MQP to unveil aluminium grain refiner for high-performance applications at Aluminium China 2026
Stock image for referential purposes only
MQP will introduce its new Optifine 5:02 aluminium grain refiner at Aluminium China 2026, taking place from 8-10 July in Shanghai, as demand grows for cleaner aluminium used in aerospace and premium automotive applications.
The company said the new grain refiner has been developed to meet increasing requirements for high-strength aluminium and superior surface quality, including applications requiring a mirror-like finish. Delegates attending the exhibition can learn more about the product at Stand 1C01.
According to Matthew Piper, Technical Business Development Director at MQP, manufacturers are seeking grain refiners with significantly lower levels of inclusions, such as agglomerates and other local defects, to improve downstream processing and achieve higher-quality surface finishes.
Explore: The most comprehensive and forward-looking industry-focused report – Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook
Developed in collaboration with the Brunel Centre for Advanced Solidification Technology (BCAST), Optifine 5:02 contains around 20 per cent of the boride found in conventional 5:1 and 3:1 grain refiner compositions. MQP said the product delivers a minimum efficiency of around 70 per cent relative to Optifine 3:1 while offering improved cleanliness.
The company added that the higher efficiency could allow manufacturers to reduce addition rates and treatment costs without compromising grain refinement performance.
Grain refinement is widely used during aluminium alloy casting to produce a finer, more uniform grain structure, helping reduce casting defects and improve material performance. MQP noted that earlier grain refiners often produced inconsistent results, prompting the development of its Optifine product range, including the new Optifine 5:02.
MQP and BCAST have collaborated for the past six years to improve grain refiner efficiency, enhance melt quality and reduce defects in aluminium manufacturing through their joint research programme.
Explore our e-magazine ALuminium LeaderSpeak 2026 for the latest industry insights and trends
Only one week left: Join the webinar on autonomous furnace tending for aluminium cast houses
Next articleLME aluminium price drops $3,065/t with EGA Al Taweelah repairs, supply fears ease
Grow with
AL Circle
