Advances in powder metallurgy are expanding the potential of aluminium matrix composites for ships, offshore platforms and underwater equipment, with improved corrosion resistance, mechanical performance and lightweight properties. Aluminium composites could offer new material options for demanding marine environments, where corrosion, mechanical stresses and seawater exposure challenge conventional alloys. Recent research reviews how powder metallurgy is helping develop reinforced aluminium materials with properties suited to these operating conditions. Powder metallurgy improves aluminium composite performance Aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) combine an aluminium matrix with reinforcing materials to enhance performance compared with conventional monolithic aluminium alloys. Their...
Mexico’s expanding electric vehicle (EV) market is creating new opportunities across battery production, materials, charging infrastructure and electronics, as Chinese companies look to move beyond vehicle exports towards broader overseas supply-chain partnerships. Hong Kong could play a strategic role in connecting Mexican businesses with mainland China’s manufacturing capabilities, investment and research resources. According to the source commentary, Mexico’s EV market has evolved considerably over the past 16 years, with more brands offering vehicles across different price ranges and driving ranges, alongside the expansion of residential, corporate and industrial charging infrastructure. However, demand for EV purchases is growing faster than the capacity to maintain them,...
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This week, the end-user sector of the aluminium industry witnessed a lot of important events. To begin with, Ball Corporation announced the impending closure of its aluminium can manufacturing facility in Kent (operated under Rexam Beverage Can Company). The closure is anticipated to result in the discontinuation of 121 positions in the Puget Sound area, with the termination process slated to commence on February 29. As per a London-based Price Reporting Agency regulated by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) and specializing in information for the lithium-ion battery to electric vehicle supply chain, Morocco is poised to enhance its international position as a cathode producer. Supernal, Hyundai's air mobility division, is gearing up to introduce its S-A2...
Aluminium, a versatile and lightweight metal, has seamlessly woven itself into the fabric of pop culture, making appearances in unexpected places. From blockbuster films to iconic structures, let's explore 13 instances where aluminium has left its mark in the realm of popular culture. Iron Man's suit: Tony Stark's high-tech Iron Man suit, featured prominently in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, incorporates aluminium alloys for their strength and lightness. "Star Wars" and Star Trek" series: In the vast universe of Star Wars, spacecraft, droids, and various technological components often feature metallic designs. Similarly, the Starfleet ships in the "Star Trek" franchise often have futuristic designs that may incorporate metallic elements, including aluminium. Aluminium in fashion: In...
Tesla, a commendable force in electric vehicles (EVs), faces a disruption in its car production at the Gruenheide factory near Berlin. The halt, from Jan. 29 to Feb. 11, stems from the Red Sea crisis, with Iranian-backed Houthi militants targeting vessels, causing a shift in transport routes. This crisis has impacted Europe's largest economy, affecting the supply chains of various industries, including the EV sector. The Red Sea conflict has created considerable challenges for Tesla, which is heavily reliant on lightweight aluminium components from Asia, particularly China, for its EV production. The company's dependence on China for battery components transported to Europe through the Red Sea exposes it to constant production risks. Analysts, such as Sam Fiorani from AutoForecast...
Colorado-based beverage packaging giant Ball Corporation is set to close its aluminium can manufacturing facility in Kent (Rexam Beverage Can Company), as disclosed in a filing with the state of Washington. The closure, outlined in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification on Dec. 28, is expected to lead to the termination of 121 jobs in the Puget Sound area starting Feb. 29. The decision to close the plant, initially revealed in a Nov. 1 earnings call, follows Ball Corp's failure to meet third-quarter sales targets, citing a slowdown in demand as one of the contributing factors. CEO Daniel Fisher explained during the call that the Kent closure forms part of a broader strategy to trim raw and finished goods inventory, anticipating savings of approximately $20 million for the company...
Aluminum is a premier choice for both structural prowess and aesthetic allure in constructing passenger ships, yachts, and expansive boats despite its heftier price tag than steel. The marine industry widely embraces aluminium sheets and extrusions, particularly in crafting high-speed ships and ferries. Some of the major advantages of using aluminium in marine transport vehicles include: Lightweight and corrosion resistant Fuel saving due to the metal’s lighter weight Enhances vessels' speed, capacity for larger payloads, and extends their nautical range Aluminum provides enhanced stability and manoeuvring capabilities Aluminum ensures prolonged lifespan and contributes to decreased maintenance expenses, resulting in reduced overall ownership costs over an extended period Aluminum...
Hyundai's air mobility division, Supernal, is set to launch its S-A2 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in 2028, anticipating a surge in demand for electric aircraft in urban taxi services. The S-A2, presented at CES 2024, boasts a seating capacity for five and is powered by electricity. Designed by Hyundai group's Luc Donckerwolke, it embodies an "auto meets aero" aesthetic. President of Hyundai, Jaiwon Shin, a NASA veteran, leads the Supernal project, foreseeing a significant expansion of eVTOL aircraft in the future, potentially numbering in the "hundreds of thousands." Shin emphasises Hyundai's advantage in mass production, acquired from the automotive sector, as a crucial asset in meeting this anticipated demand. Features of Hyundai's Supernal flying taxi...
Aluminium Marine Consultants (AMC) in East Cowes is raising its sails in celebration of a remarkable achievement—the completion of a four-year programme in aluminium boat building by its inaugural trainee, Kyle Salmon. Having navigated the intricacies of in-house aluminium boat construction training, Kyle conquered the waves and earned the prestigious title of certified coded welder. "It has been an honour to work alongside such highly skilled craftsmen and gain hands-on industry experience. I have learnt so much throughout my four years at AMC and am looking forward to furthering my career and continuing to develop new skills," added Kyle Salmon. As Kyle stands proudly on the shores of accomplishment, the company eagerly anticipates a flotilla of aspiring trainees ready to embark on...
Strategic Marine, a prominent player in aluminium shipbuilding, proudly announces an enigmatic contract with Bruneian Amarco Sdn Bhd (AMARCO) for the construction of a cutting-edge 4th Generation Fast Crew Boat (FCB) set to revolutionise the Bruneian maritime sector. This pivotal shipbuilding contract underscores Strategic Marine's commitment to incorporating aluminium advancements into marine engineering. The vessel, a 42-meter marvel, boasts a robust structure built with high-grade aluminium, ensuring not only durability but also optimal performance in offshore environments. A few more mentionable features of the state-of-the-art 4th Generation Fast Crew Boat (FCB) In a strategic move towards future-ready capabilities, the vessel is designed to seamlessly integrate a gyro stabiliser and...
The Sustainable Bottling Company Limited, the company behind packing Gunna's soft drinks, has reportedly started a new aluminium bottling facility near Leicester, England's East Midlands region. The factory is located on an 8,000 square feet site and is claimed to be the first in the UK and Europe where soft drinks are being packaged in aluminium bottles. The investment involved in this project is £1m, raised by Gunna's current investors. The Sustainable Bottling Company said that the new aluminium bottling factory drew inspiration from the booming aluminium bottle market in the US and brands like PepsiCo that launched spring water in aluminium bottles, branded as Proud Source. The factory is capable of packing Gunna's drinks into 470ml aluminium bottles and other sizes like 330ml and...
Nothing, the brand renowned for its commitment to incorporating cutting-edge materials, initially unveiled the CMF Watch Pro in Dark Grey and Metallic Grey variants last year. Now, in a strategic move to expand its colour palette and enhance the product line, the company introduces the all-new Silver Edition. The Silver Edition of the Watch Pro showcases an exquisite aluminium alloy watch frame finished in silver, perfectly complemented by light grey straps. This addition not only broadens the CMF Watch Pro lineup's aesthetic spectrum but also brings forth the advantages of utilizing aluminium in smartwatch design. The decision to use aluminium in the CMF Watch Pro is a testament to the material's exceptional qualities. Aluminium's lightweight nature makes it an ideal choice for wearable...
Laifen, a pioneer in personal care appliances, is thrilled to introduce its revolutionary Laifen Wave Electric Toothbrush at CES 2024. The Wave boasts a handle crafted from durable materials such as aluminium, stainless steel, and ABS plastic. Featuring a cutting-edge servo system developed by Laifen, the Wave sets itself apart by seamlessly combining 60° oscillation and vibration, addressing a persistent challenge many electric toothbrushes face: the balance between powerful cleaning and gentle gum protection. The Wave's distinctive 60° oscillation angle surpasses competitors, offering a remarkable 3x wider coverage. This allows the toothbrush to reach previously inaccessible areas, aligning perfectly with the dentist-recommended Bass brushing technique. The servo system ensures...
According to a London-based IOSCO-regulated Price Reporting Agency and specialist information provider for the lithium-ion battery to electric vehicle supply chain, Morocco is set to strengthen its global standing as a cathode producer, as Chinese companies plan to invest over $700 million in the sector. The report further emphasised that Morocco's expected production capacity is poised to cover about a quarter of Europe's forecasted requirements. The document highlights various projects, with one notable example being China's BTR committing a substantial $490 million investment in a facility disclosed in December 2023. The future hotspot for Moroccan tech Situated in Tangier Technopark City within the Tangier Province, the recently established facility is poised to manufacture an...
Gujarat Foils Ltd. (GFL), India's third-largest manufacturer of aluminium foils and sheets, has again proven its commitment to excellence by joining the AL Biz, the world's 1st B2B online marketplace that connects millions of buyers and sellers across the entire aluminium value chain. As a publicly listed company on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), GFL has consistently thrived on challenges and taken pride in exceeding client expectations. The company's remarkable growth trajectory underscores its unwavering dedication to quality and innovation. GFL's product range covers a spectrum of aluminium foils and sheets , catering to diverse industries such as pharmaceuticals, breweries, and the food and beverage sector. The company's extensive portfolio includes thin gauge sheets and coils for...
Japan-based Asahi Super Dry brewery has unleashed its self-foaming draft beer in cans upon the shores of Singapore. These avant-garde aluminium cans crafted by Asahi boast a distinctive feature that allows beer enthusiasts to tear off the entire top, aiming to replicate the immersive experience of savouring draft beer in a lively pub or bar setting. But the ingenuity doesn't stop there – hidden within the aluminium cans are tiny bumps strategically placed by Asahi Breweries Ltd, working their magic to produce an exuberant head on the beer when the can is opened. This revolutionary beverage made its grand entrance on April 4, 2021, hitting convenience stores, and later on April 20, 2021, gracing supermarkets across Japan, only to fly off the shelves in a blink, leaving satisfied customers...
The end-use aluminium industry, particularly the transportation sector, has made the beginning of 2024 special with new product launches or announcements of new products. On the very first day of the year, Egoras Technology, a firm specialising in sustainable transportation solutions, introduced its range of customers to the Egoras Dual-Fuel Tricycle, a gas-powered vehicle. This marks an innovative start to the New Year. The tricycle is made of high-quality components such as aluminium, steel, and carbon fibre, ensuring endurance and dependability in various terrains. The Chief Executive Officer, Ugoji Harry, emphasised that this innovative tricycle was explicitly crafted to address the challenges arising from the recent removal of fuel subsidies. Highlighting its versatility, Ugoji...
Vietnamese EV Giant VinFast intends to make an initial investment of $500 million to establish a comprehensive facility in India, aiming to enter the world's third-largest automotive market. Besides establishing the manufacturing facility, the automaker aims to create an extensive dealership network nationwide to serve customers in the world's third-largest four-wheeler market. The automotive industry's third-largest market globally In 2022, India surpassed Japan to claim the third position in the global vehicle market, following China and the US. The country achieved this by selling over 4.25 million vehicles. The company revealed a memorandum of understanding with the Tamil Nadu state government on January 6, 2023, outlining an investment commitment of up to $2 billion. However, the...
In the recent aviation incident at Tokyo's Haneda airport involving the Japan Airlines Airbus A350, the resilience of the aircraft's composite structure, comprising 53% composite materials, has come into sharp focus. The collision with a smaller plane resulted in a fierce blaze, marking the first complete destruction by fire of an airliner primarily made from carbon fibre. The fact that all 379 people onboard managed to escape is a testament to the effectiveness of modern aircraft materials and evacuation procedures. The head of consultancy and news site Leeham News, Scott Hamilton, declared: "The JAL A350 is the first hull loss of a composite airliner and the first by fire. Investigators will learn all kinds of lessons from the A350 accident." The application of composite materials, like...
The aluminium industry and its unique approaches to commemorate those special occasions have always grabbed the utmost attention. Especially in the aluminium cans sector, which recently showcased many special edition launches featuring unique technologies. These vessels, once mere containers, have evolved into canvases of technological marvels that captivate attention and redefine the boundaries of innovation. Picture this: beverage cans showing photo-realistic images printed on them? Or a technology that can change the colour of the aluminium cans with the changing temperature? The aluminium cans sector has not merely embraced change; it has become a gallery of surprises. Imagine the delight as the temperature-sensitive nature of these cans causes them to change hues in sync with the...
