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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In the dynamic world of design and engineering, ARCHOPE stands out as a beacon of creativity, innovation, and quality. With a youthful and dynamic team that values your ideas and dreams, ARCHOPE provides top-notch design, engineering, and application solutions that cater to your unique needs. At the core of ARCHOPE's philosophy is continuous improvement. Armed with a wealth of knowledge and experience, the company's team strives for daily enhancements, ensuring they are always at the forefront of industry trends and standards. This commitment translates into projects that meet and exceed expectations, creating visually stunning and highly functional results. As part of its impressive list of over 1800 verified B2B aluminium suppliers, AL Biz has welcomed ARCHOPE as the newest member. Why...
The incorporation of aluminium tape as a peculiar upgrade in the 2024 model year Toyota GR Corolla has raised eyebrows among automotive enthusiasts. This seemingly unconventional addition, part of the 2024 upgrade kit, includes not only the expected structural bolts and air ducts but also four strips of specially designed aluminium tape. Unlike traditional assumptions that such tape may serve a structural or sealing purpose, Toyota's patented innovation focuses on addressing electrostatic discharge. The concept revolves around the idea that a moving car accumulates a positive charge, and the surrounding air carries a similar positive charge. The repulsion between two positively charged entities disrupts the airflow around the vehicle. The inception of the concept Interestingly, Toyota's...
In a daring leap toward sustainability, Lamborghini is on the brink of introducing the successor to the Huracan, signalling a pivotal departure from conventional naturally aspirated engines in favour of a more environmentally conscious, electrified approach. The upcoming model, yet to be christened, will bid farewell to the traditional V10 engine, making room for a plug-in hybrid system featuring an innovative V8 power unit—a testament to Lamborghini's engineering prowess. Lamborghini's quest toward a sustainable future In contrast to the Urus SUV, which relies on a modified version of Audi's 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, the new marvel on wheels will boast a Lamborghini-developed engine, highlighting the automaker's dedication to self-reliant engineering and steering clear of external...
AB InBev, the foremost brewery globally, and CONMEBOL (Confederación Sudamericana de Fútbol), the governing body for South American football, are set to enhance their collaboration by designating Michelob Ultra as the Official Global Beer Sponsor for Copa América USA 2024™. This extended partnership underscores the company's enduring dedication to fans worldwide, emphasising its global involvement in the most celebrated sporting events. Football icon Lionel Messi Lionel Messi, the CONMEBOL Copa América champion and a global football icon, will be Michelob Ultra's new brand ambassador. He expressed his excitement about the news by saying, "I am so proud to join Michelob Ultra for its activations at CONMEBOL Copa America USA 2024™, such an electrifying moment for our sport. I look forward...
Abralatas (the Brazilian Association of Aluminium Can Manufacturers) stated that Brazil’s recycling model is mature, well-structured, and capillary enough to reach and treat all UBCs dumped in the country. They may have been increasing in consumer demand, with various formats and sizes, and capturing more and more room in Brazilian homes. In 2022, the flow of cans for recycling was recorded as being more than the volume sold. It is an unprecedented situation caused by inventory modifications throughout the manufacturing chain. Nonetheless, it confirmed that the market could absorb and recycle the whole number of cans consumed in the country, resulting in an unprecedented rate of 100% can recycling.Abralatas worked with several sustainability and recycling organisations and 100...
SolarDuck has recently announced the successful acquisition of additional funding dedicated to advancing offshore floating solar power technology development and implementation. This financial boost propels the company forward on a trajectory of sustained expansion, enabling it to strengthen its prominent role in the Offshore Floating Solar Energy sector. The newfound resources will empower SolarDuck to embark on its inaugural commercial projects and amplify its influence, aligning with the overarching objective of deploying more than 1 gigawatt of offshore-generated solar electricity by the year 2030. Who funded SolarDuck SolarDuck has secured funding from existing and new investors, including an international consortium comprising Katapult Ocean, Green Tower, Energy Transition Fund...
Egoras Technology, a firm specialising in sustainable transportation solutions, has recently introduced the Egoras Dual-Fuel Tricycle, a gas-powered vehicle. The tricycle is made of high-quality components such as aluminium, steel, and carbon fibre, ensuring endurance and dependability in various terrains. Aluminium has dominated the transportation sector as its primary end-use market for numerous years. Its lightweight properties have rendered it indispensable in manufacturing a wide array of vehicles, including cars, buses, railway coaches, trucks, ships, ferries, aircraft, and bicycles. The metal's significance lies in enhancing speed and fuel efficiency and contributing to cleaner and sustainable modes of transportation, owing to its 100% recyclable nature. The Chief Executive...
Austal, the famous shipbuilder financed by the Forrest family, is said to have landed a coveted contract worth about $1.3 billion for designing and building three medical boats solely for the US Navy. This recent transaction adds to the Perth-based company's already enormous order book of $11 billion. According to a South China Morning Post story, Chinese automobile manufacturers are gaining popularity on the streets of South Africa's main cities, threatening the market's traditional dominance of Japanese and European-made vehicles. Thai Yazaki Electric Wire, a subsidiary of the Japanese conglomerate Yazaki, is planning to build a new facility specialising in producing aluminium electric wires. This project is motivated by the expectation of increased demand for the country's power...
Bridgestone's latest wheel innovation, the Potenza Super R.A.P Evo, takes a nostalgic journey while incorporating cutting-edge aluminium alloy technology. This one-piece 15-inch alloy wheel draws inspiration from the iconic Super R.A.P. wheels of the late 1960s, renowned for their lightweight construction and racetrack performance. In homage to its heritage, the Potenza Super R.A.P Evo embraces a clean, steel-like design. Beyond its retro aesthetics, this wheel showcases Bridgestone's commitment to aluminium alloy advancements. Discovering the intricacies of Bridgestone's Potenza Super R.A.P Evo The one-piece forged construction not only exudes a vintage charm but also leverages the latest engineering to deliver a balance of lightweight design and structural robustness. This makes the Evo...
In the vibrant city of Barranquilla, Colombia, a monumental tribute to the iconic singer Shakira was unveiled on December 26. This remarkable statue, standing at an impressive 6.5 meters, captures the essence of Shakira's stage presence with arms crossed above her head, executing her famous hip movement. Crafted from a combination of bronze and aluminium, the statue showcases the versatility and aesthetic appeal of aluminium in artistic endeavours. During the public ceremony along the picturesque Magdalena River, Shakira's parents, William Mebarak and Nidia Ripoll, witnessed the unveiling of the statue. In expressing her gratitude, Shakira credited sculptor Yino Márquez and the students of the district art school for bringing to life this testament to the immense artistic talent of her...
Chinese tech giant Xiaomi has officially entered the electric vehicle (EV) market by introducing its first electric car, the SU7. The highly anticipated sedan is expected to leverage Xiaomi's popular phone operating system, marking a significant step toward the company's ambitious goal of becoming one of the world's top five automakers. While outlining the company's big ambitions, Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun expressed the desire to create "a dream car comparable to Porsche and Tesla." Despite the challenges posed by a capacity glut and slowing demand in the global auto market, Xiaomi is determined to make a mark in the industry. The autonomous driving capabilities of Xiaomi cars are touted to be at the forefront of the automotive industry, promising a unique and advanced driving experience. The...
Studio HAOS, the Lisbon-based studio founded by Sophie Gelinet and Cédric Gepner, launched their new collection of furniture series, dubbed Antimatière. The furnitures are crafted using aluminium tubes and zinc sheets and includes an armchair, a bench, a coffee table, a Console, a DayBed, a table, and a vase. They present eight pieces created using only two materials: 40×40 aluminium tubes and zinc sheets. The debut of Antimatière took place during the first edition of the Design Festival Contributions, which was hosted in Paris from October 16-22, 2023. The use of aluminium in furniture not only promotes sustainability but also ensures that the furniture is lightweight and rust-free. Aluminium is also known as an architect's favourite metal. It allows architects to be as creative as they...
Chinese car brands are gaining prominence on the streets of South Africa's major cities, challenging the longstanding dominance of Japanese and European-made cars in the market, as reported in an article by the South China Morning Post. Car registrations in South Africa In South Africa, Japanese automakers like Toyota, Suzuki, and Nissan typically hold a significant portion of the total car registrations and sales. European brands, including Germany's Volkswagen and the South African arm of the US car manufacturer Ford, also command a substantial market share. However, a notable shift is observed in the family SUV category, where Chinese car manufacturers are gradually gaining ground and reclaiming some market share. Companies like Haval, a subsidiary of Great Wall Motors (GWM), and the...
TUMI's first flagship store in the Asia Pacific region has been unveiled in Tokyo, Japan. The store boasts a futuristic aesthetic that draws inspiration from TUMI's iconic '19 Degree' aluminium collection. The store's façade features over 250 aluminium fins and pillars that are lit by LEDs, creating a visual 3D effect. Once inside, visitors are greeted by a bold space that showcases a sculpture by Michael Murphy, a New York-based perceptual artist. The sculpture morphs from a classic 19-degree wheeled case into the TUMI logo as visitors walk around it, further emphasising the brand's focus on aluminium and its iconic collection. The inception of TUMI's '19 Degree' aluminium collection The luxury brand was established in 2016 and, since then, has extended its flagship luggage collection to...
The UP State Bridge Corporation will install a unique feature called a 'sound barrier' on the newly built Railway Over Bridge (ROB) at Bakshi Bandh in Prayagraj. This sound barrier consists of aluminium sheets covered with glass wool, effectively absorbing the noise of automobiles and their horns. First of its kind in UP to have a sound-barrier The upcoming bridge in UP would be the first to include sound barriers, at an estimated expenditure of INR 2 crores. Aluminium sound barriers will be constructed throughout the whole 700-meter length of the bridge on both sides. By implementing these barriers, the noise originating from beyond the road boundaries will be reduced to below 55 decibels, according to the established norm. Sound barriers have been implemented on some Delhi, Mumbai, and...
Viva, a prominent player in the Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP) industry, has emerged as a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-quality ACP sheets in India. Originating from a humble start in 2003 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, their journey has been marked by a commitment to turning cladding dreams into reality. Boasting cutting-edge ACP cladding manufacturing facilities in Umbergaon, Gujarat, Viva utilises world-class machinery and state-of-the-art equipment to create innovative products. Their production process, which is carried out with precision on advanced Korean machines, is supported by a skilled workforce. Safety measures are prioritised at their plant, featuring a solar power generator ensuring sustainable ACP sheet production. AL Biz is thrilled to introduce the addition of Viva...
Electric cars accounted for nearly 50 per cent of all new passenger car registrations in the European Union from January to November 2023. Notably, in the month of November alone, electric car sales surpassed the halfway point, according to available data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA). Let's examine the information provided by ACEA. As of November 2023, electrified vehicles, including fully electric models, plug-in hybrids, or full hybrids, constituted more than 47.6 per cent of all new passenger car registrations in the European Union. This marks an increase from 43 per cent during the same period last year, as reported by ACEA. In November, new car registrations in the EU saw a 6.7 per cent increase, marking the 16th consecutive month of growth. Electric...
Austal, the renowned shipbuilder backed by the Forrest family, has reportedly secured a prestigious contract worth almost $1.3 billion for designing and constructing three medical vessels exclusively for the US Navy. This latest deal adds to the already impressive order book of $11 billion that the Perth-headquartered firm has accumulated. Additionally, private equity funds are showing keen interest in the company, which speaks volumes about its reputation in the market. The three vessels, which will be built at Austal's shipyards in Mobile, Alabama, will serve as a testament to the company's reliability as a supplier of quality ships to the US Navy. Project commencement Moreover, this deal has come at a crucial time as work on the Expeditionary Fast Transport program was nearing...
