Almex USA to supply casting technology to Kobelco Aluminum Products & Extrusions

<p>Almex USA Inc. has announced its selection as the technology and equipment provider for a U.S. subsidiary of the Kobe Steel Group. The new greenfield facility, presently under construction in Bowling Green, Kentucky, will be owned and operated by Kobelco Aluminum Products &amp; Extrusions Inc. (KPEX).</p> <p><img style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="http://www.alcircle.com/uploads/images/kobelco.jpg" alt="News" width="517" height="226" /></p> <p>Addressing the growing use of aluminium in the automotive industries, KPEX will manufacture high strength automotive alloy extrusions for bumper beams and car frames. Almex&rsquo;s expertise in 2xxx and 7xxx series aerospace D.C. casting technology was said to be a key determining factor in the selection of the &ldquo;Furnace to Finish&trade;&rdquo; supplier&rsquo;s portfolio. As new generations of aluminium alloys are developed for aerospace and defence applications, today&rsquo;s materials continue to find growing demand in automotive and commercial applications. The Kobe Steel Group has a longstanding history of being a leading player in the aluminium industry and the establishment of KPEX marks its second major plant to be constructed in the Bowling Green area.</p> <p>Almex has been awarded a contract for an automatic-tilt reverbatory melting furnace with close integration to the new Almex D.C. casting line. The medium-diameter billet casting station will be outfitted with Almex&rsquo;s patented LARS&reg; degassing and purification system and CASTRIGHTII&reg; control and automation package. The integrated supply assures that the Almex Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System, or SCADA, will provide the highest levels of quality assurance and automated product traceability. Peripheral systems from Almex include MOLDEX&trade;-based metal transfer launders, FILTREX&trade; ceramic foam filtration, and Almex&rsquo;s complete plant water management system for assuring casting success. A travelling-type batch homogenization furnace, also with SCADA, is included within the turnkey scope to provide an end-to-end product and process warranty.</p> <p>{googleAdsense}</p> <p>The new facility has targeted first metal production in early 2018 for which detailed engineering and equipment manufacture are ongoing. To guarantee end-product quality and seamless startup, the Almex team will deliver KPEX personnel with comprehensive training and technology support throughout the plant&rsquo;s startup phase.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>