Aluminum’s a critical component to many industries like beverage cans, food packaging, and aerospace but one sector that’s oftentimes not spoken about is guns and gun accessories.

Aluminum’s a great material for a wide variety of gun types and military weapons, due to its versatility and strength. Compared to steel, aluminum’s also very lightweight which makes it recommended for a product like a gun which requires easy carrying. Many guns are made predominantly from aluminum and others rely on it to put together the scope, the hand-guard, buffer tube, and other components.

What Aluminum Alloys are Used for Manufacturing Guns and Military Weapons

When manufacturing the body of a gun, you really only have two choices. There’s steel and aluminum. Stainless steel was, for a long time, chosen for guns because it was incredibly strong and had high durability. Comparatively, aluminum is almost as strong as steel and almost as durable but its biggest advantage is in weight. So when choosing between steel or aluminum for gun manufacturing, more often than not, stakeholders choose aluminum.

Aluminum used to be very expensive to work with, prior to World War II. It was difficult to find and refine the raw material. Then, advances in technology in the 1940s and 1950s however made it cheaper to find and use aluminum. In 1949, Colt released the Lightweight Commander gun, reduced in weight by 30% thanks to aluminum. The popularity of this weapon meant adapting aluminum to other gun models and types, eventually leading to many handguns and rifles manufactured from the material.

Now using aluminum for weapons and guns does come with some minor disadvantages. Aluminum frames aren’t as durable as strength and doesn’t have the tensile strength steel comes with. Also, if you’re used to handling steel weapons and you are suddenly with an aluminum weapon, you may find your balance and grip are affected. For most users, the lesser weight is preferable to using steel and having a heavier gun to contend with.

The most popular aluminum alloys used in guns are ‘6061’ and ‘7075’. ‘6061’ is otherwise known as aircraft aluminum. It is made from trace amounts of silicon, copper, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc, first manufactured in 1935. Comparatively, ‘7075’ is significantly stronger than ‘6061’, made up of large amounts of copper, manganese, chromium, and zinc. ‘7075’ has more corrosion-resistance. A lot of guns produced with ‘6061’ had difficulty adjusting to wet environments, such as jungles, rainy settings, and even in human sweat. For this reason, a lot of manufacturers switched to ‘7075’.

Some of our most famous gun types are made from aluminum. The M-16 receiver is made from ‘7075’, as is the Beretta Model 92 gun. The Colt Aircrewman has been used by the US Air Force since 1950 and is made predominantly with aluminum frames and cylinders. The .38 caliber Cobra’s only 11 ounces when fully loaded. Classic models like the UA Arms Integrated Aluminum 1911 has a composite aluminum pistol body which is up to 60% lighter than steel-based alternatives. The aforementioned 1911 is a favourite of many law enforcement agencies.

Aluminum alloys continue to be used all over the gun industry and is preferred by firearm enthusiasts all over the world. The difference in weight is a huge advantage, yes, but beyond this, there’s also the quality of the material, it’s steel-comparable strength, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.

Source : https://aaluminum.com/

NASA has been using aluminum for over 50 years. Today, it’s one of the first materials manufacturers in spacecraft and aircraft go to, for dozens of reasons. Aluminum, like any NASA-selected materials, have to be able to withstand the environment they are in. In space, exacerbated conditions include extreme stress, high pressure, and lower than average temperatures. Aluminum is a metal of choice because it accomplishes high marks on all these.

Did You Know that Even NASA Uses Aluminum for Construction – it’s true!

Aluminum makes up some of the main components of spacecrafts, as selected by NASA engineers. Aluminum thrives at overcoming the challenges of launch, landing, and low-earth orbits. There are 3 primary ways aluminum in NASA construction are used.

Temperature protection.

Thermal protection is so, so important. NASA has to use layers of components such as gold, aluminum, titanium, and nickel to establish a thermal blanket of protection on their satellites, space telescopes, and rockets, as well as anything else they have to send into space. These thermal, temperature-controlled blankets reflect external heat from the sun while also trapping internal heat on any sides facing away from the sun.

Radiation protection.

The sun transfers heat through – you guessed it – radiation. This heat is transferred to any equipment, astronauts, and anything else up there in space. If the surface temperatures of any object is not being adequately controlled, this begins exposing said object to the effects of dangerous radiation from the sun. For this reason, most NASA equipment – if not all – is wrapped in aluminum metal reflectors. These are made with silver, copper, and gold as well, helping equipment and astronauts maintain a consistent and comfortable temperature.

Spacecraft components.

Aluminum has high marks on strength, long-term durability and performance, and weight efficiency. NASA uses aluminum for these 3 reasons to produce a wide array of mechanical components, including control arms, aluminum wheels, steering knuckles, brake calipers, and automotive cross members. All these things would not be possible without NASA employing aluminum.

NASA’s very own aluminum alloy!

NASA has even gone on to create its own aluminum alloy which is now known as NASA-427. Improvements in strength is perhaps its most advantageous benefit. More strength means less aluminum is required which helps to minimize weight, also more cost-effective for less material, shortened processing times, and it still meets all corrosion resistance standards. NASA-427, a new, stronger aluminum has potential applications on aluminum wheels, control arms, steering knuckles, brake calipers, automotive cross members, and on differential carriers.

Why aluminum is a preferred metal.

Aluminum is used by so many industries in addition to spacecraft component design and manufacturing for the same reasons it’s used by NASA. It’s a readily abundant, highly reactive, can be readily combined with other metals which makes it so useful, and it’s a source of seemingly never-ending innovation.

Aluminum in NASA is one of their most important materials, used consistently to update and improve spacecraft technology as well as to assist in the design of completely new technologies. Aluminum has helped and will continue to help make spacecrafts more cost-effective, eco-friendly, and energy-efficient. In the decades to come, aluminum will likely continue to serve much purpose in manufacturing aircraft components and in allowing astronauts to travel the solar system in the most efficient way.

Source : https://aaluminum.com/

This Custom BMW r80 is a Rolling Piece of Aluminum Art - aaluminum.com

Graz, Austria's Vаgаbund Mоtо hаѕ mаdе аn astounding mасhіnе age BMW R80RT that ѕtrеаmlіnеѕ thе fіrѕt bike's inconvenient lіnеѕ into a ѕmооth, smooth аrtісulаtіоn оf mесhаnісаl рlаn in thіѕ unіquеlу, nаmеd "V05."

Moderate ѕtуlе rеquеѕtѕ grеаtеѕt thоught. While thе ѕtrоng аlumіnum circle rаіѕе wheel may gеt thе еуе, dіffеrеnt points оf interest аrе mаdе dеlіbеrаtеlу undеtесtаblе, similar tо thе реrmіt рlаt holder thаt іѕ camouflauged tо mіx іn wіth thе haggle.

Whіlе the gаѕ tаnk іѕ unique tо thе bike, іt has bееn ԛuіеtlу mоvеd tо аdjuѕt to the nеw ѕеаt. Vаgаbund kіllеd tо ѕоmе thе-rасk ѕесоndаrу selling bіtѕ fоr thе speedometer, turn flags аnd hаnd controls, hоwеvеr had a nеаrbу сrаftѕmаn dеlіvеr thе іrrеgulаr fоg light lodging.

Thе wеll-соnсеаlеd fumes іѕ аddіtіоnаllу nеw, аnоthеr саѕе оf Vаgаbund'ѕ amazing tеndеr lоvіng саrе. Lооk fоr mоrе ѕtаggеrіng rіdеѕ beyond аnу dоubt to originate frоm thіѕ shop.

Source : https://aaluminum.com/

New Aluminum Metal Plant could be Ohio Valley’s key to Success

In 2018, Braidy Industries will begin to build its new aluminum plant not too far from Ashland, Kentucky, supplying the area with over 500 new jobs and pumping out a whopping 370,000 tons of aluminum sheet and aluminum wire annually by 2020. Most of the aluminum produced will be used for the construction of vehicles and spacecrafts. South Shore, the selected city, is sure to gain much from these plans.

The improvements made to how steel and aluminum are created are mainly thanks to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the team of which has created a method of producing aluminum metal that creates a slightly more lightweight and significantly stronger product than the industry’s current high-strength steel. This new method could soon be implemented in certain factories and leave the rest eternally stagnant. Advancements in the aluminum are comparable to those of the internet in the 1990s.

In terms of clean power to run aluminum and steel plants, Appalachia is a great choice mostly due to its effective electrical power conduction. Not only that, but the potential employees in the area are eager to get back to work. Many of the families those people come from have been employed by either the coal industry or the steel industry in past decades and are hoping for a job comeback in the field.

Unfortunately, the steel and coal industries have been suffering lately, and because they are so closely connected, there’s little that can be done to revive them both. Instead, politicians residing near the Ohio River are seeing the effects and searching for a solution to the job loss problem that resulted from the coal industry’s scrutiny during President Obama’s time in office.

Most American citizens aren’t too keen on seeing expansions occur within the coal and steel industries, but Appalachia is a notable exception. Residents welcome the possibility with open arms, hoping for a series of new jobs and a financial regrowth of the area. In addition to eager potential workers, Appalachia features railway lines, interstate highway proximity, and inexpensive clean energy production.

Two areas that have taken advantage of job loss situations in recent decades and transformed them into booming industry locations are the Raleigh-Dunham region of North Carolina and the now famous Silicon Valley. The former was able to bring together its many university professionals to form The Research Triangle, while the latter experimented with silicon computer chips and came out very successful in its endeavour. Both areas focused on their strengths and turned them into opportunities for their residents and their business partners.

It may seem farfetched, but the Ohio Valley could very well obtain the success in the aluminum industry that the Silicon Valley obtained in the computer industry. Of course, it will take great amounts of time, effort, and dedication, all of which the residents of the area have and will maintain if it means they’ll have access to new jobs. It’s been done many times before and can be done again - they’ll just have to keep moving forward.

Source: https://aaluminum.com/

3D Printed Aluminum Vehicle released by Taiwan Automotive Research Consortium

Image: 3Dprint.com

Three years ago, Local Motors presented its 3D printed electric car, the very first of its kind. Since then, many transportation devices have been 3D printed, including electric skateboards, electric buses, motorcycles, and new car models from automakers like Honda and Volkswagen. The innovation of 3D printing shows no signs of slowing as the Taiwan Automotive Research Consortium constructed its own double-seated electric vehicle, the frame and interior of which was 3D printed and made mostly from aluminum metal.  

Car enthusiasts were introduced to this new aluminum creation when it was put on display for the Taipei AMPA and Autotronics car and motorbike show, held at the Nangang Exhibition Center, associated with and in close proximity to the Taipei World Trade Center.

The consortium’s personal pavilion displayed its recent accomplishments in the realm of research and development, its 3D printed aluminum sheet car accompanied by over twenty of its other new products, which all emphasized the growing popularity of autonomous technology.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs owns the research consortium and is pushing for more advancements in the automotive field as well as stronger international ties. The Ministry’s Department of Industrial Technology encouraged several research companies to form the consortium back in 2005, and it now has six members that work together to find solutions to the many research and development problems institutions currently face.

The Taiwan Automotive Research Consortium quickly became the top research and development organization in the country, and to uphold its title, its members began to focus their efforts on combining widely tested technologies from multiple different sources. This experimentation led to an improvement in the way electric vehicles were created and how they functioned. In the near future, the consortium hopes to develop a collaborative space for research teams, domestic companies, and university staff, which could lead to more breakthroughs in modern technology.

If successful, the consortium could be advancing quickly in the coming years. Its new electric car already features a 6.6kWh lithium-ion battery and a 100km driving capability after a single charging period, reaching a maximum speed of 60kph. The construction of the car, as expected, wasn’t typical. All parts of the vehicle except for the doors were created with a 3D printer. This impressive feat, if implemented regularly, could cut down on the amount of time it takes to build vehicles. Additionally, the electrical nature of these cars would have a positive impact on the environment.

The 3D printed vehicle weighing in at 98,7kg is made primarily of aluminum sheet, the best material for the construction of cars, bikes, planes, and heavy weaponry. If 3D printer vehicles are produced more frequently, manufacturing costs could be only 60% of what they currently are. The consortium plans to do this, but it is unsure as to how soon.

Although the consortium’s 3D printed aluminum vehicle was the most intriguing of its new products, it also displayed its Cooperative Vehicle Positioning System and its Forward Object Detection System, both developed to create safer driving conditions. Most can agree that any new technology is exciting.

Source: https://aaluminum.com/

Aluminum Sheet Metal Becomes a Contender as Auto Industry Pushes for Lighter Vehicles

According to a new report, the car industry’s sheet metal sector is encouraging the development and implementation of more lightweight car frames.

The industry works in collaboration with several others, and last year, the top four companies made up two-fifths of the entire market when combined. Despite the minimal obstacles businesses have to overcome when entering the market, creating and running new sheet metal processing locations is expensive and material-heavy. For this reason, new companies don’t come flooding into the market.

The top companies in the automotive sheet metal industry consistently aim to create better products. Companies that constantly improve what they’re selling beat out competitors by intriguing customers and catering to desires. Those who put enough time, effort, and money into research and development will hold a greater market share worldwide.

Ambitious auto companies have begun to tackle international markets with specialized vehicles and outstanding passenger vehicles. The worldwide auto sheet metal industry is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate of 3.7% from 2017 to 2025. By this prediction, the $137.35 billion value will increase to $187.53 billion by 2025.

Although aluminum and aluminum sheet has been getting a lot of attention in the automotive industry lately, steel was last year’s biggest revenue contributor, making up three-fifths of the global market’s total. Steel will continue to be favoured by automakers over the next decade or so, according to recent market predictions.

The Asian Pacific market is currently in the lead in the auto sheet metal industry across the world. China in particular is expected to hold its place as a top consumer of passenger cars, driving the sheet metal industry as well as the continent’s overall market. If things continue to go this way, China may hold the number one spot in the world for the market sector by the end of 2025.

The 2010s have brought about a sharp increase in worldwide auto production, due largely in part by the growing need for passenger vehicles in many regions alongside the push to create less weighty vehicles with specialized alloys. These two key demands have allowed the auto sheet metal market to expand very quickly. A shift in environmental awareness has also brought about the release of electric vehicles and hybrid fuel vehicles, both of which will become more common in the coming years.

Vehicles are expected to become smaller and lighter in the near future to reduce their carbon footprint and save companies money. The price changes in aluminum and steel greatly affect the auto sheet metal market, and China remains the leader in the production of both steel and aluminum sheet. Due to recent legal violations, however, the country is beginning to downsize its production capacity.

The supply and demand of aluminum and steel has been fluctuating worldwide in recent years, causing companies to begin to worry about the accessibility and pricing of both metals. Largely influenced by global production, aluminum and steel will unsurprisingly have the greatest impact on the automotive industry and its lightweight vehicle building endeavour.

Source: https://aaluminum.com/

Nail your Backyard Cookout with these Barbecue Tips

Summer is the time of the year when ice cream, shorts, and beach days become the norm. But passionate cooks are undoubtedly most excited to start barbecuing again. If you’re planning a yard party this summer, reduce your stress levels and make your party the best it can be with our cookout tips.

To get your barbecue going, ignite the coals in a discarded egg carton and watch it heat up with ease. Ensure you have enough propane to keep your barbecue up and running for the duration of the party; dousing your tank in hot water and feeling for cold spots, which indicate propane, is a good strategy. A warm tank is an empty tank.

Here’s one of our favourite tips featuring aluminum. Bring out your kitchen’s aluminum foil and crumple the foil up into a ball to scrape down your grill, leaving it clean and clear in no time. If you’re looking to cook more aromatic foods, consider putting whole dried herbs on top of the flames for flavour-infused smoke. For seafood, cut citrus fruits into thin slices and cook the fish on top.

A cookout wouldn’t be complete without hamburgers and hot dogs. Spiral cutting wieners will help them cook more evenly, while making a depression in the center of hamburger patties will allow them to stay the same size and shape as they cook. Before cooking any type of meat, with the exception of fish, let it sit out for twenty minutes or so to allow it to stay juicy.

Grilling veggies is simple with wooden or aluminum metal skewers. Coat them in your choice of seasoning and watch them char beautifully on the grill. Set out a kiddie pool for any accompanying foods you have, like salads, pastas, or fruits, and fill it with ice to keep everything cold.

Muffin holders are great for holding condiments. Put sauces and toppings inside them with spoons for quick distribution and cleanup. If you have chips, fold down the top of the bag so they can be accessed more easily. Both of these tips will save room on the table, too.

When your guests are finished eating, direct them to your labeled garbage and recycling bins so everything goes in the right place. Set out a labeled dirty dishes bin if you used kitchen plates and cutlery. Tidying up becomes a lot less tiring when you plan ahead. Leftover food can always be easily stored in aluminum foil or in an aluminum sheet pan.

Backyard cookouts shouldn’t be a stressful experience - they should be all around enjoyable. By using these tips, everyone will enjoy the food and have fun. Not to mention, you’ll spend way less time cleaning up after your guests leave. Now you’ve got yet another reason to party!

Source:https://aaluminum.com/

Black Aluminum Wheels a Possibility for Alcoa

Image: Today's Trucking

Alcoa will soon be introducing black aluminum wheels to the vehicle industry, a Dura-Bright model designed for trucks. If it piques the interest of enough consumers, it’ll be here to stay.

Older generations tend to lean towards the typical silver metals like chrome and steel for their car wheels, but this generation’s young adults are open to new things. Looking to the latter fact, Alcoa has developed their popular Dura-Bright Evo wheel in a sleek black tone. When the sample wheels were displayed at a truck show, many people saw them and grew curious.

This new wheel is created by treating the aluminum with absorptive black material that blends with the first couple layers of the metal. Cutting the wheel open would reveal a tiny layer of the black substance encircling regular silver aluminum. It functions the same way the standard Dura-Bright wheel that came before it does, meaning the only difference between the two is the resulting visual effect.

One benefit aluminum offers that steel doesn’t is its ability to maintain shape and quality. Steel often needs maintenance to prevent scratches and molecular decay. Alcoa’s online questionnaire leaves out steel and only the two versions of its Dura-Bright wheels. Results vary depending on age group, as expected.

Alcoa’s plan may not work out, but it’s too early to tell. The company could have a great deal of luck if the younger generation takes an interest in stylizing their cars. 

Source: https://aaluminum.com/

Aluminum, Wood, or Vinyl? Choosing the Right Siding for your Home

For a long time, aluminum siding was thought to be of lower quality than others, particularly wood siding. The truth is, every siding material has its pros and cons, and it’s important for every homeowner to choose the material that works best in their situation.

North Americans, for example, experience many drastic changes in temperature and precipitation, with both hot, humid summers and frigid, snowy winters. This wide range often calls for wood siding, which is both aesthetically pleasing and durable, assuming it’s taken care of.

Unfortunately, maintaining wood siding can be a nuisance, as it takes years of treatment to protect it against insects, mould, and natural decay. If you choose wood trim for your home, be prepared to reseal and repaint it every few years.

If you don’t want to go to all the trouble of caring for wood siding, consider using aluminum instead. This tough metal only needs to be repainted every fifteen years to maintain its sleek look. Of course, aluminum is subject to scratches and indentations, which often keep homeowners from selecting it for their homes. In the light of this discovery, more options have become available.

Vinyl siding is stronger and longer-lasting than aluminum, and for these reasons, it can be a great choice for many homeowners. It requires frequent cleaning because it attracts dirt, but all it takes to look like new again is a garden hose and a bit of patience. Vinyl can also be installed in several different colours and keep any cracks securely closed.

Clearly, vinyl wins the siding battle, right? Well, not quite. Aluminum is preferable for homes situated in very cold climates, because unlike vinyl, it won’t crack and let in moisture when it experiences drastic temperature changes. Aluminum is also a widely-used metal that can easily be recycled.

Developers create new vinyl and aluminum siding each year, so you’ll never run out of options. Take the time to learn about which products are available to you, and make sure to choose something that looks good, keeps your home insulated, and withstands the test of time.

Source: https://aaluminum.com/

Aluminum Experts create Metallic Art by Hand

Image: Cycle World

In 2014, a Californian engineer named Robert Steffano envisioned making a motorcycle without a shell, tastefully exposing all the elements required to run a high-quality two-wheeled vehicle. This Ducati would be called the 969 Cafe Roadster, paying homage to the racer bikes used in the fifties and sixties.

Although Steffano had all the parts he needed, he lacked the skills required to complete specialized details on the bike’s frame. Fortunately, he teamed up with Evan Wilcox, an experienced jeweler who knew the ins and outs of working with aluminum, the primary metal used in making vehicles.

Wilcox had previously attended the LA Art Center College of Design for photography, but he soon found he preferred more physical creative tasks. He turned away from photography and used his newfound knowledge of shapes and shadows to shape aluminum, a flexible metal that works with rather than against the artist.

Because aluminum cannot be easily made geometric, fighting being molded into corners and straight edges, the results are mainly curved and cohesive. This sort of structure can be seen in older Ferraris and certain motorcycle gas tanks.

With a bit of convincing, Wilcox agreed to work with Steffano on the Ducati. The model needed aluminum styling, as any other metal would have been too difficult and wouldn’t have produced the desired outcome. The gentle twists and turns of aluminum would perfectly showcase the bike’s build. While the two communicated during their collaboration, they knew when to step back and let their partner do what he was good at.

In the end, Wilcox made nine parts, including the fuel tank, pipes, engine, and chassis required to power the bike. Both he and Steffano were able to effectively apply their skills to meet the bike’s needs. They even made sure all motorcycle road rules were followed so the 969 Cafe Roadster could be ridden without risk of legal repercussions.

The two craftsmen are considering future projects similar to this one, but nothing is certain. They’ll continue to use their hands and minds to build, disregarding digital design. It’s evident that their creations come from the heart.

Source: https://aaluminum.com/

Foiled Plans: Aluminum Producer Takes Steps to Handle Price Plummet

Bharat Aluminum Company, more commonly known as Balco, has found an effective way to keep their sector of the aluminum industry going. Through collecting raw materials locally, increasing worker efficiency, reducing high costs and more, the Chhattisgarh company owned by Vedanta has greatly cut spending and upped production success.

When asked about how the company had dealt with the situation, Balco director Ramesh Nair replied that although they were faced with a drop in commodity pricing, they transformed this challenge into an opportunity. They brought in measures to counteract this and lessened losses, making way for higher production.

Worldwide demand of the malleable metal was what most affected the drop in price, the Aluminum Association of India reports.

An option to collect local coal from Korba was another excellent way to save the company money. Anil Agrawal, chairman of Vedanta, facilitated the first meeting in Korba in November 2016, in hopes of motivating the company to take action. Alongside the locally-sourced coal, Balco’s previously shut down sheet-rolling plant recently reopened and restarted production.

Now, Balco is working towards raising its annual aluminum production from 0.6 million tonnes to one million. The producer plans to search for new raw materials to achieve this goal and maintain the twenty-five percent market share they hold.

For a company that employs approximately 7500 people, we can only hope their future plans will bring them the success that their past actions have. 

Source: https://aaluminum.com/

Chances are, You’ve been using Aluminum Foil all Wrong

It’s a sad but all too common story of the ‘roll that got away’: You open up a brand new box of shiny aluminum foil only to have it fall right out of the box when you attempt to tear off a sheet. In the arena of minor disturbances and mysteries, it is one of the most frustrating occurrences, particularly when you’re in a pinch and needing to quickly wrap eats and treats for preservation storage.

You think the company must have forgotten to design a mechanism for holding the roll in place, but somehow missed creating a simple remedy for the obvious glitch. Before you dream of inventing a brand new (not to mention patented and very lucrative) way of holding the wrap in place, I’m here to tell you that it’s been done. The mechanism has been there hidden from sight on the sides of the roll where you have missed it all these years.

Go ahead and have a look in your kitchen drawer. Most likely, right there on each side of the flashy rectangular box is the key to rock-solid aluminum foil staying-power: “Press to Lock Roll”…or some similar instruction that is equally helpful. Two perforated tabs pushed in will, in mere seconds, lock the roll in place! Try and push the locking tabs on the sides first thing after opening the box to ensure that the foil you purchased is indeed there in ship-shape.

Although you may be one of the many millions of people worldwide that have failed to secure their aluminum foil wrap before use, you can take solace in the fact that you are not alone and start enjoying the gift of greater efficiency that comes from having some inside, or rather outside edge, knowledge. This commonly applies to many brands of cellophane wrap too!

Since we’re on a roll, the next mystery we’ll solve is: Which side of aluminum foil should go on the outside of wrapped food? Spokeswoman for Reynolds Kitchens, Pat Schweitzer, says it really doesn’t matter when cooling food. And the difference when cooking food is so minimal with the shiny side attracting more heat that it doesn’t matter at all. Whew!

Source: https://aaluminum.com/

Aluminum Sheet Growth Forecast

Aluminum sheets aren’t just for lining baking pans? Well, that’s not exactly what the automotive industry is referring to when talking about a new projection in manufacturing. Aluminum sheet, as opposed to the kitchen foil, is expected to increase in usage to line automotive exterior parts such as fenders and truck beds.

The growth forecast for aluminum sheet and cast is set to experience more than 250 per cent growth respectively taking a large chunk of the market as early as 2022 according to IHS Markit automotive forecaster, Michael Robinet. This will include everything from luxury class vehicles such as the Audi A8 to the Ford’s classic F-150 model.

Robinet expects a shift will be made to aluminum by the same year or the next as aluminum and sturdier steels begin to comprises the bulk of exterior parts and closures such as panels and fenders. Carbon fiber and other composite metals are set to increase in the next decade.

Manufacturers automotive adhesives or other heat-sensitive materials fasteners will also see steady growth. Composite metals are making the grade for use in truck beds for companies such as the Honda Ridgeline with its incorporation of fiberglass as opposed to carbon fiber reinforcement.

Other tenacious Asian OEMs are watching closely, but waiting on the invention of stronger base structure materials to support truck beds underneath before they follow in the footsteps of Honda. The Detroit Three: General Motors, Ford and Fiat Chrysler will keep the idea on the backburner for now with an increased awareness of the rising use of composites such as aluminum sheet and cast, steel, and other plastics in Asian OEM domestic pickup trucks such as the Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan and Nissan Frontier.

Source: https://aaluminum.com/

Artwork or Aluminum Speaker?

There is no question that when it comes to the latest variation to Soundwall, there are at least a couple of features that are well worth getting excited about. A Soundwall can function on a couple of different levels. It can work as an aluminum artwork playing music, or as a flat panel speaker that’s been disguised as paintings. The newest version is known as Nova, and it has some elements that take the core concept of Soundwall to the next level. It is even more interactive than before.

This touch-enabled artwork piece can now utilize both music and lights to create something that engages the viewer on a number of levels. The Magic Touch feature now allows for playing, pausing, or skipping songs that will be streamed to the device from your phone’s Bluetooth -- simply with the touch of your hand. That’s impressive but the same can be said for the all-new Mood Lights feature. You can now manipulate lighting to create an even deeper impact. Using the Soundwall app, you will be able to control everything with ease.

Currently, you can purchase one of these speakers for around nine hundred dollars. Choose amongst 150 designs, or upload your own.

Source: https://aaluminum.com/

Aluminum-Clad Sayama Forest Chapel Created By NAP Architects

A Japanese studio known as Hiroshi Nakamura/NAP architects recently revealed some images of the Sayama Forest Chapel. This chapel shares space with the Sayama lakeside cemetery complex, which can be found in the Saitama prefecture. This small timber-based structure is located at the threshold of a very dense forest, which eventually reveals a clearing. The nearby road is such that pedestrian traffic is impossible.

The complex compelled NAP architects to work to create a structure that would function as an architecturally secular location to accommodate those in mourning. This Gassho-style creation features two opposing walls that lean against one another, which was used to meet a variety of conceptual and structural demands. The final form is evocative of hands in the prayer position. The angled walls mirror the form of a body in the act of prayer.

The structure brilliantly avoids branches from the forest canopy, while also preserving the trees that are currently in the area. The curves and height of the area are optimized by a variety of design measures. The secular, minimalist design has a purpose of making visitors and worshippers alike feel welcome and serene. Those who have been to the space can attest that the hand-crafted aluminum tiles are just the beginning when it comes to the impressive elements of the space. The structure is being called a triumph on every possible level.

With so many features enhancing and accentuating the design of this structure, it can be difficult to appreciate just how complex this seemingly simple structure really is. It will be fascinating to see additional examples of architecture that are optimized for not only the people, but for all of the surroundings that exist in the vicinity of the structure.

Source: https://aaluminum.com/

US Trade Complaint Against China

The United States has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization to highlight the unfair practices of China that has led to a crippling effect in the aluminum and steel sector in the country. China’s unacceptable practices have impacted many countries around the world, particularly the industrially advanced economies that have flourishing steel and aluminum sectors.

The outgoing Obama administration alleged in the trade complaint that China was dumping aluminum across the global market at prices so low that they are not only unrealistic but also artificial. Not only is this practice immoral but also against fair competition and can destroy sectors in many countries including the United States.

In the official complaint to the World Trade Organization, the US has brought to light the illegal subsidies and artificially cheap loans that China has been showering on its aluminum industry and which has led to an uncontrolled boom in the largest Asian economy.

Former President Barack Obama had said that China gave its domestic aluminum industry an undeserving and unfair advantage with underpriced loans and strange government subsidies that would be deemed illegal in any fair trade practice. He had also stated that such policies had put American manufacturers at a distance and lead to a global glut in steel and aluminum sectors among others. Michael Froman, US Trade Representative, has taken this forward in the complaint. Recently, Intalco near Ferndale was about to shut down due to the malpractices of China. While the aluminum smelter of Intalco may have been saved from shutting down with renegotiated power deal and capital inflow for the workforce, there can be more adverse effects if China continues with its policies and practices.

This is not the first time the US has had to file a complaint against China with the World Trade Organization. There have been fifteen such complaints in the past, highlighting the need for various types of trade enforcement challenges. It is expected that the complaint will be followed up and some tenable action would be taken, despite the transition of power from the Obama administration to the Trump administration. President Donald Trump had spoken about closing the trade gap US has with China and it was one of the priorities he had set for his administration. It remains to be seen how he follows up with these measures. China is already infamous for being a currency manipulator and Trump has called them out on several occasions.

Source: https://aaluminum.com/

Feds Seize 250M of Aluminum from Chinese Billionaire

In a sting operation, the US federal authorities seized several hundreds of shipping containers as part of their investigation following a tip that a Chinese business tycoon dealing in aluminum was avoiding paying the USA custom tariffs.

Officials from the U.S Customs Department seized and detained hundreds of containers packed with aluminum shipments worth $25 million in September 2016 from a California-based company. The Department of Homeland Security recently acquired the containers from the U.S Customs Department to further the investigations.

The Department of Homeland Security said in a report to the press that they were moving the containers undisclosed location at the Port of Long Beach to allow for laboratory testing and evaluation of the aluminum.

The Owner
 

U.S authorities link Chinese billionaire, Liu Zhongtian to Perfectus Aluminum Inc., the company that owned the aluminum. He is also the founder of Zhongwang, an aluminum giant in China with worldwide operations.

The Wall Street Journal in October reported that the Justice and Homeland Security departments were investigating allegations brought against the Zhongtian’s companies that include wire fraud, conspiracy, and smuggling.

By December, the U.S Commerce Department found that Zhongwang was guilty of evading the high U.S customs fees by routing their products through Vietnam and Mexico.

Officials from the Commerce Department also looked into a New Jersey metal company and found that it was housing Chinese aluminum pallets for melting. The high tariffs on Chinese metal exports to the U.S came after many findings of improperly dumped subsidized metal associated with Zhongwang.

In a press statement, Zhongwang’s spokesperson denied any association of Zhongtian to Perfectus Inc. However, the Wall Street Journal linked the company to Jacky Cheung, Zhongtian’s son.

Source: https://aaluminum.com/

A Look at the Nokia 6 Official Debut

Through a team-up with HMD Global, Nokia had made it clear that they are ready to get back on the smartphone market. Featuring an Android Nougat and aluminum unibody design, HMD is going to build the phones and Nokia is going to put their brand on them. Will the Nokia 6 be able to grab a piece of the smartphone market? That is going to depend on a number of factors.

One thing’s for sure--the Nokia 6 is something that is definitely worth getting excited about.

The 5.5-inch 1920 X 1080 display is one of the first things to note. It features a 2.5D Gorilla Glass with an 8-megapixel front facing cam. The 16 megapixel camera offers f/2.0 apertures with phase detection auto-focus around back. The snapdragon 430 processors are also appealing, in addition to four gigs of RAM, as well as sixty-four gigs of included storage.

The dual amplifiers are yet another element to the Nokia 6 that turned heads during its recent debut. HMD promises that this phone will offer six dB louder sounds than your regular amps. The company promises that the end result is going to be something that works with higher voices, deeper bass capabilities, and profound clarity. JD.com will handle an exclusive Chinese release in early 2017. The expected retail price for the Nokia 6 is going to be in the range of 246.00. The specs and price are certainly elements that appeal to experts, although some wonder if it will be enough to appeal to the market at large.

Source: https://aaluminum.com/

Stunning North Bay Light Pillars

Last week, a North Bay, Ontario resident woke up to discover something extraordinary. Upon awakening, he found pillars of powerful, colorful lights being shot towards the sky. He had initially woken up to care for his crying child until he finally looked out the window. He saw the staggering beauty of lights coming down from the sky. He would later describe the phenomena, which he was able to capture on film, as something akin to Star Trek ships beaming people up.

As he was tending to his infant son, the resident, Timothy Joseph Elzinga saw the lights and knew he had to take photos. He put on some clothes, rushed outside, and took as many photos as possible with his phone. Thanks to the quality of the phone, the pictures he snapped are exceptional. They give the viewer a clear idea of what these lights looked like. However, some would argue that appreciating these lights is something that’s best done in person.

A light pillar can be created when natural or artificial lights bounce off the ice crystals that are close to the ground.

Source: https://aaluminum.com/

What Happens When you Drop an iPhone into Molten Aluminum?

What happens when you drop an ordinary iPhone into molten aluminum? If you don’t know the answer, relax. Most of us could only venture a guess but two YouTube personalities decided to actually do something about it. The Backyard Scientist and GizmoSlip are two individuals who have each amassed significant fan followings on YouTube for answering questions along the lines of the one just mentioned. They answered this one, too, and the end result is going to prove to be something truly impressive.

Using a DIY foundry, the two YouTube stars melted down the necessary amount of aluminum, waiting until it turned black, and became pliable. After dropping the phone into the aluminum, the soupy materials will overwhelm the electronic device, burning off some of its components almost immediately. This includes the battery, as well as the plastic.

Eventually, the phone came back to the surface of the molten aluminum. After turning black, it became pliable. You could even bend it by poking it with a rod. Keep in mind that 1, 221 degrees Fahrenheit is the melting point for aluminum. However, even at that extraordinary temperature, the two YouTube stars found that with the exception of the bend from their earlier prodding, the iPhone more or less retained its original shape. The end result is a fascinating example of the durability of these products. At the same time, it is also important to understand how the concept of durability can work sometimes. To be sure, the iPhone they dropped into the molten aluminum is never going to work again. Still, the fact that it retained its shape even after all of that is something that you can’t help but be impressed with.

It would be interesting to see what would happen with other devices under the circumstances outlined in the actual experiment.

Source: https://aaluminum.com/