
Spanish racing driverFernando Alonso has added a one-off Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse to his growing collection of rare cars. Known as chassis 8.100, the car is distinguished by bespoke aluminium bodywork that required more than 20 tonnes of aluminium to produce, along with dedicated CAD programmes developed by Bugatti. Its history is equally distinctive, being produced after an original customer pushed Bugatti to create something it had initially considered too expensive. For Alonso, the automobile fits closely with an approach to luxury he outlined in 2024 about choosing manufacturers that treat individual customers differently rather than simply producing cars in larger numbers. To know the aluminium casting demand forecast in the transportation sector, explore our report "Global...
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...
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<p>MacWorld's iPad Mini is slated to undergo a massive overhaul. As per recent reports, Tech giant Apple is planning to launch the iPad Mini in the same aluminium avatar that made the body of the iPhone 6s. The material, known as Series 7000 aluminium, is much lighter and tougher compared to other types of aluminium that other Apple products are using.<br /><br />Earlier it was speculated that iPad Mini 5 will debut along with Apple's other products- the 2016 versions of the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and iMac on October 27. However, new reports say that launch of the aluminium iPad will be delayed. It will join the league of other tablets that be unveiled in 2017. These include iPad Pro 2 and the new 10.5-inch iPad Pro. <br /><br /><img style="vertical-align: middle; display: block;...

<p>Business Intelligence Services (BIS) Group s.r.o. announced that 48V Power Supply and Electrification Systems Forum will be held on 15th to 16th February 2017, in Berlin, Germany. <br /><br />The Forum will showcase the perspectives of 48V systems implementation on the way of 12V systems combination and replacement, main 48V technology trends and applications. Attendees will discuss Customer Value versus Total costs in terms of innovative 48V solutions, get an overview of the 48V perspectives for autonomous driving and CO2 regulations compliance. <br /><br />Main market players will share their ideas and experience throughout 2-day case studies, interactive plenaries, workshops, networking & experience exchange. <br /><br /><br /><br />The small-scale nature of the event, expert...

<p>A piece of aluminium that apparently seems to be handmade has aroused much curiosity among archaeologists and general public all over the world. Builders unearthed the 20cm-long metal chunk on the shores of the Mures River in Aiud, Romania, about 33 feet underground in 1973, with the details surfacing only very recently. Archaeologists enlisted to study the aluminium confirmed that it was an extremely lightweight metal that had been manufactured.<br /><br />Further study revealed that the object is made of 12 metals, 90 per cent aluminium, and the Romanian officials found it as being 250,000 years old! This is indeed an astonishing finding given the fact that aluminium was first produced on earth only 200 years ago.</p> <p><img style="vertical-align: middle; display: block;...

<p>A-Plant, one of the UK's leading equipment hire companies, has acquired Lion Trackhire for £38 million (€42.5 million). A-Plant said that it wants to merge the business with its temporary access specialist operation Eve and re-position the combined business as a new brand. At the start of 2017, Lion and Eve, 90,000 aluminium panels and 400 experts employed with them, will be rebranded as 'Live.'<br /><br />Lion Trackhire is a pioneer of the Trackway industry, with the World's largest and latest stock of aluminium roadway.<br /><br />“It’s a bold decision to consign names such as Eve and Lion to history, but we want all our staff, as the shop window of the business, to feel equally proud of the brand. A new brand is the best way of ensuring that happens... This is...

<p>Looking at the growing electrolytic capacitor market, aluminium capacitor maker Lelon Electronics is planning to ramp up capacity. To expand production, Leon is set to buy a range of production equipment from Mutsuki Polymer that is a fellow company from the same sector. The firm is investing NT$130 million (US$4.127 million) for this purpose.<br /><br /><img style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="http://www.alcircle.com/uploads/images/CAPACITOR.jpg" alt="News" width="480" height="420" /><br /><br />Notably, Mutsuki Polymer has decided to discontinue the production of capacitors recently after the change in the management of the parent company, Feei Cherng Enterprise. This has given them an opportunity to sell of their equipment to...

<p>This year’s Castaways Sculpture Awards that takes place at Rockingham foreshore is coming up with some interesting entries from the point of view of material, theme and design. Local artist Carol Clitheroe has based her entries for this year with the theme REFLECTED memories.<br /><br />The last year’s winner Clitheroe used aluminium to compile three figures, representing past, present and future. The artist presents an illustration of childhood memories through the sculptures.<br /><br />The Castaways awards started in 2008 and since then it had been growing manifold to become what it is today. The competition encourages the use of sustainable and recycled material. Clitheroe used a number of empty aluminium cans to create her artwork.<br /><br /><img...

<p>San Fransisco-based wearables brand Misfit has debuted its very first analog watch with embedded tracking technology. The Fossil Group Company has already launched a number of fitness gadgets and trackers but this is the first time that it has combined the design of an analog watch with tracking technology. Available in aluminium and polished stainless steel varieties these wearables are sure to catch the attention of new-age fitness freaks.</p> <p><img style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="http://www.alcircle.com/uploads/images/Misfit.jpg" alt="News" width="480" height="360" /><br /><br />The Misfit Phase Hybrid Smartwatch looks suave in its silvery aluminium and stainless steel cases. The wearable tracks steps, distance calories...

<p>North America’s leading producer of semi-trailers and liquid transportation systems Wabash National has appointed Gordon Groshong senior product manager, aluminium, for its tank trailer business.<br /><br />An industrial manufacturer of global repute, Wabash National boasts a wide range of commercial trucking equipment such as flatbeds, dry vans and other diversified products- composite panels, side skirts- all essentially aluminium die casted, in its product mix. <br /><br /><br /><br />Gordon’s is a new position that the company has created to further strengthen its position in the market it serves. Wabash produces Walker, Brenner, Beall and Bulk brand tank trailers that have carved a niche in the North American trailer sector. <br /><br />Gordon will be responsible for...

<p>A unique collaboration between Ball and Belgian chocolate brand, Ovidias, sees the chocolatier bring its patented packaging concept to the commercial market. Ovidias is the only company to package its chocolates in beverage cans. <br /><br />Using Ball’s 330ml can, the product comes in a range of flavours and is available to purchase through Ovidias’s own e-commerce channel, where the product and environmental benefits of packaging in aluminium cans are made clear to the consumer.<br /> <br />Beverage cans provide the perfect packaging format for premium chocolates; maintaining freshness and flavour as well as protecting the product during transit, whilst remaining lightweight. In addition, the can preserves the full and creamy taste of the chocolates, and delivers an...

<p>Aluminium is making interesting contributions to the building and construction sector from the cosmetic and structural sides. Recently, a Swedish architect Förstberg Ling finished design and construction of a stylish residence and studio in the suburbs of Linköping in Sweden.<br /><br />The exceptional building was built for Maria, a librarian and enthusiastic weaver, who is the mother of the studio's lead architect Björn Förstberg. Called 'House for mother', the home is wrapped in a sturdy corrugated aluminium cover that hides the cosy and well-organized interiors.<br /><br /><img style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="http://www.alcircle.com/uploads/images/corrugated-aluminum-House.jpg" alt="News"...

<p>Meizu is expanding its product portfolio. After the successful launch of its latest Meizu MX6 and aluminium alloy-built M3 Max, the Chinese smartphone manufacturer is now gearing up to penetrate the budget segment with its brand new Blue Charm series. Yet, Meizu M3E- the smartphone crafted from aerospace-grade aluminium-magnesium alloy, released earlier this year remains a favourite with the users. <br /><br />The Meizu M3E is a remarkable product, using quality components in and out. The Meizu M3E is manufactured using various state-of-the-art high-precision technologies in combination with the finest materials such as an aerospace-grade aluminium-magnesium alloy for an outstanding ergonomic feeling and superb build quality.<br /><br /><img style="vertical-align: middle; display:...

<p>In a recent development the Technology Mission for Indian Railways (TMIR) has been reported to be considering a partnership with India’s premiere research institutes Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre (JNARDDC) and Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) to develop an aluminium alloy for the Talgo bullet train coaches.<br /><br />Ever since Indian Railways floated the idea of replacing steel with a light metal alloy for the manufacturing of railway coaches and wagons, JNARDDC’s name came up as the only institution working on aluminium alloy research. <br /><br />“Aluminium is a sensitive material and growth of aluminium industry is good in our country. Hence, we are working on treating it as a replacement of steel for...

<p>Yamaha Motor Company recently revealed the 2017 YZF-R6 supersport at the Milan Motor Show 2016.<br /><br />The new supersport was redesigned based on the original design of the Yamaha YZF-R1 and R1M. However, this supersport stresses on aerodynamics. For example, the new front cowl and screen help in decreasing aerodynamic drag by at least 8-percent.<br /><br /><img style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="http://www.alcircle.com/uploads/images/yamaha.jpg" alt="News" width="480" height="420" /><br /><br />The YZF-R6 is powered by a 599cc inline four-cylinder engine with forged pistons. The bike features titanium inlet and exhaust valves. Lightweighting is achieved through the use of magnesium and aluminium. The magnesium head cover and...

<p>BMW announced Thursday that the next generation of BMW 5 Series will shed 137 pounds through the use of a combination of aluminium, magnesium and high-strength steel. This falls pretty much in line with the premium car maker's earlier announcement of not using the "Carbon Core" format of the 7 series. <br /><br />The last generation of BMW 5 Series was also based on aluminium; the metal was used extensively in front fenders, doors, and hood of the vehicle. The upcoming 5 Series builds on this further with the trunk lid crafted entirely out of aluminium, making it lose as much as 9 pounds from the overall body. <br /><br /><img style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="http://www.alcircle.com/uploads/images/BMW.jpg" alt="News"...

<p>Aluminium has forayed into multiple arenas of our daily life. From art to automobiles the metal’s presence is almost a given today. Adding one more dimension to its vast application area aluminium has recently now made it to the stage. A new family show titled the Aluminium Show has been added by The Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts in Orange County, Texas; it was premiered Friday last week amid great applause.</p> <p><img style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="http://www.alcircle.com/uploads/images/Lutcher-Theater-adds-The-Aluminum-Show-for-Halloween-Treat.jpg" alt="News" width="500" height="300" /></p> <p>The new and unique show brings aluminium- the light metal, the music and the artists together on stage in a...

<p>Prism Designs has come up with their latest accessory for Apple iMac called Float Shelf, which is an aluminium panel that can be attached to the back of your iMac. The smart accessory would provide a handy stand for de cluttering the work desk.</p> <p>In words of Prism Designs Float Shelf is machined “from a solid extrusion of aircraft-grade aluminium, a Float Shelf is strong enough to support ten pounds (4.5 kg).” Smart use of lightweight and strong aluminium makes the accessory equally attractive as the iMac.</p> <p><img style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="http://www.alcircle.com/uploads/images/i%20MAC%20stand.jpg" alt="" width="488" height="420" /></p> <p>The Shelf can be used for displaying items like photo frames,...

<p>Ford Motor Co.’s best-seller 2017 Ford F-150 Super Duty has bagged the popular “Truck of Texas” award ideated by the Texas Auto Writers Association. The aluminium-body pickup truck managed to snag the top award at the 2016 Texas Truck Rodeo, where a host of other Ford vehicles too won awards in various categories. <br /><br />This is the 13th time Ford has won the TAWA honours. In 2014 also, the Dearborn automaker won the Truck of Texas award for it’s the then best-selling aluminium-body F150 model. <br /><br />The aluminium-body 2017 Super Duty was also chosen the best vehicle in the heavy duty pickup category; the F-150 with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 won Best Powertrain, and Ford also won Truck Line of Texas award. <br /><br /><img style="vertical-align:...

<p>Southwest Ohio's premier Jeep, Ram, Expedition Trailer outfitter Nuthouse Industries has recently unveiled its all-new shiny aluminium trailer that is sure to amaze adventure lovers intending to own a mobile living quarter. <br /><br />The Nuthouse Acorn, as the trailer has been named, marries a modular aluminium camping box with a flatbed trailer. It is not exactly a ground-breaking, new concept, as there are other car/toy-hauling camping trailers out there, but its shiny, all-aluminium design and layout do differentiate it from the more common white box + bed trailer designs.<br /><br />In comparison to other toy haulers of the same category, the aluminium built Acorn is a bigger trailer, sized to carry a full-sized vehicle, and is ideal for camping in rocky terrains. <br /><br...