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9 11, 2011

Aluminum Industry & Company Leaders Advocate for Better Recycling Practices

2017-01-26T23:37:31+00:00November 9th, 2011|

Over the past decade Americans have become increasingly more engaged with the benefits of recycling but more work is to be done if the nation is to reach a lofty goal set by the aluminum industry and the Alcoa Alcoa company, a leading producer of primary and fabricated aluminum.

“In 2008, Alcoa took up the charge to raise recycling rates in the U.S. to 75 percent by 2015.” And since it is estimated that Americans collectively earn $1 Billion a year through recycling initiatives, it seemed possible that through education and access to bins, consumers would join in the fight to stop the build up of preventable waste.

In honor of America Recycles Day which the Alcoa Foundation founded, they posted free tools this month, via their website, hoping to increase awareness about the ease of recycling practices.

“While it’s simple to recycle, it’s not always easy. In some communities, consumers don’t have access to recycling bins or know where to find recycling centers. That’s why the website also includes a recycling center location search tool and a list of states offering recycling bins through Alcoa’s Recycling Bin Donation Program.”

In addition to improving education and access, the company has over the years provided consumers with free bins, 125,000 to be exact. For “if every American recycled just one more can per week,” the 75% recycling goal would be reached,” they believe.

CLICK HERE to read the original article and learn more about what you can learn about enhancing recycling in your community.

3 11, 2011

Leaders in Manufacturing call for Increased US Competitiveness

2017-01-26T23:37:31+00:00November 3rd, 2011|

The Jacksonville Journal’s recent article recapping the Clinton Global Initiative in New York, states that Andrew Liveris, CEO of Dow Chemical, has been concerned that the “country is rapidly falling behind its

[manufacturing] competitors overseas.” And furthermore that America is facing an all out crisis within the industry.

While Liveris’ quotes were stern and straightforward, the entirety of his sentiments were meant to motivate a stagnant or perhaps misguided American manufacturing agenda. While he warned, “If we give up on manufacturing, we will be giving up on innovation.” He countered saying, “we can reinvent the sector that was once the source of America’s greatest pride. So let the rebuilding begin.”

The most crucial point Liveris made at the talk, which the article expels, is the connection between innovations manufacturing and American prosperity. The focus of this posts being on the former. “We can’t survive on ideas alone,” the article recounts Liveris saying whose sentiments are echoed further in his book, “Make it in America: The Case for Re-inventing the Economy.” In short, Liberis proposed that it’s time to shift the focus of American business back from overseas and onto American soil through competitive incentives. For example:

1. Create a new manufacturing tax credit that reduces the effective rate substantially.
2. Make an R&D tax credit permanent.
3. Create a new economic growth bank that funds sustainable jobs and businesses controlled by a bipartisan board.
4. Change the legal immigration policy to make America more hospitable to foreign entrepreneurs.

CLICK HERE to read the original article and to learn more about the current US Manufacturing “crisis.”

26 10, 2011

Public Art Project Chooses to Use Aluminum to Spread Positive Messages

2017-01-26T23:37:31+00:00October 26th, 2011|

In conjunction with Domestic Violence Awareness Month a new public art project in Lexington, Kentucky went on display on October 22nd in honor of domestic violence survivors, showcasing their strength and courage. Entitled, Tiles for Relief, the public art project was comprised of poured melted aluminum, shaped by molds- made of sand and resin. “After cooling, the molds will break away and the individual tiles will be put together to form a mural.” The 100-piece tile mural represents designs by survivors participating in the Bluegrass Domestic Violence Program and the Violence Intervention and Prevention Center at the University of Kentucky. The project was developed by Niah Soult, an art therapist at Bluegrass who says the mural “depicts a woman in mid-scream.” Soult says the women felt like the image recalls what “relief” can look like for survivors.

The Centers partnered with local non-profit, Sculpture Trails Traveling Foundry, who was in charge of pouring the hot aluminum into the molds. Guests gathered on the 22nd to witness the 1,500 degree liquid metal be transformed into tiles. Project organizers have been searching for “a highly visible spot near downtown” for the work to be located but have yet to find one ever since the original location fell through. Finding a permanent home for the work is key suggested Bluegrasses’ executive director, Darlene Thomas, who explained that domestic violence survivors struggle with feelings of alienation, so to have a physical place for the community to gather would be of the upmost significance. In closing, Thomas reflected on their choice of material, stating that the durability and longevity of aluminum was as much a symbolic choice as a literal one, in that the material’s physical assets reflected the resilience of survivors.

CLICK HERE to read the original article and learn more about this community project.

20 10, 2011

“Aluminum Man” Video Goes Viral & We Like IT!

2017-01-26T23:37:32+00:00October 20th, 2011|

Dare I ask, Is the ‘Aluminum Man’ video good for the industry? While the video was created as a jovial stunt it does offer up facts about aluminum. Lyrics describe the main character, Aluminum Man, as “light as a feather” and “recyclable;” all positive descriptions of the material.

The video’s creator, Richard Heene, has made previous viral spoofs that garnered he and his family international public attention, not all of which has been entirely positive. But with estimates that aluminum stocks will rise in the 4th Quarter after what some might call a rough and unpredictable year, there’s little point in not bobbing along to the song which in its best moments praises the material for both its fanciful and practical purposes. So while the Huffington Post may not understand why Heene as contributed yet another stunt to his repertoire of joke videos and what the world could possibly learn from it- we’re bobbing along and yes…singing it praises.

CLICK HERE to read the original video and to watch the video or HERE to learn more about aluminum’s predicted stock gain in 2011’s 4th Quarter.

17 10, 2011

Evaluating Craft Beer’s Switch to Aluminum Cans

2017-01-26T23:37:32+00:00October 17th, 2011|

In “Is Craft Beer’s Move to Aluminum a Dirty Choice?” John Heylin weighs the pros and cons of the newest trend in craft beer packing: aluminum cans. Helyin argues that the move to aluminum packaging is a reflection of consumer demand, as more craft beer drinkers are active and prefer containers that do not break as easily as glass. Helyin also cites the unbreakable nature of aluminum as an additional benefit to the manufacturer, who often looses product when working with glass. And if this wasn’t enough, aluminum is of benefit to distributors as it’s lighter and less expensive to ship. So why is Helyin so against the industry’s new trend?

While Helyin feels the craft beer market established itself on a green, organic image which they are moving away from by using mainstream method’s of manufacturing, packaging and shipping, his main concerns were the processes used to acquire the material from the earth. But the fact remains that aluminum is better for beer. Seeing that it’s nearly 100% recyclable, cans costs less to manufacture than glass, have a longer shelf life – creating less waste and above all, are a better preserver of quality and taste, all seem to trump his environmental focus. While Helyin’s points should not be dismissed as it is always important to consider the costs of mining the earth, it is also necessary to consider what material is best suited for a product that will undoubtedly be around until the end of time. Watch Inc.’s “New Product Trend: Craft Beer in a Can” video below to learn about the first USA brewer to use aluminum and positive ways it has affected the production and use of the product.

CLICK HERE to read the original article and learn more about craft beer’s switch to aluminum cans.

CLICK HERE to watch Inc.’s video about the first brewing company in America to use aluminum cans and the many ways it’s benefiting to the industry.

7 10, 2011

Predicted Demands for Aluminum Encourage Industry Growth

2015-06-18T15:33:40+00:00October 7th, 2011|

Canada’s top aluminum companies will be investing 15 billion in facility enhancement and job creation in Quebec over the next decade based on “rising global demand” for the material. The need for new transportation systems like buses and subway cars that can be recycled and repaired for less cost when made with aluminum, and the widening call for bridge repair in North America, have enticed Quebec companies to invest heavily in the future of the industry.

Many facts point to an increase in aluminum use in the next 10 years.  For starters there are approximately “250,000 older bridges in the United States and 3,000 in Quebec in need of repair.” In addition to that fact aluminum is more “cost effective [than] steel,” has a longer life cycle and when used in vehicles reduces their weight, therefore decreasing wear and tear on roads and bridges. In light of these details it will be easy market the material to current and future manufacturers as it is the greener alternative to other materials, like steel.

Canadian companies celebrate their “cheap hydroelectric energy costs and a trained workforce” as advantages that can only be further enhanced with their new investment. Ultimately the goal for the Canadians is to retaining industry expertise in the province and there’s no doubt their headed in the right direction.

CLICK HERE to read the original article and learn more about the expanded demand for aluminum.

6 10, 2011

Taber Extrusions Announces Extrusion Capabilities for U.S. – Based Machine Shops

2017-01-26T23:37:32+00:00October 6th, 2011|

Taber Extrusions, a provider of a range of aluminum extrusions, announced the launch of several extrusion capabilities for U.S.-based machine shops based on current market demand among OEMs and various end users.

The new introduction of extrusions is expected to assist the manufacturers to keep costs down and remain competitive in a fragmented market.

Taber Extrusions works with companies for designing custom aluminum extruded shapes that significantly reduce machine time and material costs.

Its press facility has two specific capabilities to attract machine shops. The facility has the capability to manufacture solid extrusions up to 31 inches wide and over 100 pounds per foot. The center can also manufacture complex multi-void profiles up to 26 inches wide.

“Designing an extrusion that is closer to the finished parts’ net shape is an extraordinary time and cost saver for these shops,” said Bill Wetmore, president of Taber Extrusions, in a statement. “Many shops are hogging out finished parts from cut plate or extruded bar that results in a much higher scrap rate and requires significantly more machine time.”

Taber Extrusions works include managing finished machined part drawing and designing custom profile.

The company also added a precision cut saw for cutting tolerances up to +/- .030, which allows the machine shops to take the blanks directly to the machining center. Taber’s capabilities allow machine shops to make large, finished parts. Users will benefit as this alternative method results in a huge cost savings for the machine shop.

Recently, Taber Extrusions announced the launch of an enhanced Web site that will offer potential customers a streamlined shopping experience. The new Web site is expected to assist key government contractors and engineers to quickly search, find, and assess their customized aluminum extrusion solutions.

Featured on www.robotics.tmcnet.com/

5 10, 2011

Taber Extrusions Offers Machine Shops Competitive Advantage and Cost Savings with Precision Extrusion Practices

2016-08-24T16:17:34+00:00October 5th, 2011|

Russellville, Ark. (October 4, 2011) – As the U.S. manufacturing industry seeks innovative techniques to stay relevant in a technology-driven marketplace, keep costs down for customers, and remain competitive in a somewhat fragmented market, “American-made” Taber Extrusions has announced several extrusion capabilities for U.S.-based machine shops based on current market demand among OEMs and various end users.

For over thirty-five years, Taber Extrusions has worked with this specific vertical in designing custom aluminum extruded shapes that significantly reduce machine time and material costs.  The company’s large press facility located in Russellville, Arkansas, has two specific capabilities that appeal to machine shops: first, the facility can manufacture solid extrusions up to 31inches wide and over 100 pounds per foot; secondly, the facility can manufacture complex multi-void profiles up to 26 inches wide.

“Designing an extrusion that is closer to the finished parts’ net shape is a extraordinary time and cost saver for these shops,” remarked Taber Extrusions President, Bill Wetmore. “Many shops are ‘hogging out’ finished parts from cut plate or extruded bar that results in a much higher scrap rate and requires significantly more machine time than starting from an extruded profile that is closer to the finished net shape.”

Taber Extrusions works with these shops, in many cases starting from a finished machined part drawing, to assist in designing a custom profile that includes just enough machine stock to allow for the required extrusion tolerances.  Anticipating the needs of their customer base, the company recently added a precision cut saw that allows for cutting tolerances up to +/- .030, which allows the machine shops to take the blanks directly to the machining center. Taber’s ultra-wide and heavy capabilities allow machine shops to make large, finished parts as opposed to being made by an assembly of smaller components.  For production volume parts this alternative method results in a huge cost savings for the machine shop.

Added Steve Althardt, Sales Manager for Taber Extrusions: “Machine shops that leverage our capabilities in wide and heavy custom extrusions with the added flexibility in multiple alloy choices are more competitive, allowing them to win more jobs and make higher margins per hour on their machining centers.”

In addition to their wide and heavy capabilities, Taber also offers machine shops the full range of aluminum alloys and tempers including 7000, 6000, 5000, and 2000 series alloys.  The company carries all of the required industry standard qualifications including ISO 9001 and AS 9100 for heat-treatment and in-house Ultra Sonic Inspection (NDT).

About Taber Extrusions LLC
In 1973, Taber Extrusions LLC pioneered the extrusion of large, heavy and wide complex shapes to differentiate itself in the aluminum extrusion industry. Today, Taber Extrusions continues its tradition of breaking boundaries as an extrusion leader in the production of a range of quality aluminum extrusions sizes and shapes. The company offers extrusions in 2000, 5000, 6000 and 7000 alloy series. Since its inception, the brand name Taber Extrusions has been synonymous with innovation, service and quality. All extrusions are engineered, manufactured and tested in the United States. Taber Extrusions maintains its headquarters at the Russellville, Arkansas facility, with a regional sales office also at its Gulfport, Mississippi facility.

28 09, 2011

iPhone’s New (Aluminum) Design Has the Potential to Change the Smartphone Market

2015-06-18T15:33:40+00:00September 28th, 2011|

It is rumored by a Wall Street analyst that the newly redesigned iPhone 5 will have an all-new aluminum back, replacing the existing glass back of the iPhone4.  The newly issued iPhone4 is also predicted to have a new uniform aluminum design.  Two key advantages to their use of this new material are its lightweight and durability. Beyond this- the cost to produce the phone will be dramatically reduced allowing Apple to see more profit based on their use of this new material.

“The two anticipated new iPhone models are expected by analyst Chris Whitmore with Deutsche Bank to push Apple’s smartphone sales even higher. He sees the so-called ‘iPhone 4S’ as a handset with a bill-of-material cost lower than $150, allowing Apple to sell it for between $300 and $350 without a carrier subsidy.”

Whitmore claims this cut in manufacturing cost will enhance Apple’s sales in the midrange smartphone market, possibly achieving margins up to 50 percent.  The lower cost of the materials will undoubtedly generate more profit for Apple and be a better product for consumers.

Initial reports concerning iPhone’s new design first came out in March of 2011 but for now exact details are still under wraps. One thing for sure, these reports suggest aluminum will be the key material that will change the “face” of the midrange smartphone market.

Click here to read the full article from Apple Insider.

15 09, 2011

Sustainable Transport Systems Reach a New (Green) Milestone

2015-06-18T15:33:40+00:00September 15th, 2011|

Sustainable transport systems have witnessed a milestone. Recently, Alcoa Jamalco Operations hauled 10 million tons of bauxite from its Mount Oliphant mine location to the rail station where the material was loaded and shipped to the company’s alumina refinery in Clarendon. Using a Rope Conveyor (RopeCon) system, a 2.11 mile cable conveyor system used to move bauxite through mountainous areas like Mount Oliphant with an elevation of 843 feet, the transport record was achieved in under two years.

“The RopeCon system is the only one in the Alcoa network, and we selected it primarily because of its sustainability features,” said Jerome Maxwell, managing director of Jamalco.

Sustainable transport systems are excellent methods for moving raw material and generating green energy. These systems can generate energy to power mines and power networks; the RopeCon system used at Alcoa Jamalco generates nearly 1,200 kW of braking (green) energy per hour. These green transport systems also save money; Alcoa has saved approximately $1.5 million on the cost of energy since it started using the conveyor system in 2007.

In order to transport alumina, the raw material used to produce aluminum, the RopeCon system was constructed with a belt of corrugated side walls and integrated wheel sets on fixed track ropes which are guided over 11 tower structures. The system is powered by two AC induction motors. When the conveying system is loaded with bauxite and begins making its way down the mountain, the drives begin using a continuous braking (regeneration) mode which produces the electrical power.

The system also provides environmental benefits in addition to providing and alternative energy course. Long distance conveyors can operate in mid-air, minimize space requirements and can effortlessly cross obstacles on the ground. The systems are also quiet, dust-free and use less land space than road transport which further reduces its environmental footprint.

For more on sustainable transport systems like RopeCon, read the original Yahoo Finance article here: http://yhoo.it/oidblN.

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