Ducati has unveiled the Desmo450 SM, a new production supermoto developed from its Desmo450 MX platform, featuring an aluminium twin-spar frame. This is designed to combine low weight, rigidity and strength. The motorcycle made its debut during World Ducati Week and is aimed at competition use. The Desmo450 SM uses the same aluminium frame architecture as the motocross model. Ducati says the frame has also been designed to allow a straighter intake route while maintaining the strength and rigidity needed for high-performance riding. The bike has a fuel capacity of 7.2 litres. The company has also focused on reducing weight in other areas. Its Bartubeless wheel system, for example, removes inner tubes and cuts rotating and unsprung mass by 1.2kg. The motorcycle also features a cast...
China’s aluminum door and window manufacturing sector includes a range of suppliers offering thermal-break systems, customized solutions, OEM/ODM production, and products for international building projects. A recent industry guide highlights Guangdong Dejiyoupin, Guangdong EEHE, Foshan CIVO, Sichuan Yazhixuan, and Sichuan Mingrenju, citing their production capabilities, product portfolios, project experience, customization services, and testing or certification coverage. The companies differ in their areas of focus. Dejiyoupin is highlighted for its production capacity and international certifications, while EEHE is noted for patents and a broad range of project solutions. CIVO focuses on factory-direct customization and climate-oriented systems, while Yazhixuan provides OEM/ODM...
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Italian designer Roberto Curtó has reportedly revealed the design of an all-aluminium 63.2-metre superyacht named Hypnosquid, the design of which is primarily inspired by the physical characteristics of the cuttlefish. Curto said, “The all-aluminium Hypnosquid design has been inspired by the elegant, fast and agile nature of the sea creature.” The exterior of the superyacht has detail design popped with colourful LED windows, representing the Hypnosquid’s eyes. The vessel has an accommodation capacity for 10 guests and 12 crews. The owner’s duplex is set across two decks, while the lounge and library located downstairs and the bedroom upstairs. Located forward, the suit has a full beam lobby and a garden. The guest cabins meanwhile sit on the lower deck and on the upper deck is...
SIG, the world-leading systems and solutions provider for aseptic packaging, will now reportedly launch world-first aseptic carton packs made with ASI-certified aluminium foil, as part of its sustainability drive. SIG is the first company in the industry to enable customers to exihit their commitment to responsible sourcing of aluminium throughout the value chain – right from suppliers through to consumers. SIG was even the first to achieve certification to the ASI Performance Standard Material Stewardship Principle at the corporate level, together with the ASI Chain of Custody certification for its production site in Austria. The ASI certification enables companies to audit the aluminium supply chain against strict standards in respect to social, ethical, and environmental. Ian Wood,...
MINTH Automotive Europe has begun building its car parts facility plant in Loznica, in western Serbia, the Serbian president's office said. The total investment in the construction of plant will amount to about 100 million euro. The plant will manufacture aluminium roof base carriers, vehicle covers, aluminium door frames and car batteries. The company will begin production at its new factory as early as October. The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic."For the last 30 years, we have only survived here without major factories that had been devastated. For the first time, we bring investors and build a new future for Loznica," Aleksandar Vucic said. The ceremony was also attended by Director of MINTH Automotive Europe, Ching Li Wong, Mayor of...
Besides exporting, the United Kingdom imports a considerable amount of aluminium cans from several European countries and even outside. The global export-import data reveals that the country’s import volume of aluminium cans has been rising year over year since 2016. It also shows that this year is most likely not going to show any exception. The Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation observes the recycling rate of aluminium drinks cans in the UK has been rising every year. While in 2016, the recycling rate was at 70 per cent; in 2017 it was at 72 per cent. This perhaps indicates the rising use of aluminium cans in the UK and the reason behind its growing imports. In 2019, the United Kingdom is expected to import around 39,505 tonnes, up 5 per cent from 37,759 tonnes in 2018. In 2016...
The Brembo Group has announced the opening of new manufacturing plant for the production of aluminium brake calipers in Nanjing, located in China's Jiangsu province. The Group inaugurated aluminium brake caliper plant next to its existing plant where brake discs are manufactured. All production stages have been integrated into the new site, from delivery of raw material to shipping the finished product. This will better serve its European, Asian and American customers operating in China. Alberto Bombassei, President of Brembo said: “It is with great pride that I inaugurate this new production hub in China on the occasion of the first official visit of the Chinese authorities who are here with us today.” “This event is dedicated to a highly tangible illustration of the innovative process...
As reported by The European Aluminium Foil Association, in Germany 220 million Easter Bunnies have been produced for sale in the market for the holiday season in 2018 and the most of them are wrapped in aluminium foil for protection and shiny festive look. This year also million Easter bunnies wrapped in aluminium foil are waiting in the market for festive season customers. The number has increased 8% from 202 million in 2017. The primary export regions for Easter Bunnies are the European Union, the United States, Canada and Australia. Chocolate Easter Bunnies outperformed their rival – the chocolate Santa Clause, production of which stood at 150 million in 2018. Both the Bunny and Santa are sold wrapped in a shiny aluminium foil printed in a variety of colours. “Aluminium foil continues...
Ball Corporation has recently bagged a new project to design and produce aluminium cans for Icelandic brewery Ölgerðin’s iconic Ava fruit water drinks. The drinking cans will be available in Ball Corporation’s 33- centilitre standard format, with designs featuring popular HD printing technique. Ölgerðin, the oldest producer of beer and soft drinks in Iceland, has always been deeply rooted in sustainability. Looking out for new ways to increase its sustainability credentials, Ölgerðin decided to update its packaging material to a new format that has less impact on the environment. And since aluminium cans are the most sustainable form of packaging, Ölgerðin looked in on Ball Corporation. The use of Ball’s HD printing technique will allow Ava to highlight the ingredients of the beverage,...
While the usage of aluminium is expanding in the global construction sector, Ramon airport in the Israeli desert has reportedly made an extensive use of aluminium. So much so that according to a report “panels of white aluminium have enveloped the exterior of the airport”. Designed by Amir Mann-Ami Shinar Architects and Moshe Zur Architects, the airport is located 12 miles north of the city of Eilat, Israel, on 506 hectares of arid land. Commenting on the design of the airport project design manager Amir Mann said: "Our objective was how not to compete with the overwhelming emptiness of the site, while creating a place that welcomes passengers through the departure and arrival processes, reflecting through that experience the uniqueness of the desert environment, as a functioning...
A government of India announcement said that anti-dumping duties on selected four-wheeler aluminium alloy wheels from China, Korea RP, and Thailand have been extended for another five years. Two domestic companies Synergies Castings and Kosei Minda Aluminum Company filed a petition to extend the duties in order to protect the interest of domestic manufacturers. These two companies share 40.29 per cent of the total alloy wheels production in India. The government levied anti-dumping duty on imported ARW from China, Korea and Thailand for five years in 2014, which was to expire on April 10. A notification from Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) dated March 29 said that the government continues to impose anti-dumping duty ranging from USD 0.08 to USD 2.15 per kg on imported...
While the trade negotiations are going on between the US and China, both the countries are showing goodwill gestures by refraining from levying extra tariffs on each other’s products. China's State Council announced on Sunday that China will not impose additional tariffs on U.S. vehicles and auto parts after Monday, April 1, as a positive return gesture to US decision to delay tariff hike on Chinese goods. After the US and China decided on a temporary truce in the trade war, China announced in December it would suspend additional 25 percent tariffs on vehicles and auto parts imported from the US for three months. According to the State Council, the move was “to create a good atmosphere for the ongoing trade negotiations between both sides". "We hope the U.S. can work together with China,...
Hydro announced the acquisition of Gerstungen-based MBG Metallbeschichtung Gerstungen GmbH (MBG), a German powder coating company. With this acquisition, Hydro strengthens its position in the building systems segment. This also completes Hydro’s range of aluminium construction systems in the DACH region with further integrated service offerings in surface treatment. Ralf Seufert, Vice President Hydro Building Systems said: "This acquisition supports Hydro's strategy of further integrating and expanding the DACH (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) region's logistics center to offer our customers even greater product diversity and excellent service. We are delighted to have acquired the expertise and know-how of this specialized company." Founded in 1998, MBG has been an important partner...
Dortech, a leading manufacturer, designer, installer of aluminium windows, curtain walling, entrance doors and roof lights in Huddersfield, has announced the opening of new retail outlet for the supply of building materials. With an investment of £45,000 in a new trade counter, the company expects to achieve revenue of about £2m in the next twelve months. If revenue targets are met, Dortech will open 2-3 further depots in the next three years. Dortech managing director James Sutherland said: “We have worked hard over the past year to better configure our architectural and maintenance divisions, and we’ve ploughed over £150k into new machinery, lighting and racking to take our capabilities to the next level. “This is an exciting step that will take us from an online-only building supplies...
This week Beijing has cut financial incentives for domestic electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids by some 75%. This has slashed subsidies on EV manufacturing in China and the government has barred provincial governments from allowing any extra subsidy. According to the government, the aggressive move was intended to cut down on local protectionism and prevent domestic automakers from relying on subsidies for manufacturing and sales of EVs. Analysts say there could be other factors prompting Beijing to cut subsidies much more than expected. Central and the provincial governments are under fiscal pressure due to the liberal subsidies they have been offering to the manufacturing sector. The government aims at reducing this burden. The Chinese government hasn’t disclosed the amount of...
The U.S. auto industry is forming a strong lobby to push President Donald Trump against imposing new tariffs on imported cars and parts. They argue that such tariffs would handicap an industry which is already facing slow growth. The Groups have brought together automakers, dealers, parts suppliers and aftermarket companies to stand against a common goal of opposing the proposed new levies. Industry officials worry the new levies are much more than a negotiation clause in Trump’s trade talks with the European Union, Japan and China. “Nobody in the auto industry supports a 25 percent import tariff, unlike in the steel and aluminum tariff situation where you had the steel industry advocating for relief,” said Jennifer Thomas, vice president of federal affairs at the Alliance of Automobile...
On March 28, the Benetti-built third and final 108-metre superyacht made its first debut in a private ceremony at Livorno. The superyacht made of the steel hull and aluminium superstructure is known as Project FB275. UK design studio RWD designed the exterior, while Benetti's in-house team styled the interiors. The vessel has a beam of 14.5 metres, five decks, and a 4000GT volume. It houses a cinema, gym, sauna, large heated swimming pool, and seating area. It has an ability to cruise for long distances with speeds of 18.5 knots in a range of at least 6,500 nautical miles. While more than 1,000 square metres are dedicated to exterior spaces, the main deck and the owner’s deck have private dining and seating areas. The bridge deck houses sun pads and a 1.5-metre firepit, the foredeck two...
Bang & Olufsen is reportedly teaming up with premium luggage maker RIMOWA for introducing a limited-edition version of the Beoplay H9i headphones. Having a mutual appreciation for aluminium, the two reputable brands together have decided to craft the limited-edition of the headphones with anodized aluminium and box them in a signature RIMOWA aluminium case. Addition of genuine leather will be an added twist to the product. Besides, the collaborative Beoplay H9i headphones will feature active noise cancellation and an innovative touch interface. On the occasion of this collaboration, John Mollanger, Executive Vice President, President Brand and Markets at Bang & Olufsen, said: “The first materialization of our collaboration, the RIMOWA edition of our flagship Beoplay H9i headphones and...
Startup venture Kimbo has launched a Tacoma-sized, riveted-aluminium mini-lodge. Kimbo’s adventure truck camper comes with brushed fabric walls, bare aluminium and a teak-floor entry. Kimbo was set up by Mark King, an inventor and entrepreneur who wanted to design a mobile home for the outdoors. The Kimbo team rolled out its first built-to-order campers last year. Kimbo's camper is an alternative style of live-in pickup topper made of lightweight aluminium and it is simple, cosy and comfortable. The 6 series camper tops midsize pickup trucks like the Toyota Tacoma. The riveted brushed-aluminium shell features a striking frameless, faceted design. The chassis is designed keeping in mind two purposes; the first is giving a seamless artistic look and second is keeping the base weight below...
According to a recent update from Shanghai Metals Market, China, on March 26, announced its plan to cut subsidies for new energy vehicles (NEVs), in a bid to encourage innovation and promote high-quality development of NEVs. The Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), Ministry of Science and Technology, and Development and Reform Commission jointly released a document that says the national subsidy for pure electric passenger cars with a driving range of 400 kilometres and above will be reduced to RMB 25,000 per unit. NEVs with a range below 250 kilometres, on the other hand, will not get any subsidy, according to the document. MIIT also updated on its website that around seventy-two models of NEVs are removed from the catalogue of cars exempt from...
