16 08, 2013

Attention Criminals: When Not To Use Aluminum

2015-06-18T15:33:07+00:00August 16th, 2013|

At Taber Extrusions, we’re a major proponent of being creative when it comes to aluminum. Lightweight, strong, and flexible, it’s the perfect material for do-it-yourselfers and artists alike.

But credit card fraud? First off, we don’t recommend doing anything illegal. Second, we don’t have any idea where these men (appropriately from Jupiter, Florida) got the idea for their shenanigans. From WPTV.com:

Jupiter Police are investigating an attempted fraud at a Jupiter gas station Saturday afternoon.

Thieves allegedly used aluminum foil to try to get away with free merchandise.

Employees at the BP gas station on Indiantown Road say two men helped each other climb up the back of the gas station to get to the roof.

The men then targeted the satellite dishes that were once used to transmit credit card transactions.

The thieves covered the sensors on the dishes with aluminum foil with the goal of making bad or maxed out credit cards process, and be approved.

Little did the thieves know, the satellite dishes are no longer active.

Aluminum foil to disrupt satellite transmissions of encrypted credit card data – we might need to call in the Mythbusters to give us definitive proof that this wouldn’t work, but somehow, we think that the perpetrators don’t exactly have a degree in material science or electrical engineering.

8 08, 2013

New Patent Reveals Yet Another Aluminum-Body Phone

2017-01-26T23:37:29+00:00August 8th, 2013|

Is it time Samsung’s next-generation mobile devices join the aluminum-body movement? If leaked reports prove to be true, it appears that Samsung’s Galaxy S5 will follow recent design trends of moving to an aluminum frame rather than a plastic one. This topic has been rumored before, but some dedicated tech pundits have dug up a new patent filed by Samsung that shows that recent moves by HTC and Apple haven’t been ignored. From GottaBeMobile.com:

The patent shows that the frame of the phone would be constructed from a single piece, which would give the unit for strength. Additionally, there is a front cut out for the glass touchscreen display. A rear cutout panel would house the battery door, and from the appearance of the rendering, it looks like users can slide the panel down to reveal the battery underneath.

If this is correct, then that means that Samsung may be able to still deliver features like a removable battery and a micro SDXC memory card slot.

No other details were given from the patent filing, which was initiated in February 2012, so we don’t know exactly what the internal specs will be for.

It’s unclear if Samsung will use the design, or something closely resemble this design, in the Galaxy S5 that would launch in the first half of 2014 or on a future Galaxy S smartphone, but the design is not unattractive and is a departure from the plastic construction that Samsung has so far employed and has been criticized for.

In technology, the cutting edge rapidly becomes the norm. For mobile devices, the notion of aluminum bodies and frames has been a trendsetter over the recent generations. Today, it looks like more and more manufacturers realize its strength and weight benefits. Before you know it, an aluminum body will probably become the default in the ever-evolving mobile device industry.

31 07, 2013

Houses Use Aluminum To Withstand Hurricanes

2017-01-26T23:37:29+00:00July 31st, 2013|

Over the past few months, we’ve all seen shocking images on news broadcasts of homes devastated by hurricanes across the country. But for one South Carolina home builder, a change in materials has them feeling confidant in the face of hurricane season. Meet Ray and Geoff Hawes, the father-and-son team behind Cat Five Houses. The Cat Five difference? Their home frames don’t use wood beams; instead, they chose aluminum. From Charleston’s Post & Courier:

As the most dangerous months of the hurricane season arrive, Ray and Geoff Hawes of Mount Pleasant aren’t worrying much.

That’s because the father and son entrepreneurs may have the strongest homes in the Lowcountry.

Both were built with an aluminum skeleton bolted together and connected to a heavy concrete foundation.

Both also cost a lot of money, a reality they acknowledge means that their approach isn’t for everyone.

But for those interested in paying a premium for a sturdy structure, the Hawes’ business, known as Cat Five Houses of Charleston, certainly would be worth looking into.

The aluminum is lighter and more portable than steel, and the frames can be quickly assembled and taken apart. The frames also can be placed on wheels and moved. And there’s one other advantage, too, says Quince Cody of Cat Five Houses.

“Aluminum has memory, where steel does not,” he says.

In other words, an aluminum structure can bend, then pop back in place, much like a soda can.

Hawes says the company isn’t looking to design or build homes, but it is looking to give architects, builders and their clients another choice, one that might cost more but that will stand the test of time.

“ ‘Built to last’ is our slogan, that’s what we’re trying to promote,” he says. “It’s a good way forward, not for everybody but for those who want to live here long term, and they don’t want to worry about the contents of their house, or their house.”

With the automobile industry rapidly getting behind the strength and durability of aluminum, it’s no wonder the construction industry is taking a closer look. Yes, it does cost more to use an aluminum skeleton, but in hurricane-prone areas, that price may have a value well beyond a dollar amount.

11 07, 2013

File Under Bad Idea: Stealing Aluminum Chicken Statues

2015-06-18T15:33:07+00:00July 11th, 2013|

Recycling aluminum is worth .78 cents per pound these days. So, if you had something weighing around, oh, 600 pounds or so, you could get about $468 for it.

Or you could go to jail in a story that’s equal parts The Onion and TV’s Cops.  You don’t often get headlines like this in the aluminum industry, but then again, things like “Darrin Edwards, Tyler Jones, James Smith Arrested For Stealing, Riding Aluminum Chicken In Florida” just don’t happen that often. From the Huffington Post:

Three men were charged with grand theft after allegedly stealing a purple, 9-foot, 600-pound aluminum chicken statue, First Coast News reports.

Darrin Luke Edwards, 19, Tyler Lee Jones, 21, and James Joseph Smith, 18, were arrested for hatching the plan on Wednesday in San Mateo, Fla. Ben Smith, the chicken’s owner notified authorities after hearing a ruckus outside around 6 a.m. Tuesday.

Smith told deputies that when he went outside, he saw the bird being dragged down the street behind a Chevrolet truck, News 4 Jax reported. One man allegedly mounted the chicken and rode its back about a mile down the road. They then unhooked it and fled.

Chances are, these fellows weren’t looking to turn the aluminum chicken in for a valuable return. Instead, this was probably more a case of misguided youth and a dare gone too far.  In any case, if you ever wondered what you could get charged with for stealing an aluminum chicken statue, now you know.

26 06, 2013

Sony Taps Aluminum To Build New Smartwatches

2017-01-26T23:37:29+00:00June 26th, 2013|

Smartphones have come a long way in both style and substance since the nascent days of old Blackberry and Windows Mobile devices. Are watches in for the same evolution?

Sony thinks so. Last winter, they released the Sony SmartWatch, an Android-based wristwatch. While it didn’t garner much positive buzz, it did set the stage for the product’s evolution. Recently, Sony announced the SmartWatch 2. If you’re wondering why we’re talking about this, it’s because Sony decided to go the same route as many smartphone manufacturers and use a lightweight aluminum frame. From MobileSyrup:

The water- and dust-resistant timepiece aims to be an improved version of what many people considered a half-baked product when it was announced in early 2012. The SmartWatch 2, however, is based on much newer Android software, supports newer Bluetooth protocols, and is, frankly, a better, more fully-realized product overall.

It has a 1.6-inch 220×176 pixel display with three Android navigation buttons below its screen — back, home and menu. The SmartWatch 2 is compatible with a range of Android apps, and can function as a second screen for incoming calls and texts, and even be utilized as a camera remote.

The SmartWatch 2 also joins a number of recent Sony products in a consistent design approach; you can see the nicely-crafted aluminum power button on the right hand side, and the entire product has been built with a lot more care than its predecessor. Sony will offer a stainless steel black wristband if the included plastic one isn’t up to scratch, and the SmartWatch 2 is compatible with all 24mm straps.

Will connected watches take off the same way smartphones have? It’s hard to tell, but at the very least, manufacturers like Sony have picked a winning material for their product frames.

1 05, 2013

How Durable Is A Phone’s Aluminum Body?

2017-01-26T23:37:30+00:00May 1st, 2013|

One of the more popular uses for aluminum recently has been in mobile devices — more specifically, giving smartphones a sleek and durable outer body.

Just how durable can it be? PhoneBuff.com decided to put the HTC One’s aluminum body to the test. Try putting yourphone against a key, a steak knife, and a mallet to see what will happen. If your phone withstands as much punishment as the HTC One’s aluminum body, then you you should be pretty good. From LatinosPost.com:

The One’s screen uses Gorilla Glass, which has proven to be very resilient to scratches and shattering. As expected from the results of other videos, the One’s display handles the keys without a problem.

The same goes for the steak knife, and it holds up perfectly to a pounding by a rubber mallet.

The aluminum back of the phone is a bit less tough. The keys leave noticeable marks, but those wipe off with a soft cloth.

The knife is barely more successful, but a little buffing with the cloth removes the evidence.

The full video is available at YouTube.

16 04, 2013

New Study Shows Just How Much Aluminum Improves MPG

2017-01-26T23:37:30+00:00April 16th, 2013|

One of the recurring topics on this blog is the automotive industry’s shifting focus to aluminum over steel. The big names have all expressed support for this as a means of increasing fuel efficiency through a lighter material, all without sacrificing strength or durability. But do we know just how much aluminum can improve the ever-important MPG specification?

The EDAG Group, the world’s leading independent engineering partner for the mobility industry, recently released findings from its study on the use of aluminum in cars. From the Manufacturing & Technology eJournal:

A new study released today shows that an all-aluminum vehicle can shed more than 40 percent body mass, boosting fuel economy by 18 percent when combined with secondary mass savings and other design changes. The study helps explain why car and truck makers are shifting away from steel to aluminum, and supports projections that aluminum-intensive vehicles will become more common in the marketplace with continued demand for more fuel efficient vehicles.

“Automakers are putting cars and trucks on a major diet to get better gas mileage, and are saying they’re reaching the limits of using advanced steels to lose weight.”

The research, conducted by EDAG Group and commissioned by the Aluminum in Transportation Group of the U.S. Aluminum Association, was presented today at the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress during a panel discussion on advances in lower weight materials. It comes at a time when automotive aluminum use is at an all-time high, with automakers announcing plans to incorporate more of the metal into vehicle designs – doubling aluminum’s 2008 share of the automotive metals mix by 2025.

How much does 18 percent impact mileage? Think about it this way — if you have a 40 MPG hybrid, that will take your mileage up to about 48 MPG. If you’re driving a 25 MPG sedan, you can boost that up to 30 MPG. Now, factor that into the life cycle of a vehicle and the big picture becomes clearer.

For more details, the study is available to read at Drive Aluminum’s website.

10 04, 2013

The Aluminum Housing Revolution?

2017-01-26T23:37:30+00:00April 10th, 2013|

Japan’s constant innovations have pushed the boundaries of modern electronics. So, when a Japanese aluminum manufacturer considers the issue of housing and living space, what do they come up with?

 

An aluminum house, of course. Well, that’s more like a portable aluminum dorm room. At the equivalent of $29,000, it’s a cozy living for those that can handle a minimalist lifestyle. From Kotaku:

 

Dubbed “T2”, the interior of this housing unit measures seven feet by 12 feet across. The ceiling is over seven and a half feet high. The dwellings look cozy, and probably are not exactly ideal for claustrophobes.

 

“T2” is short for “Transfer Technology Unit”. Each T2 is built in a factory and then delivered to the residence site via flatbed. T2 is the brainchild of the SUS Corporation, an aluminum parts manufacturer.

 

Inside, there are modern conveniences: A unit comes with a bed, a toilet, a shower, a sink, a kitchenette (with a fridge, a microwave, and a portable stove, etc.), a TV, and air conditioning as standard. And yes, most of the interior fixtures are made of, you guessed it, aluminum.

 

Of course, aluminum is a well-known conductor of heat, so the T2 units are insulated with urethane foam. A little cramped? Perhaps, but for innovation on a budget, it’s better than many alternatives.

3 04, 2013

About That Aluminum Car Battery…

2015-06-18T15:33:36+00:00April 3rd, 2013|

Last week, we told you about the new Citroen vehicles powered by an aluminum-air battery made by Phinergy. We’ve done some digging around and have further details about how this works. In theory, it is indeed a sustainable process that utilizes recycled aluminum and swapping stations. From Phinergy’s website:

Widely available, aluminum contains high amounts of energy (8kWh/kg). It is also easily recyclable, making it an attractive material for energy systems.

Thanks to its revolutionary components, Phinergy’s aluminum-air energy systems use the energy released by the reaction of aluminum with oxygen to generate electric power. Our proprietary air electrodes transform Phinergy’s aluminum-air energy systems into highly effective, robust, and reliable clean energy sources.

Our proprietary process of anode production results in increased use of aluminum energy, while reducing unwanted chemical reactions to minimum.

Phinergy also utilizes an advanced battery management system for ever so increasing the energetic utilization of the battery.

Our aluminum-air energy systems are superior to conventional batteries in terms of energy density and specific energy. Our systems are mechanically reloaded, avoiding long charging time.

The life cycle of aluminum enables to maintain global energetic balance. Phinergy’s aluminum is produced in places where energy is clean and cheap, such as electricity from waterfalls. It then serves as a means for transporting this energy to places where it is required.

When used in an aluminum-air battery, aluminum turns into aluminum hydroxide. Aluminum hydroxide can then be recycled in the aluminum factory, enabling a closed and sustainable life cycle.

Green Energy News quickly noted the phrase “mechanically reloaded,” which is a fancy way of saying swapped out. One California start-up called BetterPlace has a similar idea floating around. Using a switchable battery model, BetterPlace envisions a world where battery switch stations have replaced gas stations.

While there isn’t a clear leader in the electric vehicle landscape (unless you can afford an award-winning Tesla), it’s great to see these competing technologies push metals like aluminum into new innovations — all while committing to a greener world. No matter which system wins the marketplace, in the end, we all win.

27 03, 2013

Aluminum + Water = Car Power Of The Future?

2015-06-18T15:33:36+00:00March 27th, 2013|

The last year has given us plenty of headlines about aluminum manufacturing in cars — but cars powered by aluminum? That’s a new one. However, it’s not that far-fetched. You’re not going to win any races with Citroen’s cutting-edge car powered by Phinergy’s new aluminum-air batteries but you’ll get from Point A to Point B in relatively easy fashion with nothing more than water as fuel. From Clean Technica (appreciate the British spelling of aluminum):

The car has lithium-ion batteries that enable it to travel 100 miles per charge, and if the driver needs to make rare trips that are longer than 100 miles, she or he can use the aluminium-air batteries to travel an additional 1,000 miles or so.

The aluminium-air batteries (from Phinergy) are not rechargeable in the conventional sense, however. They have to be refilled with distilled water every 200 miles.

The aluminium-air batteries are strictly for backup. If you want to make long trips often, these batteries should not be used. They just prevent stranding, and facilitate occasional long trips. This is because these batteries’ aluminium electrodes are depleted with use. They have to be replaced more often than conventional EV batteries.

There’s no word if the manufacturing process uses recycled aluminum but considering the recyclable properties of our favorite metal, it would make sense that a clean-energy company would take that into consideration.

 

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