A Swiss-Polish research team has achieved up to 97.9 per cent relative density in extrusion-printed AA6061 aluminium by removing the solvent-debinding stage and extending the sintering process. The approach offers a potential alternative to conventional processing routes for sinter-based aluminium additive manufacturing, where oxidation has remained a major obstacle. The study, led by the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), was published in Progress in Additive Manufacturing on October 15, 2026. An earlier version appeared as a preprint in May, making the journal publication the latest stage in the research’s release. The researchers combined a single-step wick-debinding process with a longer sintering hold to improve the density of printed aluminium...
Japan imported 1.36 million tonnes of downstream aluminium products in January–August 2026, down 6.2 per cent from 1.45 million tonnes in the same period of 2025. The latest figures show lower overall imports, with shipments from the UAE seeing the biggest decline among the five leading exporters listed, while imports from Australia also fell. Japan’s total imports decline Japan’s downstream aluminium imports stood at 1.36 million tonnes through August 2026, a drop of around 90,000 tonnes, compared to shipments in 2025 during the same period. However, annual imports remained broadly stable over the previous three years, rising from 2.11 million tonnes in 2023 to 2.12 million tonnes in 2024, an increase of 0.3 per cent. In 2025, imports edged up by a further 0.1 per cent to 2.12 million...
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In June 2023, the United States exported 2,090 tonnes of aluminium plates, sheets and bars to the Republic of Korea, witnessing 1,980 tonnes or 1800 per cent Year-on-Year influx from 110 tonnes recorded in June 2022. This shows a massive increase in US export rates to Korea, as per the USGS official site. In May 2023, the export rate of aluminium plates, sheets and bars to Korea was 2,450 tonnes, which dropped by 360 tonnes or 14.69 per cent on a Month-on-Month scale. Also, in March 2023, the total export to Korea was 2,460 tonnes, which shrunk by 370 tonnes or 15.04 per cent Quarter-on-Quarter to reach the amount in June. Similarly, if we consider the import rate of US aluminium plates, sheets and bars from the Republic of Korea, it can be seen that in June 2023, it was 9,470 tonnes,...
AL CircleBiz, one of the ideal resources for all things aluminium-related, is committed to bringing together top-tier suppliers from across the globe. It added Henan Hongtai Kiln Refractory to its list of 1,500 verified sellers. Hongtai Refractory dedicated to exporting a wide range of refractory materials, thermal insulation materials, refractory raw materials, and metallurgical auxiliary materials. The firm has a complete production system and a quality management system, making it a full-service refractory company that offers manufacturing, trade, and engineering services all under one roof. Their products are primarily utilised in steel plants, cement kilns, lime kilns, glass kilns, carbon plants, nonferrous metal smelting facilities, incinerators, refractory and abrasive...
In conjunction with Kosei Aluminium, a Japanese worldwide leader in aluminium alloy wheel design and manufacture, Uno Minda has introduced its new premium collection of alloy wheels in the Indian aftermarket. The Tier-1 supplier of patented automotive solutions and systems to OEMs intends to expand its reach in the OE sector and the aftermarket. It has been introduced as a part of the Uno Minda Wheelz brand and will be available from all major online and offline retailers. "Over the past few years, we noticed that the Indian aftermarket was plagued with substandard alloy wheels, which was compromising road safety in India. Therefore, Uno Minda has launched a premium range of Alloy Wheels as Uno Minda Wheelz on the philosophy of 'Built to perform, designed to impress," said Anand Kumar,...
TVS Holdings has publicised the appointment of Venu Srinivasan’s son, Sudarshan Venu, as the firm’s new Managing Director for a term of five years. Previously this year, Sundaram Clayton, a well-known manufacturer and supplier of automotive aluminium castings, which fell under the TVS Group’s supervision, was rebranded as TVS Holdings. TVS Group is one of India's most revered automotive components manufacturers, with its wings spread across the two-wheeler industry. TVS Holdings is the prime provider of aluminium die castings to India's automotive and non-automotive departments. The company was established in 1962 and claims to be a pivotal machining expert in the country. With its experience in precision machining, the company provides sub-assemblies and machined aluminium castings to...
Recently, a truck carrying aluminium alloy rods from Schwab New Materials Company successfully embarked on its journey, effectively delivering the products to Jiaxin New Materials Company. This event signifies the capability and readiness of the company to consistently supply superior aluminium alloy products to its customers in the downstream sector. The firm has prioritised achieving "smooth production and smooth sales, stable operation" from the trial production phase. In the next game, all departments, including production, purchasing, sales, and research, are collaborating to address the present challenges in production and operation. The initial stages of organising the procurement of raw and auxiliary materials and the development of product markets primarily revolve around meeting...
Novelis Inc., a leading producer of rolled aluminium, announced on Monday, September 11, that it signed an anchor customer contract with Ball Corporation, promising to supply aluminium sheets for making cans in North America. With this contract and some others, Novelis' can sheet supply commitment from the new plant in Bay Minette, Alabama, has reached its capacity, underscoring high demand for the company's recycled aluminium beverage can sheet. The new plant is expected to begin its operations in 2025, creating up to 1,000 new jobs and adding 600,000 tonnes of finished aluminium goods capacity per year, primarily for the North American beverage container market. "Securing contracts for beverage can production capacity at Bay Minette two years before the plant is expected to be completed...
Hiperbaric, the world leader in high-pressure technologies industrial equipment since 1999, is one of the first companies around the world to design and manufacture HIP (Hot Isostatic Pressing) presses. HIP technology is the best post-processing solution for densifying advanced materials and critical industrial components developed through additive manufacturing or other techniques. Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) is a manufacturing process used to densify metal, all types of aluminium alloys and ceramic parts. It is based on applying high-pressure levels (up to 2,000 bar / 200 Mpa) and temperature (up to 2,000 °C) through an inert atmosphere to mainly metallic and ceramic parts and components to densify them and give them excellent mechanical properties. The only condition (intrinsic in the...
Exlabesa purchased Flandria Aluminium, a French firm specialising in aluminium profile extrusion, machining, surface treatment, and recycling. Exlabesa's worldwide growth plan includes expanding its direct presence in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. On September 5th, the 2023 Guangxi Top 100 Private Enterprises Press Conference was held in Nanning. Guangxi Ping Aluminium Group was placed 15th in the "2023 Guangxi Top 100 Private Enterprises" and 11th in the "2023 Guangxi Top 100 Private Enterprises in Manufacturing Industry" in 2023. Swisstek Aluminium was granted the National Cleaner Production Centre's Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Verification. This honour highlighted Swisstek Aluminium's persistent commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, as seen by its...
A forthcoming report to be unveiled next week highlights that the primary challenges confronting the UK metals sector revolve around escalating energy costs, the consequences of post-EU life, and persistent labour shortages. Approximately 25 per cent of companies surveyed in the UK Metals Council's 2023-24 State of the Metals Industry report acknowledged changing their supply chain strategies or exploring alternative sourcing options. Following Brexit, about 30 per cent of respondents expressed a desire for more government assistance in addressing trade barriers and customs procedures. However, only 22 per cent of manufacturers seek enhanced energy supply contracts to reduce costs. In comparison, 31 per cent of businesses claim to possess an efficient recruitment strategy to address the...
It is with great pleasure that we announce that Swisstek Aluminium has been awarded the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Verification by the National Cleaner Production Centre. This recognition is a testament to the unwavering commitment of Swisstek Aluminium towards sustainability and environmental responsibility, which is evident through its dedication to various initiatives. The GHG Verification is aligned with ISO 14064-3:2019, which is an internationally recognized standard developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). This framework provides guidelines for verifying greenhouse gas emissions and removal statements, and the verification process adheres to strict assessments to ensure accuracy, completeness, and reliability. Swisstek Aluminium's carbon footprint monitoring...
Aluminium extrusion is one of the most popular forms of aluminium products used in various sectors for low-carbon green development. As a strong, lightweight, and infinitely recyclable metal, aluminium has been constantly gaining ground over the past few years for its unique applications in the building & construction sector and transportation. The drive towards achieving net-zero carbon emission and sustainability has further triggered the demand and consumption of aluminium extrusion in many countries, including India. AL Circle’s futuristic report titled ‘ Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2023 ’ found the Indian aluminium extrusion demand was about 450,000 tonnes per annum in 2022, driven by the electrical and B&C sectors. The future growth is envisaged to happen in the solar power...
The global aluminium market is a dynamic and expansive industry that plays a pivotal role in various sectors of the economy, including aerospace, automotive, construction, and packaging. China has emerged as a dominant player in this market due to its significant production capacity and strategic investments in the aluminium sector. China is home to several leading aluminium profile manufacturers, significantly contributing to the global market. Here are some top manufacturers and their unique offerings: Zhongwang Group: Established in 1993, Zhongwang Aluminium is a pioneering force and prominent player in the global industry. Its corporate headquarters are situated in Liaoyang City, Liaoning, China. Renowned as Asia's largest aluminium extrusion manufacturer and the second-largest...
The 2023 Guangxi Top 100 Private Enterprises Press Conference was held in Nanning on September 5th. Guangxi Ping Aluminum Group ranked 15th in the "2023 Guangxi Top 100 Private Enterprises" and 11th in the "2023 Guangxi Top 100 Private Enterprises in Manufacturing Industry". Leaders such as Wang Xinfu, member of the Standing Committee of the Autonomous Region Party Committee and Minister of the United Front Work Department, Huang Weijing, Deputy Director of the Standing Committee of the Autonomous Region People's Congress, Sui Guohua, Vice Chairman of the Autonomous Region and Chairman of the Federation of Industry and Commerce, and Qian Xueming, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC of the Autonomous Region were in attendance. Liang Qingmei, President of Ping Aluminum Group, was also invited. At...
Bingelela Alloy recently inaugurated a new aluminium hub in Richards Bay that will streamline molten aluminium from the nearby Hillside smelter. The launch was attended by deputy minister of trade, industry, and competition Nomalungelo Gina and Umhlathuze mayor Xolani Ngwezi. They recognized the hub's potential to boost the local and national economy while creating job opportunities. Deputy minister Gina acknowledged South Africa's engagement with the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. The mechanism aims to cut emissions by 55% by 2030 by targeting emissions-intensive sectors. She emphasized the challenges that come with the stringent EU measures and highlighted the need for international support to promote local green initiatives. A South African Aluminium Roadmap report...
The Shanghai Metals Market survey found that in August 2023, the comprehensive PMI index of the domestic aluminium industry registered a fall of 1.5 percentage points M-o-M to 51.6 per cent, in line with the downtrend of production, demand, inventory and other indices. But despite the downfall, the PMI index hovered above 50 per cent for the third month in a row. The primary reason for the PMI index drop in August was the slower recovery of demand from different sectors than expected. The domestic aluminium producers scheduled their production reasonably, and most companies procured raw materials only on demand. PMI of aluminium products, including primary aluminium and secondary aluminium alloy also stayed above 50 per cent as the upcoming peak season brought slightly higher orders. Only...
Castool Tooling Systems, part of Exco Technologies and a top tooling provider for extrusion and die-casting companies, has upgraded its capabilities. They added a Nitrex nitrocarburizing system to their facility in New Market, Canada. This expansion involved collaborating with various furnace suppliers. Nitrex is a global leader in surface treatment solutions, serving customers in over 20 countries. With 35 years of experience, they offer turnkey heat-treat systems, reliable technologies, proprietary instrumentation, digital controls, and surface treatment services to help customers achieve higher quality and profitability. The new nitrocarburizing furnace, called NX-1625, can handle up to 6000 kg of materials, measuring 1550 mm in diameter and 2500 mm in height. It uses Nitreg®-C...
Exlabesa has recently acquired Flandria Aluminium, a French company that has expertise in extrusion, machining, surface treatment, and recycling of aluminium profiles. This acquisition is part of Exlabesa's international expansion strategy, which aims to expand its direct presence in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. This will enable the company to offer high-value-added products with the highest level of service in these markets. Flandria Aluminium has a history of over 50 years and currently employs 170 workers. It specializes in the manufacture of aluminium profiles for the construction, industrial, and transport segments. Its facilities, covering over 35,000 m², include two presses of ⌀ 8'' and ⌀ 9'', respectively. Additionally, it has an aluminium recycling plant with a melting...
Emirates Metal Trading Co ., one of the leading importers and suppliers of aluminium ingot, extrusion scrap, pipe and pipe fittings, has been successfully registered by AL CircleBiz to its list of 1500+ verified sellers. AL CircleBiz is the world's first global marketplace, connecting millions of buyers and sellers along the aluminium value chain. With around 6000+ product listings and 700+ business leads, the company is known for connecting customers and sellers via queries against advertised items and business leads. Regarding Emirates Metal Trading Co., the firm has carved itself into an unrivalled position in the market by unwavering efforts to provide customers with high-quality pipes, tubes, and fitting components. Stainless steel pipes and tubes, butts and fittings, forged...
