives, along with increased freight costs and currency volatility linked to the ongoing West Asia crisis. Several companies, including Blue Star, Godrej Appliances, Haier, Daikin and Super Plastronics, have announced or confirmed...
Aluminium prices gained 0.43 per cent as reduced Gulf production and low exchange inventories supported the market, while Chinese output and capacity restarts could limit further gains. Aluminium prices settled 0.43 per cent higher at INR 348.65 (USD 3.63) as tight physical supply conditions supported the market. Disruptions linked to the US-Iran tensions have affected aluminium availability from the Gulf region, with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) production falling 44 per cent year-on-year in July. Low exchange inventories have added to supply concerns. London Metal Exchange (LME) stocks remained near a 36-year low, while inventories on the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) declined 4.7 per cent from the previous week. However, expectations of improving supply have limited the market’s...
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The development of numerically controlled machinery and the increasing prevalence of computers paved the way for the emergence of the first industrial robots. Griffith "Bill" P. Taylor is credited with creating the first industrial robot that adhered to the ISO definition in 1937. The robot featured was equipped with one electric motor and was assembled using Meccano components, resembling the appearance of a crane. Among its various movements, the robot had five axes, two facilitating gripping and rotation capabilities. Its automation system relied on paper tape, which had strategically placed holes punched in it. These holes served to power solenoids, enabling the robot to autonomously arrange wooden blocks in pre-defined patterns. After the year 1980, there was a significant surge in...
Aluminium and its alloys are widely employed by defence and military systems globally for the production of tanks, missiles, helicopters, satellites, and other equipment. This is due to aluminium's cost advantage and intrinsic qualities, which is a crucial component in the defence system. Aluminium is the most commonly used non-ferrous metal and the second highest in usage among all metals after steel. It is revered for its lightweight, ductile, easy-to-fabricate, and corrosion-resistant properties. Furthermore, aluminium holds exceptional fatigue and strength properties. The mining of its ore (bauxite) can be done in a sustainable way, and the extracted aluminium is 100% recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly choice for the defence industry. Over the course of time, the Indian...
Jackery, the world's leading developer of creative and environmentally friendly portable power solutions, has introduced the Jackery 2000 Plus, the first in a new line of solar generators. The power station is mobile due to its trolley format with two tyres and an aluminium pull-out handle, and it is available as a freestanding power station, a solar generator with a panel, and discounted packages with battery packs, all with a five-year guarantee. TÜV SÜD certified Jackery's carbon impact, and the carbon emissions eliminated by the total worldwide sold solar panels equals planting 2.46 million trees. The new 2000 Plus has won the SEAL Sustainable Product Award for 2023 and is the ideal answer for DIY and renovation enthusiasts searching for a portable, green power source. The 2000 Plus...
The "Innovation X Scientific Flight" programme, a new paradigm for low-cost space research and new technology investigations, was announced jointly by the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Innovation Academy of Microsatellite (IAMC) and Zhongke Aerospace Exploration Technology Company. According to ZHANG Yonghe, the Chief Designer from IAMC, the programme will supply worldwide scientists, research institutes, universities, and space industries with complete and integrated launch services. The 650kg "Innovation X" satellite is outfitted with a sophisticated interface, flexible design, and dynamically integrated experimentation platform. It transported almost 20 new payloads and technical items into orbit, conducting 44 space technology verifications. The verifications include: An all-aluminium...
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...
The Shanghai Metal Market (SMM), today, on August 7, has marked a drop of RMB 40 per tonne to settle at RMB 18,490 per tonne. On M-o-M calculation, a hike of RMB 280 per tonne was witnessed from RMB 18,210 per tonne on July 7. As of today, the average prices are expected to stand between RMB 18,470 per tonne and RMB 18,510 per tonne, with the spot contract prices expected to be traded at a discount price of RMB 30 per tonne to a premium price of RMB 10 per tonne. The eight major provinces in China have experienced downfall, with the aluminium ingot price in Tianjin and Foshan dwindling by RMB 80 per tonne and RMB 70 per tonne to close at RMB 18,470 per tonne and RMB 18,490 per tonne. On the same day, the prices in Wuxi and Hangzhou dipped by RMB 40 per tonne to settle at RMB 18,490 per...
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...
