AlCircle News Edited By "Sarnali Chakraborty"
Sarnali Chakraborty is a content writer with 2 years of experience. She has written articles on various genres like technical, creative, medical, to name some. Here in Alcircle she will be curating articles on the metal industry, writing newsletters and other online and offline content.
Weston Aluminium reports another major fire incident in 8 months
On Tuesday, July 12, a major accident was reported at Weston Aluminium on Mitchell Avenue. The molten aluminium that had spilt at the Kuri Kuri based smelter was, however, brought under control by the firefighters. The firefighters arrived at the spot at around 11.30 pm, where they discovered a substantial pour of molten aluminium. “There was a spill of molten aluminium which was really concerning for firefighters because molten aluminium is very, very hot. Fortunately it was contained. A significant area of concern was the actual heat of the aluminium and if we applied water that turning to steam straight away and creating bigger problems. Firefights did cool and contain the area around with advice from our hazardous materials experts and the on-site technicians as well," said NSW...
Oman’s exports of aluminium plates, sheets and bars from the US in 1Q2022 surged by 19.6%
The use of aluminium plates, sheets and bars, also known as aluminium flat-rolled products, is widespread. They are used in the food and beverage sector for packaging as well as in cookware and appliances. The building and housing industries can employ sheets of this metal for siding, roofing, gutters, and other purposes. The United States imported 24,400 tonnes of aluminium flat-rolled products from Oman in the first quarter of 2022 (1Q2022), which surged by 4,000 tonnes or 19.60 per cent Y-o-Y from 20,400 tonnes in 1Q2021. As per the USGS data, a Q-o-Q hike of 6,340 tonnes or 35.10 per cent was recorded in 1Q2022 from 18,060 tonnes in 4Q2021. However, on M-o-M calculation, a growth of 3,390 tonnes or 48.35 per cent was recorded in March 2022 from 7,010 tonnes in February. In February,...
A00 aluminium ingot price in China slumps by RMB390/t to RMB17,600/t; Australian Alumina FOB price drops by US$12/t
On Wednesday, July 13, the A00 aluminium ingot price in China has declined by RMB 390 per tonne to halt at RMB 17,600 per tonne. As per the SMM data, the average price for the same is expected to range between RMB 17,580 per tonne and RMB 17,620 per tonne, with spot contract to be traded at a discount price of RMB 20 per to a premium price of RMB 20 per tonne. The A00 aluminium ingot price has witnessed a downfall in all the major provinces, with the highest in Linyi. The price in Linyi has nosedived by RMB 420 per tonne to close at RMB 17,700 per tonne. On the same day, the price in Foshan and Wuxi has plunged by RMB 390 per tonne to peg at RMB 17,460 per tonne and RMB 17,600 per tonne. In Chongqing and Shenyang, the price has descended by RMB 310 per tonne and RMB 350 per tonne to stop...
Virginia federal jury dismisses Belvac Production Machinery from aluminium can patent trial
Belvac Production Machinery, a global pioneer in the design and manufacture of aluminium can equipment, was declared clear by a jury in Virginia. The jury found that competitor Crown Packaging's patents on a machine that makes aluminium beverage cans were not violated by container manufacturer Belvac Production Machinery. After a nine-day trial, the jury found that Crown Packaging Technology Inc. had not provided sufficient evidence to support its claims that Belvac Production Machinery Inc. had violated three patents related to a machine used to produce beverage cans. The jury further concluded that Belvac had not established that the eight stated claims were barred by the on-sale provision. Crown Packaging and a division of CarnaudMetalbox Engineering Ltd. filed a lawsuit in July 2018...
ASI welcomes Yinbang Clad Material Co. as its new production and transformation member
On July 11, Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) announced the joining of Yinbang Clad Material Co., Ltd, as its new production and transformation member. Founded in 1988, Yinbang Clad Material Co., Ltd is one of the largest producers of aluminium alloy clad plate, strip, and foil for brazing in China. It is also the Chinese company with the highest output and the broadest range of multi-metal clad materials. Yinbang has always been dedicated to the R&D, creation, and commercialization of aluminium alloy clad materials and multi-metal clad materials over the years. “As a practitioner of China’s “green low carbon aluminum” development, joining ASI is our firm commitment to adhere to the green low carbon development path and a new opportunity for us to improve our “capable, responsible...
LME opens the week with a growth of US$17.5/t to US$2,417/t; SHFE slumps by US$50/t
LME aluminium opened at US$2,436.5 per tonne on Monday and closed at US$2,377 per tonne, down US$66.5 per tonne or 2.72 per cent. On Monday, July 11, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price opened the week with a growth of US$17 per tonne or 0.70 per cent and US$17.5 per tonne or 0.72 per cent to close at US$2,416 per tonne and US$2,417 per tonne. On the same day, both 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price also climbed up by US$7 per tonne or 0.28 per cent and US$8.5 per tonne or 0.35 per cent to close at US$2,421 per tonne and US$2,423 per tonne. December 23 bid price and December 23 offer price dropped by US$2 per tonne or 0.08 per cent to score at US$2,433 per tonne and US$2,438 per tonne. LME aluminium opening stock settled at 343825 tonnes....
Peel Media’s upcoming project to house aluminium panels and green balconies
The £110 million structure that Peel Media is proposing to construct is the first major project since Landsec paid £426 million last year to purchase a 75 per cent interest in the Salford Quays property. The 350,000 square foot office, designed by Sheppard Robson which will be constructed at the MediaCity, will feature aluminium panelling on the outside, green balconies and an outdoor patio on every other level of the façade. The main reason behind choosing aluminium was that it would consume less carbon throughout the design and building phases. Since it is lightweight and resistant to corrosion, aluminium is frequently utilised in construction. Aluminium is utilised in many different applications, including exterior facades, roofs and walls, windows and doors, stairways, railings, and...
High-tech aluminium packaging firm Sortera Alloys sources $10 million in funding from Assembly Ventures
Sortera Alloys, a Fort Wayne, Indiana-based firm that produces aluminium packaging from shredded automobiles using proprietary sorting technology and artificial intelligence (AI), acquired $10 million in fundraising led by Assembly Ventures with additional capital from Breakthrough Energy Ventures and Novelis. Previously, in 2021 Sortera received a $10 million investment from Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Kirkland, Washington. The fundraising round comes after a substantial agreement between Sortera and Novelis, under which Novelis will manufacture high-quality recycled aluminium sheets with a high recycled content for the automotive sector using high-quality recycled alloy obtained from automotive trash. “We are thrilled to have this important investment from Assembly, together with...
China’s A00 aluminium ingot price opens the week with a decline of RMB280/t; Average alumina spot price moves up by RMB4/t
On Monday, July 11, A00 aluminium ingot price in China opened the week with a dropdown of RMB 280 per tonne to settle at RMB 18,180 per tonne. The average price for the same is expected to range between RMB 18,160 per tonne and RMB 18,200 per tonne, with spot contract to be traded at a discount price of RMB 50-10 per tonne. However, on the other hand, the A00 aluminium ingot price witnessed a hike of RMB 240 per tonne and RMB 220 per tonne in Wuxi and Hangzhou to score at RMB 18,460 per tonne and RMB 18,500 per tonne. As per the SMM data, in provinces like Foshan and Gongyi, the primary aluminium ingot price plunged by RMB 310 per tonne and RMB 270 per tonne, to record at RMB 18,060 per tonne and RMB 18,100 per tonne. For the same day in Chongqing and Shenyang, the price decreased by RMB...
End user weekly recap: 200 new units of Vande Bharat train on the way with aluminium sleeper coaches; Sportsmen praise Dhyana's second edition of aluminium smart wearables
The aluminium end-user segment remained quite insightful during the week. It can be seen that the use of aluminium is not just limited to the industrial sectors but is widespread. Indian Railways announced a tender of INR 26,000 crore for the production of 200 units of the Vande Bharat train with aluminium carriages. Apart from this, aluminium as a metal also finds its use in electronic devices like fitness wearables. Dhyana, an Indian fitness wearables start-up with endorsements from Abhinav Bindra, an Olympic gold medalist, and badminton icon Pullela Gopichand, made the second iteration of its ultra-light unibody aluminium ring, which serves as a health-tracker, publicly public. Aluminium as a metal is gradually outperforming other metals like glass or plastic. This can be seen with the...
Primary aluminium weekly recap: Vedanta’s aluminium business to benefit from Athena power plant investment; Lobachevsky University scientists develop aluminium alloys with high plasticity
Due to the unique features of aluminium, like lightweight, recyclable, corrosion resistance, and high strength, the metal is considered one of the top choices for the manufacturing industry professionals. In addition to this, aluminium is a metal which is constantly under the experimental radar. Like, researchers at Nizhny Novgorod's Lobachevsky University created aluminium alloys with high plasticity demands that might be used to create electrical and engineering equipment. On the other hand, the news of Alcoa idling one of its three potlines at Warrick aluminium owing to operational issues gathered much attention. Vedanta Limited formally announced on July 7, that it would pay INR 564.67 crore to purchase a 100% share in the heavily indebted Athena Chhattisgarh Power Limited. Under the...
Hafele’s Profin and Prodoor aluminium kitchen profiles include avant-garde features
Hafele, the top global producer and supplier of architectural hardware and furniture fittings, has introduced its latest state-of-the-art aluminium-based kitchen profiles. Technological advancements and new inventions constantly change and develop the world of design. With this in mind, Hafele has recently developed a complete collection of Profin and Prodoor aluminium profiles that work together to ensure a modern, fashionable, and practical aesthetic for any interior. The Profin Range of aluminium profiles from Hafele highlights some of the latest trends like handle-less doors, adaptable colour schemes, contemporary designs inspired by vintage styles, and simple door designs with no discernible hardware. Match Door, Plusch Door, Klar Door, and Wardrobe Rail are included in the range....
European Commission to resume anti-dumping duties on Chinese aluminium FRPs after 9-month suspension
The European Commission on Friday, July 8, announced that it will not extend the nine-month suspension of the stiff anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese flat-rolled aluminium exports. European Aluminium, the organization that represents the European aluminium value chain, applauds the decision and urges Europe to pursue strategic autonomy for aluminium. Following the European Commission's anti-dumping inquiry from the previous year, the tariffs on Chinese flat-rolled aluminium goods are set at 14 to 25 per cent to bring the dumping prices into market compliance and will take effect on July 12, 2022. “We are relieved that our producers finally are protected against the unfair competition from dumped Chinese flat-rolled products. We welcome exporters as long as they play fair. But Chinese...
Hindalco’s aluminium wire rod price uptrends by 1.69% to INR233, 850/t w.e.f July 8
Hindalco Industries Limited has revised its aluminium products and aluminium ingot prices this week, which, as per the data, has trended up after witnessing a cut on July 6. With effect from July 8, Hindalco has scaled up its aluminium wire rod price by INR 3,750 per tonne or 1.69 per cent to INR 233,850 per tonne, after recording a decline of INR 4,750 per tonne on July 6 to INR 230,100 per tonne. The price of aluminium billets also expanded by INR 3,750 per tonne or 1.60 per cent to halt at INR 236,850 per tonne. The amount recorded on July 6 closed at INR 233,100 per tonne, which was down by INR 4,750 per tonne from 237,850 per tonne a day before. Hindalco also raised its aluminium ingot price by INR 3,750 per tonne or 1.71 per cent from INR 219,000 per tonne on July 6 to INR 222,750...
Scientists at Lobachevsky University develop aluminium alloys with high plasticity
Scientists at Nizhny Novgorod-based Lobachevsky University have developed aluminium alloys with high plasticity requirements that may be utilised to make equipment and electrical engineering. Aluminium alloys have the highest degree of hardness possible due to the existence of ultrafine grains, yet when heated, these alloys may expand several times their original size and become superplastic. Aleksey Nokhrin, director of the materials diagnostics laboratory of the university, notes that the use of scandium in the alloy leads to the formation of large pores in the case of superplasticity. This was avoided by annealing the alloy at low temperatures, causing the nanoparticles to take on a spherical shape, which helped in the formation of superplastic aluminium alloys. “Superplasticity allows...
LME aluminium benchmark price strolls higher by US$59.5/t to US$2,417.50/t; SHFE price grows by US$31/t
LME aluminium opened at US$2,375 per tonne on Thursday and closed up 1.31 per cent. Both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price expanded by US$59.5 per tonne or 2.52 per cent on Thursday, July 7, following two consecutive downfalls from US$2,374 per tonne to US$2,358 per tonne. As of July 7, LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price closed at US$2,416.50 per tonne and US$2,417.50 per tonne. 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price also surged by US$54 per tonne or 2.26 per cent and US$55 per tonne or 2.31 per cent to halt at US$2,433 per tonne and US$2,435 per tonne. December 23 bid price and December 23 offer price also climbed the graph by US$41 per tonne to stand at US$2,463 per tonne and US$2,468 per tonne. LME...
Aluminium billet inventories in China shrink by 4,700 tonnes W-o-W to 101,700 tonnes
On Thursday, July 7, aluminium billet inventories in China declined by 4,700 tonnes W-o-W across four major consumption areas. The fall in aluminium prices and the increase in COVID-19 infections made downstream buyers more willing to spend on aluminium. However, downstream orders suggest that consumption is declining thus the drop in the inventory of aluminium billets could not be sustainable. The figure below provides further information on the current state of aluminium billet inventories in China: The aluminium billet inventory in Nanchang has surged by 1,500 tonnes to settle at 4,300 tonnes from 2,800 tonnes a week ago. On the other hand, the aluminium billet inventory in Huzhou has witnessed the highest drop by 3,000 tonnes to score at 18,000 tonnes from 21,000 tonnes last week. As...
Archikubik uses aluminium chains from Kriskadecor for façade cladding
The project, created by Archikubik, is an 11-story building located in the midst of the brand-new Port-Marianne neighbourhood, close to the city's historic area and university. The main attraction of this project is its façade, whose external skin consists of aluminium. The façade, which is made of a double-skinned envelope system that generates a translucent veil, commands attention by imitating subtle light changes. The primary source of inspiration for the aluminium-based external skin is sea anemones, which form symbiotic relationships with other organisms with which they live nearby and mutually beneficial relationships. The aluminium-based external skin comes in brilliant silver, satin silver, pearl gentian, and pearl purple. Previously, the only possibilities were bulky and...
