Developments

Global aluminium industry co-operating on climate change actions

The International Aluminium Institute.Chairman and Deputy CEO of UC RUSAL, Mr. Artem Volynets says “The biggest task for Governments is engaging and informing the community across all levels, from producer to consumer about the role they can play in improving the transformation of resources, including energy, from raw material to consumer goods and then to reuse.” Mr. Volynets noted “our industry is committed to maintaining the position of aluminium as one of the most sustainable and preferred materials in building, transport and packaging.” “Through its annual global surveys, the aluminium industry reports key sustainability indicators in greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, environment, health & safety performance, recycling and use phase benefits of aluminium applications. Some of our industry’s key achievements in reducing the environmental footprint, promoted by voluntary industry objectives and technology, process and product developments, include: Cumulative GHG savings from recycling, 1990 – 2008 1 billion tonnes CO2e Total PFC emissions (t CO2e) reduced by 70% – and no increase in total direct emissions – between 1990 & 2008, while doubling production GHG intensity per tonne of semi fabricated product, including savings from recycling, reduced by 22% between 1990 and 2008 300 million tonnes CO2e GHG emissions potentially saved through aluminium vehicle light weighting applications in 2008 9 million tonnes of aluminium recycled from post-consumer scrap annually, saving 80 million tonnes CO2e, with additional savings from the 9 million tonnes of pre-consumer (process/manufacturing) scrap recycled every year Mr. Volynets said “these are excellent achievements by any measure and demonstrate the value of governments engaging with industry. Industry has demonstrated that it is an integral part of the response to GHG mitigation. Government can improve the effectiveness of its policy response to GHG by engaging with industry early in the development process.” Mr. Volynets emphasised the “the IAI is ready […]

The factory of the future with Direct Digital Manufacturing

Today’s tumbling economy requires that business and industry use money wisely. For a manufacturer, this means making sound product decisions and avoiding costly design revisions. With (DDM), a company can go directly from an electronic representation of a part to the final product, thus eliminating tooling. This can save significant cost and time, saving valuable resources for other activities. In a tight economy, quality becomes even more important. Often product enhancements are key to keeping a company competitive. With DDM, product enhancements can be introduced in every production run without any re-tooling. DDM also can help a company increase its sales revenue by helping to get a product on the market sooner, and thus earning money faster. Time-to-market is a key competitive strategy, and with DDM, companies can accelerate their entire design, testing and manufacturing process. DDM has the power to change fundamental business processes, reducing hundreds of thousands of dollars from upfront product launch costs, expediting manufacturing and adding efficiencies along the way. It truly has become the factory of the future. More and more manufacturers are using additive fabrication for low-volume production, says Stratasys CEO Scott Crump. Its called direct digital manufacturing and its taking off faster than we thought it would. Industry observers believe this market will far surpass our current primary market of rapid prototyping and 3D printing applications. We have many competitors, but we believe we’re the best-positioned, because our FDM process produces accurate, durable thermoplastic parts. For low-volume production, direct digital manufacturing can be a viable alternative to traditional manufacturing methods with several benefits: ROI can often be realized in a small number of projects Products get to market quicker No machining or tooling or associated costs No waiting for machining or tooling Inventory reduction: components can be made on demand Design can be […]

EMEX: NZ’s Biggest and Best is Back and Better

New Zealand’s biggest, oldest and most comprehensive engineering, machinery, electronics and manufacturing industry showcase returns next year and is already proving popular, with almost half the show space pre-booked. EMEX 2010 is the prime business tool for everyone working in industrial engineering and maintenance, control and instrumentation, machine technology, plant automation and monitoring, welding, forming and cutting, and software and computerisation. In many cases you can get hands-on experience with the technology and compare and contrast alternative solutions on site. If you’re grappling with problems, or looking to make improvements and expansions you need to visit EMEX 2010. Similarly, if you’re in the business of providing those solutions, you need to be exhibiting at EMEX. EMEX 2010, which takes place from the 4-6 May 2010, will have an even bigger focus on new technologies and innovations, and will see a return of the highly successful and innovative Heavy Metal machine technology exhibition within EMEX. Many exhibitors are planning to feature hot new technology, systems, software, equipment and instrumentation. As the prime event of its type, and a vital industry business tool, companies exhibiting will be going all out to give visitors an unbeatable hands-on experience. They’ll also have their top people on site to ensure that immediate technical advice can be provided. Show organiser dmg world media has also worked to enhance the learning and development aspect of EMEX 2010. There will be a seminar series as well as specially created ‘social’ areas to support visitors who want to network and talk over common issues and share experiences. With almost half the space booked, EMEX 2010 is expected to attract 160 exhibitors or more. There are already some from overseas confirmed, and EMEX 2010 is hoping to have at least 20 first-time exhibitors aswell. As in previous events there is […]