8 10, 2012

Uses Of Aluminum: Snowboard Bindings

2017-01-26T23:37:31+00:00October 8th, 2012|

We’ve talked about cars, bridges, industrial uses, but it’s easy to forget that aluminum is in everyday materials and sporting goods. Aluminum bats are common in non-MLB baseball, and aluminum hockey sticks were prominent in the 1990s; one area you may have overlooked is right at your feet – that is, if you’re snowboarding.
Many snowboard manufacturers make their bindings out of aluminum. For example, Ride Snowboards uses 100% aircraft-grade 6061 aluminum alloy. Their reasons? From an engineering perspective, they’re looking at traditional aluminum qualities. For the snowboarder that doesn’t want to think about things like a material’s Young’s Modulus value, it’s easier to say that it’ll make the board lighter with greater binding flexibility and durability. They’ve even put out a video on the topic.
In fact, Ride Snowboards are so high on their aluminum bindings that they offer a limited lifetime warranty (the “limited” aspect of it means it has to be under normal usage – so if you run over your bindings with a car, that doesn’t count). It just goes to show how trusted aluminum is during high-impact, high-velocity environments where every split-second truly counts.
29 09, 2012

Taber Extrusions LLC: Contract Advantages

2020-04-03T21:57:47+00:00September 29th, 2012|

Taber Extrusions LLC has a long history of working with defense contractors and their related sub-contractors. While we feel our experience, track record, and capabilities speak for themselves, it’s important to note two key designations that provide Taber’s clients with extra contract advantages.

First, Taber is designated as a Small Business in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the United States Small Business Administration. This designation is available for confirmation by searching the System for Award Management website (www.sam.gov); both of Taber’s locations (Russellville, AR and Gulfport, MS) are individually listed.

Taber’s track record of quality performance stands on its own. However, these additional designations offer some unique benefits — companies that use recognized suppliers can receive additional contract benefits from the government.

For more information on how this works, feel free to contact Taber — we’re happy to help!

20 09, 2012

Taber Extrusions Announces Precision Saw-Cutting Capabilities

2017-01-26T23:37:31+00:00September 20th, 2012|

As an industry leader, Taber Extrusions has always pushed to be at the cutting edge of technology. Now, two new equipment enhancements will allow Taber to saw cut with greater precision than ever before.

Taber’s manufacturing facilities added a band saw and a circular saw to fully cover the extensive range of produced extrusion profiles. With this new equipment, Taber’s cut tolerances now include squareness of cut (up to +/- .010″) across 32″ widths (minimum cut length of .75″). Both new saws are custom-made for efficient aluminum cutting, ensuring high production rates while minimizing scrap.

Of course, all of this comes with Taber’s trademark competitive prices. Have a specific need in mind? Contact Taber today to see how our cutting-edge technology can get the job done.

14 09, 2012

Time To Invest In Aluminum

2017-01-26T23:37:31+00:00September 14th, 2012|

This is an aluminum-industry blog, so of course we’re going to tout the many reasons why aluminum is a worthy investment. However, it’s moved past just our opinion – and it’s gone beyond the surge in the automotive industry. All around the world, aluminum is becoming a hot commodity. Here’s the latest news from the UK:

“It’s the most powerful rally that has been seen for months. This is occurring across the London Metal Exchange (LME) metals complex.

The breakout patterns seen with aluminum reflect the same patterns seen in lead, zinc, copper and tin. The breakout in aluminum is the most developed. Many LME metals are moving in a similar way, but aluminum is most advanced so it gives guide for other developments.”

And Japan:

“Aluminum stockpiles in Japan expanded 11 percent in August to the highest level in six months, trading company Marubeni Corp. (8002) said by e-mail today.

Inventories held in Yokohama, Nagoya and Osaka ports climbed to 261,000 metric tons at the end of last month from 235,100 metric tons on July 31, according to Marubeni, the largest Japanese importer of the metal.”

And India:

“The week’s biggest mover on the weekly Aluminum MMI® was the cash price of primary Indian aluminum, which saw a 5.7 percent increase. This week marked the third in a row of rising prices for the metal on our aluminum price index.”

Why the global surge? It’s difficult to pinpoint one specific reason, but aluminum’s valuable properties – lightweight, strong, efficiently manufactured – have to put it at the forefront of today’s manufacturing needs.

6 09, 2012

Aluminum Recycling: Growing, But We Can Do More

2015-06-18T15:33:38+00:00September 6th, 2012|

It’s well-know that aluminum is the most commonly recycled metal in the United States. There’s good reason for that too – its output (mostly in the form of soda cans) has the biggest consumer reach, and with aluminum recycling programs so popular around the country, everyday folks have incentive to collect and turn in cans. It also helps that aluminum is the most efficient metal to recycle.

The good news is that everyone wins when it comes to aluminum recycling. The better news is that aluminum recycling rates have gone up over the past year – seven percent, from 58.1% to 65.1% in 2011 to be exact according to the group of the Aluminum Association, Can Manufacturers Institute, and the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries. From Environmental Leader:

“That means 61 billion cans were recycled in 2011, and that aluminum cans are recycled at a rate that is more than double that of any other beverage container, the organizations say. The industry has a goal of reaching a 75 percent recycle rate by 2015.”

A 75% recycle rate by 2015 means growing roughly by 3% for 2012 (which includes ongoing collected data), 2013, and 2014. However, the numbers aren’t quite as simple as “everyone recycle more!”  Here are further details from Environmental Leader:

“A large part of the increase in the recycling rate was driven by imports of used beverage containers. Imports in 2011 increased by about 25 percent, underscoring the need for improved recycling among US consumers as well as the value of aluminum, the organizations say.”

The import of recycled cans essentially swaps out local used cans for recycled cans sourced from other countries – kind of like buying carbon offsets for energy. That means that there are significant ways that both the industry and consumers can achieve this, thus decreasing the reliance on imported cans. The non-profit group As You Sow noted that the true overall recycling rate is about 35% — which is significant, but certainly far off from the ideal 75% (that is, all of the targeted 2015 goal made up by American recycled cans). Their recommendation is to pin a greater responsibility on manufacturing companies; the other side of the argument is to provide more incentives and accessibility to the general consumer.

29 08, 2012

Uses Of Aluminum: Consumer Products

2017-01-26T23:37:31+00:00August 29th, 2012|

We’ve talked a lot lately about industrial uses of aluminum – cars, bridges, construction, etc. But what about those day-to-day products that make a direct impact on your life?

Let’s get the obvious ones out of the way: soda cans. The aluminum industry makes countless soda cans, and thankfully, many of those are recycled. Aluminum foil is also a kitchen stable, and that’s one of the industry’s key drivers. Similarly, aluminum cooking pans – used for catering, baking, or shaping yummy treats like cupcakes – are also commonly known as aluminum consumer products.

But sometimes, it’s not quite as obvious. Take a peek into your garage and you’ll find aluminum products all around. See that metal ladder? There’s a good chance that’s aluminum – its strength and light weight make it ideal to carry around when hard-to-reach places need to be fixed. The frame for that gas grill? Also probably aluminum. And don’t forget that aluminum baseball bat (yes, we know it doesn’t sound as good as a ball hitting a wood bat – tradition still stands).

Aluminum’s also in computers, from the chassis to parts within hardware, along with other sporting goods such as lacrosse sticks, scooters, and bikes. Would the world fall apart without aluminum? Maybe not so, but it’d be a lot less fun – and a lot harder to cook.

24 08, 2012

Aluminum As Art And Safety – At The Same Time

2017-01-26T23:37:31+00:00August 24th, 2012|

Here’s one unconventional use of aluminum for you – New York University’s famous Elmer Holmes Bobst Library atrium had a recent addition of special aluminum screens to its 150-foot-high staircases and surrounding balconies. Designed and installed by noted architect Joel Sanders, the aluminum screens were created based on an inspiration from old-school computer graphics. The result is a stunning look that blends the shine of golden sheets while also looking pixelated.

Of course, their visual appeal hides their true purpose: to save lives.

As a 150-foot-high structure with a large open space, the unthinkable has happened in the course of the Bobst Library’s history. In the past decade, several students have used the library’s large height to commit suicide. The new aluminum screens act as a barrier to prevent access for suicide jumpers.

“You really don’t lose the visual qualities of the original atrium,” says Andrew T. Repoli, a director of construction management at New York University. “This is almost like a beautiful piece of lace that’s been stretched taut against the balcony slabs.”

For more on NYU’s innovative new use of aluminum, visit the City Room Blog at the New York Times.

17 08, 2012

Aluminum Week 2012: The Industry’s Look Ahead

2015-06-18T15:33:38+00:00August 17th, 2012|

It’s an exciting time to be in the aluminum industry. Auto makers are going full speed ahead with integration of aluminum bodies in the next generation of popular vehicles. Aluminum is involved in construction, reconstruction, and other infrastructure projects around the world. Even consumer interest in the aluminum recycling market is growing, leading to more efficient aluminum production that’s good for the environment.

The road ahead for our industry is an exciting one, and it’s no surprise that aluminum professionals are looking forward to the industry’s annual convention. Aluminum Week 2012 will be held from Monday, October 15 to Thursday, October 19 in downtown Chicago at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown.

As aluminum is increasing its presence for auto manufacturers, several speakers will explore this topic from a variety of perspectives. This includes, David Strickland, Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Mitch Bainwol, President & CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers; and Michael Robinet, Managing Director of IHS Automotive Consulting.

Hosted by the Aluminum Association, the Aluminum Extruders Council, and the Aluminum Anodizers Council, registration is now open for Aluminum Week 2012. For more information or to register, visit the official registration page.

10 08, 2012

The Most Earth-Friendly Metal

2015-06-18T15:33:38+00:00August 10th, 2012|

Take a look around – whether you’re at home or at work, there’s a good chance you’ve got aluminum in your view. From door frames to support structures to everyday knick-knacks, aluminum is everywhere.

But did you know that there’s a really good chance that the aluminum around you used to be something else? That’s right, your door frame has some, if not all, old soda cans and other recycled aluminum in it. Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds – and it doesn’t mean that your stuff will smell like Mountain Dew. In fact aluminum recycling’s been around since the early 1900s – and it’s not just from soda cans. Anything from siding to wire to computers can be recycled, so much so that about one-third of American-produced aluminum stemmed from recycled materials over the past five years.

Why is aluminum so recycle-friendly? Part of it is material science – its properties don’t break down during the recycle process. It also uses far less energy to recycle aluminum than to create new materials, which makes it good for the environment and good for industry.  In fact, if you’re thinking big picture, recycled aluminum even benefits the economy, as the smaller contributions to landfills mean fewer resources go to creating and managing those spaces.

3 08, 2012

Aluminum: Built Ford Tough

2017-01-26T23:37:31+00:00August 3rd, 2012|

A few weeks ago, we told you how the auto industry has begun looking at aluminum for use in its manufacturing – specifically, as a lighter replacement for steel.

Tesla may have hit the market first, but Ford is looking at a change that will represent a bit of a culture shift for its customer base – building the bestselling Ford F-150 truck mostly out of aluminum. From the Wall Street Journal:

“The radical redesign will help meet tougher federal fuel-economy targets now starting to have wide-ranging effects on Detroit’s auto makers. But Ford will have to overcome a host of manufacturing obstacles, plus convince die-hard pickup buyers that aluminum is as tough as steel.”

The change to aluminum will trim about 15% of the truck’s weight – 700 or so pounds – to help it achieve better gas mileage. It’s hard to get into the strength debate in simplistic terms, since treatment and other material properties affect just how “tough” aluminum and steel really are. For a good breakdown, check out this article from yacht designer Michael Kasten.

Aluminum is the future of the automotive industry, and its acceptance really comes down to educating the consumer about its strength and safety properties.  In summary, Kasten puts it this way:

“As we will see, the issues of strength are tipped somewhat in favor of aluminum, mostly for the reason of its lighter weight.  Being much lighter, aluminum will permit a more robust structure within any given weight budget.”

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