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Special: Aluminium smelting industry innovatherm – benchmark in firing technology and flue gas purification Airware – more than an aluminium alloy innovatherm Competitive strategies of emerging and advanced economies Volume 87 · July / August 2011 International Journal for Industry, Research and Application 7/8 Heat Treatment &&#$;$=('!$%$'(%8' %88!$%!$5)' 4 (&!"%%5'(/&(*! $!$&!$*8&%:!5)'(%#& %&!$(5'&:!( &%) %)(( 8&%6(5)&(!%$$5 '&:!"!%9)!8#$(5'!$$5)!"58"$('(% #(%( %)&%*$'(&!$$('($5&5'$5!$5!:!5)" )'(%#&''8!=(!%$''5%$#$;;&'%+8&! $*%:&( )""&$%9)!8#$(!$#%5&$ ")#!$)#'( %)' /&(*! $!$&!$!'*""7$%*$%&"5!$5 ( $%"%;2)&:")5)'(%#&'5'&:(%(( '(:")%&#%$;-%##!(#$((%!$$%:(!%$'%"!5 $!$&!$$5%*$3,.&!$'(&)#$("%&'(;!$ 5*!( %$(!$)%)'!#8&%:#$('$5$*8&%5)(' 3"!"#+!#)# %#%$!<!$9)"!(; )$!%&#%&""!""(' Q0%*'("%)&%'(')"")(%#(!%$ Q'("%'(&! ($''$%58')&#&7' Q+(&#";&"!"%8&(!%$"!(("5%*$(!# "%*&8!&%'(' Q0%*'($&;%$')#8(!%$"%*8%*&&(!$' Q"+!!"!(;%8"$(";%)( Q1%&( $8"$('!$%8&(!%$ Q !$&&'(&'' &)$))'(&! %$ + #!" !$% &(*! %# $(&$(*** &(*! %# EDITORIAL Volker Karow Chefredakteur Editor in Chief Aluminiumwelt derzeit in Ordnung Aluminium world in good shape ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 Die Wirtschaftsnachrichten werden seit Wochen und Monaten von der Eurokrise beherrscht und wer über den europäischen Tellerrand hinausschaut, blickt unweigerlich auf den gigantischen US-amerikanischen Schuldenturm. Haushaltssanierung und Ausgabenkürzungen sind angesagt und doch finden sich weiterhin Politiker und Regierungsvertreter, die die Senkung von Steuern ganz oben auf ihre Agenda setzen. In China steigen die Preise, besonders für Lebensmittel, auf Rekordniveau und die Geldpolitik dort versucht eine Gradwanderung zwischen Preisdämpfung und Wirtschaftswachstum. Angesichts dieser globalen Krisenfaktoren läuft die Realwirtschaft derzeit ziemlich rund. Das erwartete Weltwirtschaftswachstum ist nach wie vor robust, die Weltbank prognostiziert aktuell einen globalen BIP-Zuwachs von 3,2 Prozent für 2011 und für 2012/13 sogar einen Anstieg von jeweils 3,6 Prozent. Auch die Aluminiumwelt scheint derzeit in Ordnung. Nimmt man die jüngsten Quartalszahlen des US-Konzerns Alcoa als Maßstab, stehen die Ampeln auf Grün. Alcoa hat seinen Umsatz im zweiten Quartal um mehr als ein Viertel (auf 6,6 Mrd. Dollar) gesteigert und sein Nettoergebnis (auf 322 Mio. Dollar) mehr als verdoppelt. Das Unternehmen profitierte von einer Rekordnachfrage nach Aluminium und gestiegenen Rohstoffpreisen. Der Ausblick bleibt positiv – sowohl für Alcoa als auch für die Branche insgesamt. Auch die deutsche Aluminiumindustrie hat nach einem gelungenen Jahresauftakt ihren Wachstumskurs im zweiten Quartal fortgesetzt, heißt es von Verbandsseite. Bis Mai stieg die Produktion in der Erzeugung um 5,3 Prozent, in der Halbzeugindustrie um 6,0 Prozent und in der Weiterverarbeitung um 4,6 Prozent. Der Maschinen- und Anlagenbau konnte seine Produktion in den ersten fünf Monaten dieses Jahres um stattliche 18 Prozent steigern, die Auftragseingänge legten in dieser Zeit sogar um 28 Prozent zu. Wichtigster Exportabnehmer ist und bleibt China. Für die kommenden Monate zeichnet sich zwar eine ruhigere Gangart ab, was angesichts der Engpass-Situation vieler Unternehmen aber nicht weiter problematisch ist. Langfristig wird die Aluminiumnachfrage weiter steigen. Für dieses Jahr prognostiziert Alcoa-Chef Klaus Kleinfeld ein Nachfragewachstum von 12 Prozent, Ende dieses Jahrzehnts werde sich die Nachfrage verdoppelt haben. Treibende Kraft ist die dynamische Wirtschaftsentwicklung in Asien und der weiter wachsende Einsatz von Aluminium, vor allem in den Mobilitätssektoren Automobil, Flugzeugbau und Schienenfahrzeuge. Business news has been dominated for weeks and months by talk of the euro crisis, and anyone who has taken a peek beyond the European horizon has inevitably been confronted by the USA’s enormous mountain of debt. Budget reorganisation and cuts in expenditure are needed, but one can still find politicians whose top priorities include cutting taxes. Prices, especially food prices, have reached record levels in China, and monetary policy there is treading the narrow line between curbing inflation and encouraging economic growth. Despite economic factors pointing to a possible global crisis, the real economy is actually performing quite well at the moment. World economic growth is expected to remain robust: the World Bank is currently forecasting growth in GDP globally of 3.2 percent in 2011, and even higher in 2012 and 2013, up 3.6 percent in each case. Things also appear to be fine in the aluminium world at present. The signals are on green if one takes the latest quarterly figures from Alcoa as a benchmark. The US company increased revenues in the second quarter of this year by 27 percent (to USD6.6bn) and more than doubled net income (to USD322m). It benefited from record demand for aluminium and increased prices for raw materials. The outlook remains positive – both for Alcoa and the rest of the industry as a whole. Following a successful start to the year, the German aluminium industry also continued on its path of growth in the second quarter, the industry’s trade association reported. In the year to Mai 2011, aluminium production rose 5.3 percent, semi-finished products reported an 6.0 percent rise and downstream processing was 4.6 percent higher. Mechanical and plant engineering increased production by a hefty 18 percent in the first five months of the year and orders received showed an even bigger rise in the same period: 28 percent. The most important export market for German products was, and remains, China. For the coming months, there may be signs of developments continuing at a somewhat gentler pace, but this will not be a problem given the bottlenecks that many companies are already facing. In the long term, demand for aluminium will continue to rise. Alcoa’s boss Klaus Kleinfeld is forecasting growth in demand of 12 percent this year, and demand will have doubled by the end of the decade. The driving force is dynamic economic development in Asia and continuing growth in the use of aluminium, especially in the mobility sectors automotive, aircraft construction and railed vehicles. 3 I N H A LT EDITORIAL A l um i n i umwe l t de rz e i t i n O rdn u n g A l um i n i um wo rl d i n go o d s h a p e .......................................... ........... 3 A KT U E L L E S • N E W S I N B R I E F S p än e re c yc l i n g: U mwe l t t e ch n i k p re i s fü r AR P-Z yk l o n -Te ch n o l o gi e .......... 6 WVM : En e rgi e we n de n u r mi t de r N E -Me t a l l i n du st ri e .......................... 6 N ove l i s in ve st s i n n e w c o n t i n u o u s c a st i n g l i n e ....................... ........... 7 A DB I C an d Gu l f E x t ru s i o n s t o s e t u p e x t ru s i o n p l a n t i n Ab u Dh abi........ 7 A m c o r i nve st i e rt i n de n Au s b a u de s Ve re dl u n gs we rke s i n Si n ge n ......... 8 C h i n e s i s ch e CITIC Di c a st a l ü b e rn i mmt K SM C ast i n g s u n d e rwe i t e rt Al u mi n i u mgu s s ko mp e t e n z ................... ........... 8 C ar b o n pri c e p u t s Au st ra l i a n a l u mi n i u m i n du st ry a t ri s k .................... 9 S + C Ed e lst a h l -Ak a de mi e : Wo rk s h o p i n de n N i e de rl a n de n ......... ........... 9 E m al g e ts a p p rova l fo r e x p a n s i o n p ro je c t ......................................... 9 A l umi n i u m o f Gre e c e t o re p ay st a t e a i d ............................................ 9 38 WIRTSCHAFT • ECONOMICS DR.GRAF-Personalberatung: Auf der steten Suche nach Top-Leuten DR. GRAF-Personnel Consultancy: Always on the look-out for top people .. 10 Pro d uk t i o n s da t e n de r de u t s ch e n Al u mi n i u mi n du st ri e ............... .......... 11 A l umi n i u mp re i s e ......................................................................... 12 Th e g l o ba l i z i n g a l u mi n i u m i n du st ry – Pa rt 1 / 3 : Co mp e t i ti ve st ra t e gi e s o f e me rgi n g a n d a dva n c e d e c o n o mi e s ............. 14 A l umi n i u m ma rke t st ro n g, o i l p ri c e ma i n ri s k fo r fu t u re growt h .......... 18 S M S g rou p n u t z t Ch a n c e n i m Au fs ch wu n g SMS group grasps opportunities of the upswing ................................ 22 A L U M I N I U M S M E LT I N G I N D U S T R Y Dub al – wo rl d-c l a s s i n a l u mi n i u m s me l t i n g ..................................... 24 G ul f A l umi n i u m Co u n c i l : “A fo ru m t o de ve l o p st ra t e gi e s fo r c o mmo n i s s u e s ” . Ma h mo o d Dayl a mi , Ge n e ra l Se c re t a ry o f t h e GAC, i n a t a l k wi t h In t e rn a t i o n a l ALU MIN IU M Jo u rn a l ............. 26 i n n ovat h e rm – Be n ch ma rk b e i Fe u e ru n gst e ch n o l o gi e u n d R a uch g as re i n i gu n g: „ De n P ro z e s s a l s Ga n z e s i m Bl i ck “ i n n ova t he rm – b e n ch ma rk i n fi ri n g t e ch n o l o gy a n d f l ue g as p u ri fi c a t i o n : “ Vi e wi n g t h e p ro c e s s a s a wh o l e ” ....................28 Der Aluminium-Branchentreff des Giesel Verlags: www.alu-web.de 4 Ha p p y b i rt h day, a l u mi n i u m! 12 5 ye a rs a ddi n g va l u e t o s o c i e t y .......... 35 ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 CONTENTS 25 ye a r s of R& D C a r b o n : a s uc c e s s s i n c e 19 8 6 ................................ 36 News f rom t he a l u m i n i um s m e l t i n g i n d ust r y . . ................................. 38 Suppl i e r s t o t he pr i m ar y s m e l t i n g i n d ust r y . . . . ................................. 41 B&P CK- 7 0 0 - C P Ko - K n e a d e r – f o r p re m i um qua l i t y a n o de p a st e .........42 T E CH N O LO G I E • T E CH N O LO GY H o fm a nn W ä r m et e ch n i k – Ü b e r ko p f - O f e n an l age n a u s Ö st e rre i ch ....... 43 0 1911 bi s 2011 – S t ra n g p re s s e n b e i E r b s l ö h . . . . ................................. 44 Const el l i u m G l oba l ATI ‘A i r ware’ – mo re t h an a n a l u mi n i u m a l l o y ...... 47 Recyc l i ng von A l u m i n i um s p än e n • A l um i n i um s wa rf re c yc l i n g .............50 Improve d m onol i t h i c ma t e r i al s f o r l i n i n g al umi n i u m hold i n g a n d m el t i n g f ur n ac e s – ro o f , up p e r wa l l s a n d fl u e ............... 52 AUTOMOTIVE Alumi n i u m m a t r i x c o m p o s i t e s i n aut o m o t i ve ap p l i c a t i o n s .................. 55 Z F er w i r bt H onsel -We r k i n N ür n b e rg Z F ta ke s ove r Nu remb e rg p l an t f ro m d i e - c ast sp e c i a l i st Ho n s e l .......... 57 5 C O M PA N Y N E W S W O R L D W I D E The a l u m i ni u m sm e l t i n g i n d ust r y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................................38 Bauxi t e a n d a l u m i n a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................................58 Seco n da r y sm el t i ng an d re c yc l i n g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................................58 Alumi n i u m sem i s . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................................59 Suppl i e r s . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................ 41 / 60 Inserenten dieser Ausgabe List of advertisers O n the m ove . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................................. 61 RESEARCH Invest i g a t i on of t h e i n f l ue n c e o f l ow cycle be n di ng on t h e p ro p e r t i e s o f t h i n s h e e t s ................................ 62 ABB Schweiz AG, Switzerland 33 Aumund Fördertechnik GmbH 27 Buss AG, Switzerland 41 Buss ChemTech AG, Switzerland Carli Precimeter GmbH 39 22 Coiltec Maschinenvertriebs GmbH 23 Drache Umwelttechnik GmbH 15 Dubai Aluminium Co. Ltd, UAE 13 FLSmidth Hamburg GmbH 25 D O C U M E N TAT I O N GDA Gesamtverband der Aluminiumindustrie e.V. 35 Paten t e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................................64 Hertwich Engineering GmbH, Austria Impre ssu m • Im pre s s um . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................................. 81 Vors cha u • P rev i ew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................................82 BEZUGSQUELLENVERZEICHNIS 2 Hofmann Wärmetechnik GmbH, Österreich 43 Inotherm Industrieofenund Wärmetechnik GmbH 23 Bernd Münstermann GmbH & Co. KG 19 Neotechnik GmbH 19 R&D Carbon Ltd, Switzerland 37 Wagstaff Inc., USA 84 S U P P L I E R S D I R E C T O R Y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................................68 ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 5 AKTUELLES Spänerecycling: Umwelttechnikpreis für ARP-Zyklon-Technologie Die ARP GmbH & Co. aus Alpirsbach ist mit dem Umwelttechnikpreis 2011 des badenwürttembergischen Umweltministeriums in der Kategorie „Materialeffizienz“ ausgezeichnet worden. Die „ARP-Zyklon-Technologie“ reduziert beim Recyceln von Aluminium nicht nur die Abbrandverluste deutlich, sondern auch den Energieverbrauch und damit die CO2-Emissionen. Recyclinganlagen mit ARP-Zyklon-Technologie werden zum Beispiel in der Felgenproduktion eingesetzt, wo pro Tag bis zu 60 Tonnen Aluminiumspäne anfallen. Bei einem konventionellen Ofen kommt es zu einem Abbrand, bei dem drei bis fünf Prozent des zu recycelnden Aluminiums verloren gehen. Über drei Faktoren kann man die Menge des Abbrands und den Energieverbrauch während des Schmelzprozesses positiv beeinflussen: Die Aluminiumspäne müssen frei von Ölrückständen sein, vor dem Einführen in die Schmelzkammer erhitzt werden und sie müs- sen sich möglichst schnell mit dem flüssigen Metall vermischen. Die Anlagen von ARP nutzen diese drei Faktoren aus – so werden die Abbrandverluste auf unter ein Prozent verringert. Die ARP-Technologie setzt bei der Beschleunigung der Vermischung von flüssigem Metall und Spänen an. Das Prinzip des Fliehkraftabscheiders zur Trennung fester Teilchen aus Strömungen wird hier umgekehrt und dafür verwendet, die Späne schneller unter die Oberfläche des Schmelzbades zu führen, um eine übermäßige Oxid- und Schlackenbildung zu vermeiden. Das flüssige Aluminium wird im Schmelzofen an einer Stelle in Bewegung gebracht und bildet einen Strudel oder Zyklon. Diesem Strudel werden die gereinigten, heißen Späne kontrolliert zugeführt und durch das flüssige Medium eingeschmolzen. Drei Prozent weniger Abbrand entsprechen 30 Kilogramm zusätzlicher Ausbeute beim Recyceln einer Tonne Aluminium. Bei einer Anlagenleistung von 24 Tonnen pro Tag und einer jährlichen Betriebsdauer von 330 Tagen ergeben sich rund 230 Tonnen mehr Aluminium pro Jahr. Zudem verringert sich die Energiemenge, die für das Einschmelzen notwendig ist, von 1,5 kWh/kg auf circa 0,8 kWh/kg – da die Abwärme aus der thermischen Nachverbrennung des Schmelzofenabgases über einen Wärmetauscher zur Erwärmung der Späne genutzt wird, die Distanz zwischen Wärmetauscher und Ofen sehr gering und das System geschlossen ist, sodass kaum Wärme verloren geht. Mit dem geringeren Energiebedarf geht eine CO2-Reduzierung von mehr als 1.100 Tonnen pro Jahr und Anlage einher. „Uns war es wichtig, den kompletten Vorgang zu betrachten und mit den Verbesserungen nicht nur an einer einzelnen Schraube zu drehen“, erklärt Wolfgang Riegert, Geschäftsführender Gesellschafter bei ARP. WVM: Energiewende nur mit der NE-Metallindustrie Die politisch gewollte Neuausrichtung und Umsetzung der Energiepolitik sei ohne die energieintensiven Industrien nicht möglich. „Ohne energieintensive Grundstoffe wie Aluminium, Kupfer, Zink, Blei, Nickel und andere Metalle wird kein Kraftwerk gebaut, kein Stromnetz betrieben, kein Strom aus Erneuerbaren produziert und keine Speicher hergestellt. Festzuhalten bleibt, dass viele gesetzliche Regelungen richtig sind, einige überstürzt getroffen wurden und manche Regulierungen unrealistisch bleiben“, sagte Martin Kneer, Hauptgeschäftsführer der WirtschaftsVereinigung Metalle (WVM). Die Folgen des Kernkraft-Ausstiegs, der beschleunigte Ausbau erneuerbarer Energien sowie der Emissionshandel sind für die energie- und wertschöpfungsintensive NE-Metallindustrie in Deutschland so zu gestalten, dass Strom sicher und bezahlbar bleibt. „Die Exporterfolge der deutschen Industrie und die Attraktivität des Industriestandortes Deutschland für Investoren hängen nicht zuletzt von einer jederzeit zuverlässigen Stromversorgung zu international wettbewerbsfähigen Preisen ab“, unterstrich Kneer. „Mit den jetzigen Beschlüssen sind politische Eckpunkte fixiert. Der Realitätscheck wird in einem kontinuierlichen Monitoringverfahren erfolgen müssen. Gesellschaft und Industrie 6 stehen bei der künftigen Energiepolitik vor großen Herausforderungen und vielen offenen Fragen, die den Standort Deutschland massiv tangieren. Die Energiewende wird nur mit einer bei Strompreisen und Netzsicherheit international wettbewerbsfähigen deutschen Industrie gelingen“, so Kneer weiter. Das Potenzial zu- und abschaltbarer Leistung besser nutzen Die NE-Metallbranche begrüßt den Beschluss des Bundeskabinetts, durch Änderung des Energiewirtschaftsgesetzes die rechtliche Grundlage für Verträge zwischen Netzbetreibern und Industrieunternehmen über zu- und abschaltbare Leistung zu verbessern. Jetzt müssten angemessene Entgelte vereinbart werden, so Kneer. Übertragungsnetzbetreiber und die Bundesnetzagentur würden flächendeckende Stromausfälle in Zukunft nicht mehr ausschließen, da Kraftwerksleistung zur Aufrechterhaltung stabiler Stromnetze fehle. Die Zahl kritischer Netzzustände habe seit Beginn des Kernenergie-Moratoriums stark zugenommen. „Wir lehnen Zwangsabschaltungen energieintensiver Unternehmen in angespannten Netzsituationen ab“, so Kneer. Einige Branchenunternehmen, bei denen dies technisch möglich ist, seien jedoch auf Basis klarer vertraglicher Regelungen bereit, Beiträge zur Netzstabilisierung zu leisten. Das vorhandene Potenzial zu- und abschaltbarer Lasten der Branche werde bisher ungenügend genutzt. Für die Umsetzung der Energiewende sei ein Monitoring erforderlich. „Die Bundesregierung muss regelmäßig überprüfen, ob die Gesetze die gewünschte Wirkung haben und die Stromversorgung sicher und bezahlbar ist“, sagte Kneer. Gegebenenfalls müsse nachjustiert werden. Strompreiskompensation: „Es besteht noch Verhandlungsbedarf“ Die von der Bundesregierung angestrebte Strompreiskompensation für die energieintensive Industrie aufgrund des Emissionshandels ab 2013 stößt in Brüssel weiter auf Schwierigkeiten. „Es bestehe noch Verhandlungsbedarf“, erklärte Bundeswirtschaftsminister Philipp Rösler nach Gesprächen mit EUWettbewerbskommissar Joaquín Almunia. Die Bundesregierung strebt Entlastungsbeihilfen für die Industrie von bis zu 1,3 Milliarden Euro an. Derartige Kompensationsregelungen sind ab 2013 zwar EU-seitig erlaubt, müssen jedoch mit dem EU-Beihilferecht in Einklang stehen. ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 NEWS IN BRIEF Novelis invests in new continuous casting line Novelis Inc. is to invest USD15.8 million in a new continuous casting line at its production facility in Pieve Emanuele, Italy. The new line will recycle painted scrap to produce rolled aluminium sheet. The announcement follows the company’s stated commitment in May to increase the amount of recycled metal it uses in its worldwide rolling operations from 34% today to 80% by 2020. “This is one step towards Novelis reaching our ambitious global recycling target,” said Tadeu Nardocci, president of Novelis Europe and senior vice president of Novelis Inc. “It also makes sound business sense to install a fifth continuous caster at our Pieve plant so that we can better meet the demands for material across our European operations.” The decision will see the largest single investment in the company’s Italian facilities in twelve years. The plant at Pieve Emanuele is an integrated continuous casting, rolling and finishing operation. The aluminium sheet and coil produced there is sold to distributors and end users in a number of industrial and construction markets. The Pieve plant is also the supplier of aluminium coil to the nearby Novelis mill at Bresso, where it is processed into pre-painted, textured and bright finish material for use in transport, construction and industrial applications. Applications include roofing, architectural cladding and domestic appliances. The use of continuous casting technology also brings logistical advantages as a key production step is brought in-house, thus saving transport and other costs. The investment will also free up capacity where it is needed elsewhere in the Novelis Europe system to meet the growing demand for other high-end products such as can body sheet and automotive sheet. The painted scrap from Novelis’ Italian operations, as well as other low-grade used aluminium from external sources, will be recycled into high quality rolled aluminium on the new equipment. The environmental benefits are significant as recycling aluminium uses only five percent of the energy required to make the metal from raw materials and avoids 95 percent of the greenhouse gases associated with primary aluminium production. Installation of the new line, which will include a double-chamber melting furnace, continuous casting line and ancillary equipment, will be completed by the end of 2012. The installation will be followed by a commissioning and ramp-up period. ADBIC and Gulf Extrusions to set up extrusion plant in Abu Dhabi ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 international map and will unlock new inter- of Gulf Extrusions, said: “This joint venture national markets,” said Eng. Jamal Al Dhaheri, underlines the immense growth potential of CEO of ADBIC. “This is one of a series of the Middle East’s aluminium industry and likeindustrial projects by ADBIC and an example wise reaffirms our commitment to further of the public-private partnership model pur- strengthen the region’s reputation as a leading sued by us. I look forward to a successful long supplier in the global market. A world-class, term partnership with Al Ghurair Group and state-of-the-art facility such as Taweelah Aluwill continue to build on this foundation with minium Extrusion Company will be crucial Emal and Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi in opening more business opportunities and to attract investments, promote the industrial sector, and diversify the economy in line with the directives and guidance of our esteemed leadership,” he added. Mr Majid Al Gurair, CEO of Al Ghurair Group (to which Gulf Extrusion belongs), said: “We are excited to move forward with this new project as it is part of our ongoing thrust to expand into high- The joint venture to set up Taweelah Aluminium Extrusion Co. was signed growth sectors. Gulf by Eng. Jamal Salem Al Dhaheri, CEO of ADBIC, and Majid Al Ghurair, CEO of Al Ghurair Group Extrusions will play a very important role in nurturing Taweelah creating new possibilities to cater to emergAluminium Extrusion to be a key industry ing demand in new markets. Gulf Extrusions is player and in maintaining the high standards therefore eager to offer its technical expertise of excellence in the production of premium- and in-depth knowledge of the aluminium inquality aluminium products.” dustry to help ensure the sustained growth and Mr. Modar Al Mekdad, general manager success of this joint venture.“ ABDIC Abu Dhabi Basic Industries Corp. (ADBIC) and Gulf Extrusions have signed a joint venture agreement to set up Taweelah Aluminium Extrusion Co. in Abu Dhabi. The company will invest USD200 million in establishing a stateof-the-art extrusion plant, which will be the first of its kind in the MENA region and also the first industrial project to be launched in Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad) after the Emal smelter. Kizad, with its 417 square kilometres of prime industrial land, is conveniently located between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and is a statement of intent by the Government of Abu Dhabi, creating a wealth of opportunities on a global scale. This 50,000 tonnes facility will be built on a 235,000 square metres plot of land adjacent to Emal, one of the largest industrial projects in the UAE outside the oil and gas sector. The feedstock of liquid aluminium and aluminum billets will be supplied by Emal. Taweelah Aluminium Extrusion will produce a diversified product range of aluminum extruded profiles, fabricated profiles as well as substructures and systems. The product range will cater to the industrial, automotive and transportation sectors as well as to the top end building and construction projects, meeting the most stringent standards of local, regional and international customers. “This project with a strong and well established UAE group puts UAE generated knowhow and manufacturing excellence on the 7 AKTUELLES Auf Initiative der Firma Steinhoff fand am 10. Mai 2011 Köln ein Symposium zum Thema Kaltwalzen statt – der Cold Rolling Day. Die Veranstaltung wurde von neun Firmen durchgeführt, zu deren Kunden u. a. die Kaltwalzindustrie gehört. Die Firmen waren Steinhoff als Kaltwalzenhersteller, Henkel für Walzöle und Emulsionen, Lechler Kühlsysteme, Rebs Zentralschmieranlagen, Schaeffler Technologies als Wälzlagerhersteller, Maschinenfabrik Herkules für Schleifmaschinen, Lismar für Walzenprüfsysteme, Atlantic als Schleifscheibenhersteller und das Fraunhofer-Institut für zerstörungsfreie Werkstoffprüfung. Jede von ihnen ist als Lieferant der Kaltwalzindustrie weltweit bekannt. Jede dieser Firmen hielt einen technisch orientierten Vortrag über ihre Produkte und deren Anwendung in der Kaltwalzindustrie. Eingeladen waren vorwiegend die Techniker der europäischen Stahl-, Aluminium- und NE-Metallindustrie sowie die Walzwerkshersteller. Insgesamt besuchten 150 Teilnehmer aus 14 Ländern die Veranstaltung, auf der es ausreichend Gelegenheit gab, mit den Firmenvertretern Einzelgespräche zu führen. Aufgrund der durchweg positiven Resonanz wird 2013 der nächste Cold Rolling Day stattfinden, dann in Düsseldorf. Der richtige Umgang mit Aluminiumkrätzen – Ein Leitfaden für die NE-Metallindustrie Aluminiumkrätzen sind ein Musterbeispiel dafür, dass die NE-Metallindustrie seit langem effizient und ressourcenschonend arbeitet. Der hohe Metallwert des Aluminiums verbunden mit der hohen Gesamttonnage an Aluminiumkrätzen hat zur Etablierung eines gut funktionierenden Recyclingnetzes geführt. Die NE-Metallindustrie richtet sich mit einem neuen Leitfaden an alle, die mit aluminiumhaltigen Krätzen umgehen. Er soll die Unternehmen in der Praxis unterstützen und auf eventuelle Gefährdungen aufmerksam machen. Das Kapitel zur Einstufung von Krätzen und die umfassenden Anhänge bieten bei der Erfüllung der Compliance-Pflichten eine hilfreiche Übersicht. Dieser Leitfaden ist auch für den Vollzug eine wertvolle Hilfe, denn gerade bei der gefahrgutrechtlichen Einstufung bzw. Prüfung tauchen im Zusammenhang mit Krätzen immer wieder Fragen auf. Der kostenpflichtige Leitfaden kann über die WirtschaftsVereinigung Metalle bezogen werden. 8 Amcor investiert in den Ausbau des Veredlungswerkes in Singen Amcor Flexibles Europe & Americas inves- Verpackungen werden künftig ausschließlich tiert 6,7 Mio. Euro in das Veredelungswerk in speziellen Produktionsbereichen hergein Singen, um die Kapazitäten zur Produktion stellt, die die sehr hohen Sauberkeits- und pharmazeutischer Verpackungen zu erweitern Hygienestandards der pharmazeutischen Inund die klassische Veredlung pharmagerecht dustrie erfüllen. zu modernisieren. Der Standort ist mit seinen integrierten Folienwalzwerken und Veredelungsanlagen auf die Herstellung hochwertiger aluminiumbasierter Packstoffe spezialisiert und beliefert weltweit Unternehmen der Pharma- und Nahrungsmittelindustrie. Das Werk beschäftigt 1.100 Mitarbeiter. Im Zuge der Investition wird das vor drei Jahren eröffnete Pharma-Clean-Center „LKM24“ um einen Anbau mit drei Rollenschneidmaschinen erweitert. Sensible PharmaAmcor-Werk in Singen Amcor „Cold Rolling Day“ in Köln Chinesische CITIC Dicastal übernimmt KSM Castings und erweitert Aluminiumgusskompetenz CITIC Dicastal Wheel Manufacturing Co., Ltd. hat mit Cognetas LLP eine Vereinbarung zum Erwerb der deutschen KSM Castings Gruppe mit Sitz in Hildesheim getroffen. KSM bietet ein breites Spektrum an Leichtmetallkomponenten, besonders Antriebsstrang- und Karosserieteile wie Radträger, Vorderachshilfsrahmen, Lenk- und Getriebsgehäuse und anderen Komponenten für Motor und Getriebe. Mit sechs Produktionsstätten in Europa und China ist KSM ein Markt- und Technologieführer im Bereich Leichtmetallguss für den Automobilbau. Mit einer weltweiten Belegschaft von über 2.700 Mitarbeitern erzielte das Unternehmen im Geschäftsjahr 2011 einen Umsatz von 401 Mio. Euro. KSM wird zukünftig als unabhängiger Geschäftsbereich in der CITIC Dicastal geführt und weiter vom derzeitigen Management geleitet. Die Übernahme von KSM ist der erste ausländische Zukauf in der Firmengeschichte von CITIC Dicastal. Sie bietet dem Unternehmen die horizontale Expansion in die Bereiche Fahrwerk, Antriebsstrang und Karosserie und die Erweiterung der technologischen Kompetenz. Sie ist Ausdruck des Entwicklungstrend zum automobilen Leichtmetallguss, der auch durch Initiativen der chinesischen Regierung zur Reduktion des Kraftstoffverbrauchs ge- fördert wird. Die Transaktion unterliegt der Zustimmung der chinesischen Regierung sowie der zuständigen Kartellbehörden. Über CITIC Dicastal: Das Unternehmen wurde 1988 gegründet. Hauptsitz ist in Qinhuangdao in der chinesischen Provinz Hebei. Gemessen am Umsatz für 2010 ist das Unternehmen der weltweit größte Hersteller von Felgen aus Aluminiumlegierungen für die Automobilindustrie. Das Unternehmen ist eine 100%ige Tochter der CITIC Gruppe, eines der größten chinesischen Konglomerate in staatlichem Besitz. Über KSM Castings: Das Unternehmen ist ein führender Anbieter von sicherheitsrelevanten, komplexen Aluminium- und Magnesiumteilen für die internationale Automobilindustrie. Der Produktschwerpunkt liegt auf Komponenten für die Bereiche Fahrwerk und Antriebsstrang. Das Unternehmen betreibt vier Produktionsstandorte in Deutschland, einen in der Tschechischen Republik und einen im Norden Chinas. Über Cognetas: Cognetas ist eine unabhängige europäische Private-Equity-Gesellschaft und hatte KSM Castings (vormals ThyssenKrupp Fahrzeugguss) 2005 von der ThyssenKrupp AG erworben. ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 NEWS IN BRIEF Carbon price puts Australian aluminium industry at risk Efficient and competitive Australian alumina and aluminium operations are at risk of leakage under a carbon price, according to the Australian Aluminium Council (AAC), which recently released the 2010 energy intensity and greenhouse gas emissions data. AAC executive director Miles Prosser said: “These figures go to the heart of the current carbon pricing debate. If a carbon price reduces production and investment in Australian facilities, the increase in production elsewhere could be less energy efficient. The increase in other countries’ greenhouse gas emissions will wipe out any apparent reductions here in Australia. That means we would be harming the Australian economy and regional jobs but gaining no reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions.” The 2010 energy use and greenhouse gas emission data show that Australia’s alumina and aluminium plants are world class for energy efficiency. Energy used in alumina production was 9.7 GJ per tonne, significantly less than the global average of 11.9 GJ per tonne. Energy used in aluminium smelting was 15.0 GWh per tonne, that is lower than the global average of 15.2 GWh per tonne. Furthermore, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions achieved as a result of significant investment by the Australian industry since 1990 have been maintained. Alumina green- house gas emissions were 0.73 tonnes CO2e per tonne of alumina in 2010, a reduction of 23% since 1990. Aluminium greenhouse gas emissions were 15.62 tonnes CO2e per tonne of aluminium, a reduction of 26%. Mr Prosser pointed to competing countries and said that future improvements in emissions reduction were at risk: “China is a key competitor and has significantly higher emissions intensity for alumina refining and would represent no improvement for aluminium smelting. We know that Chinese producers are facing a carbon price of only $0.85 per tonne of carbon dioxide and this won’t rise to more than a few dollars for more than a decade. Middle East producers are facing no carbon cost. The Australian Government must ensure that the exposure of Australian producers to a carbon cost moves in parallel with our competitors, not dangerously ahead of them. This can be done but we are yet to see the Government commit to it.” The Australian alumina and aluminium industry is Australia’s highest value-add processor of resources and the largest processed export earner. Operations in the Australian alumina and aluminium industries have a replacement value of over $50 billion and annually produce more than $14 billion of product. The industry directly employs around 17,000 people, many in regional areas. Schmidt + Clemens Edelstahl-Akademie 2. Internationaler Workshop in den Niederlanden Vom 14. bis 16. September 2011 findet der 2. Internationale Workshop „Aluminium Extrusion“ im Rahmen der S+C Edelstahl-Akademie statt. Die Veranstaltung wird in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Aluminium Zentrum der Niederlande organisiert. Auszug aus dem Programm: • Eigenschaften von Werkzeugstahl, Tobias Orbach, S+C Extrusion Tooling Solutions GmbH • Design und Entwicklung von Blockaufnehmern, Jan Walter, S+C Extrusion Tooling Solutions GmbH • Heizsysteme im Strangpressprozess, Stefan Beer, I. A . S. GmbH & Co. KG • Simulation des Strangpressprozesses, A. J. Koopman, Alko Engineering • Serviceleistungen für Strangpressen, Steffen Wächtler, SMS Meer GmbH • Oberflächentechnologie und Vakuumwärme- ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 behandlung, Dr. Christoph Escher, Dörrenberg Edelstahl GmbH. Im Rahmen der Edelstahl-Akademie ist auch ein Besuch von Nedal Aluminium geplant. Jeder Teilnehmer erhält ausführliche Seminarunterlagen und ein Teilnahmezertifikat. Weitere Informationen erhalten sind beim Leiter der S+C Edelstahl-Akademie, Dr. Gernot Strehl. Der Teilnahmebeitrag für die Veranstaltung beträgt 295,00 €, inkl. Seminarunterlagen, Verpflegung und Abendveranstaltung. Veranstaltungsort: Aluminium Centrum, Voorveste 2, 3990 DC Houten, Niederlande. Anmeldungen an: S+C Extrusion Tooling Solutions GmbH, Postfach 11 40, 51779 Lindlar, Deutschland. Exklusiver Medienpartner der S+C EdelstahlAkademie in den Niederlanden ist das International ALUMINIUM Journal der Giesel Verlag GmbH. Emal gets approval for expansion project Emal’s board of directors has approved the USD4.5bn investment to double production capacity to 1.3 million tonnes, making the company one of the largest single-site producers of primary aluminium in the world. The Emal Phase II project will entail the construction of a new potline within the smelter complex at Al Taweelah, Abu Dhabi. The line will comprise 444 reduction cells powered by increasing the onsite power plant capacity to 3,000 MW, which will yield an additional annual production capacity of 520,000 tonnes. The new generation DX+ reduction technology (developed in-house by Dubal) will be installed, which operates at 420 kA and offers substantial benefits in terms of energy-efficiency and environmental protection. In addition, the technology installed in Emal Phase I will be upgraded – a project that will take the production yield from the existing 756 cells (in two potlines) by 50,000 tpy to 800,000 tonnes by the end of 2012. This will boost Emal’s total production capacity to around 1.3 million tonnes by the end of 2014. Aluminium of Greece to repay state aid The EU Commission has concluded that lower electricity tariffs granted in 2007/08 by the Greek state-owned Public Power Corp. (PPC) to Aluminium of Greece granted an undue advantage to the company, in breach of EU state aid rules. As a result, Greece must recover the aid from the beneficiary. The Commission also investigated the financing of a gas pipeline by the state-owned Public Gas Corp., connecting Aluminium of Greece to the national gas grid, but concluded that it was carried out on market terms and did therefore not involve state aid. The decision follows an in-depth investigation opened in January 2010. Aluminium of Greece benefited from a difference between its preferential tariffs and the standard rates for large industrial consumers during the period concerned, which totals 17.4 million euros. The preferential tariffs go back to 1960 and were supposed to expire in March 2006. But they resumed in January 2007 until March 2008, at which point PPC won an appeal to have them terminated. Greece must recover the aid plus interest. 9 WIRTSCHAFT DR.GRAF-Personalberatung DR. GRAF – Personnel Consultancy Auf der steten Suche nach Top-Leuten Always on the lookout for top people Ein kleines, aber feines Unternehmen im oberschwäbischen Bad Waldsee hat sich in den letzten Jahren als Top-Adresse für die Besetzung von Führungspositionen der internationalen Metallindustrie etabliert. Werner J. Graf, (Gründer und Inhaber der DR.GRAF-Personalberatung) ist quasi „gelernter Aluminium-Mann“ und war lange Zeit in operativer Verantwortung in der Branche tätig. A small, but choice company in Bad Waldsee in Upper Swabia has established itself in recent years as the best place to go for filling leading positions in the international metals industry. Werner J. Graf (founder and proprietor of DR.GRAF – Personnel Consultancy) is, as it were, a ‘trained aluminium man’ and held positions of responsibility in the sector for a long time. Graf kennt die Metallindustrie wie kaum ein Zweiter aus seinem Gewerbe und ist entsprechend gut vernetzt. Bis Mitte 2006 war er als Vorsitzender der Geschäftsführung der deutschen Walz- und Strangpressaktivitäten von Corus Aluminium, heute Aleris Inc., tätig und in dieser Funktion auch in diversen Verbänden auf nationaler und internationaler Ebene eingebunden. „Wenn man die Metallindustrie und ihre Eigenarten so gut kennt, bleibt man halt mit diesem Industriezweig sozusagen auf ewig verbunden“, erklärt er. Seit nunmehr fünf Jahren berät er mit seinem Team Unternehmen der internationalen Metallin- Werner J. Graf dustrie – vor allem bei der Besetzung von Top-Positionen. Recherchiert wird ausschließlich über die Direktansprache. „Die Entwicklung der letzten Jahre war für uns trotz Krise sehr rasant. Wir sind sehr zufrieden mit dieser Entwicklung und haben natürlich noch viel vor in den nächsten Jahren.“ Schnell kommt er ins Schwärmen, wenn es um das Walzen, Pressen, Schmieden und Gießen von Metallen geht. Im Laufe der Jahre hat sich das Spektrum seiner Personalberatung auch auf wichtige Kunden der Aluminiumindustrie erweitert. „Wir sind stolz, dass heute führende Unternehmen aus Bau, Verpackung und Transport zu unserem Mandantenkreis gehören. Auch der Maschinen- und Anlagenbau um die Metallindustrie herum bedient sich zwischenzeitlich unserer Dienstleistungen.“ Jede Branche hat ihre Spezifika, weiß Graf. Das gilt auch für die Aluminiumindustrie. Er kennt seine Branche, und seine Mandanten wissen das zu schätzen. „Aktuell sehen wir Mr Graf knows the metals industry better than almost anyone else in the personal consultant business, and has correspondingly excellent contacts. Until the middle of 2006 he served as chairman of the board for the rolling and extrusion activities of Corus Aluminium – now Aleris Inc. – in Germany, and in that capacity was also involved in various Associations at national and international level. “When you know the metals industry and its characteristics so well, you remain everlastingly bound up with this sector of industry,” he explains. For five years now he and his team have advised companies in the international metals industry – Foto: Dr. GRAF above all about the filling of top positions. Searches are conducted exclusively by direct approach. “Despite the crisis, our development in these years has been very rapid. We are very satisfied with that development and of course expect it to go much farther in the years to come.” Mr Graf soon goes into raptures when talking about the rolling, extrusion, forging and casting of metals. Over the years the scope of his personnel consultancy has also extended to important customers in the aluminium industry. “We are proud that today, leading companies in the construction, packaging and transport sectors are among our circle of clients. Also, mechanical and plant engineering companies related to the metals industry have in the meantime begun using our services.” Every sector has its specific features, he points out. This also applies to the aluminium industry. He has a thorough knowledge of the sector, and his clients know how to appreciate that. “At present we foresee a big shortage of technically and managerially specialised personnel in our industry,” he says. To close that gap, the resources of the companies themselves will not be sufficient. So the personnel consultant is convinced that for companies in the sector it is becoming more and more important to find top people for the metals industry, even coming from abroad. But movement in the opposite direction is also becoming increasingly relevant. The demand created by globalisation for branch specialists from Germany who are prepared to spend a few years or even longer working abroad, is continually increasing. It is not actually cheap to commission Graf to seek out top candidates, but “We offer more than the mere filling of vacant posts. We view ourselves not just as ‘head-hunters’, but rather as trusted and reliable sparring partners and advisors for decision-makers when questions of strategy, organisation and the filling of leading positions arise. In other words, we have to know what our client is talking about – and we do. Our job is to make sure that our clients get to fill their vacant posts in the best possible way, because at the end of the day it is always people who make the difference between success or failure.” N eine große Lücke an Fach- und Führungskräften auf unsere Industrie zukommen“, sagt er. Um diese Lücke zu schließen, werden die eigenen Unternehmensressourcen nicht ausreichen. Daher werde es für die Branchenunternehmen immer wichtiger, auch im Ausland Topleute für die Metallindustrie zu finden, ist Graf überzeugt. Aber auch der umgekehrte Weg werde zunehmend relevanter. Die Nachfrage nach deutschen Branchenspezialisten, die bereit sind, für einige Jahre oder auch länger ins Ausland zu gehen, steige ständig. Es ist nicht gerade billig, Graf mit der Suche nach dem/der Topkandidaten/in zu beauftra- gen, aber „wir bieten auch mehr als die bloße Besetzung von offenen Positionen. Wir sehen uns nicht nur als Headhunter, sondern vielmehr als zuverlässiger Sparringspartner und Ratgeber für Entscheidungsträger, wenn es um Strategie, Organisation und die Besetzung von Führungspositionen geht. Das heißt, wir müssen wissen, wovon unser Mandant spricht und das tun wir. Unsere Aufgabe ist es, dafür zu sorgen, dass unsere Mandanten ihre offenen Positionen optimal besetzt bekommen. Denn am Ende sind es noch immer die Menschen, die den Ausschlag geben über Erfolg oder N Misserfolg“ – davon ist Graf überzeugt. 10 ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 WIRTSCHAFT Produktionsdaten der deutschen Aluminiumindustrie Primäraluminium Sekundäraluminium Walzprodukte > 0,2 mm Press- & Ziehprodukte** Produktion (in 1.000 t) +/in % * Produktion (in 1.000 t) +/in % * Produktion (in 1.000 t) +/in % * Produktion (in 1.000 t) +/in % * Mai 34,4 96,8 53,5 16,7 162,4 35,3 47,4 41,2 Jun 34,7 91,1 56,7 16,4 165,5 21,9 53,7 43,2 Jul 36,5 83,0 49,7 -4,2 158,3 6,2 50,5 23,6 Aug 36,9 79,9 46,0 6,4 167,6 27,0 48,4 27,1 Sep 36,0 69,4 53,6 -3,8 161,0 14,2 50,9 17,3 Okt 37,1 53,2 52,0 -5,4 161,8 12,5 50,7 11,0 Nov 35,9 46,3 52,6 -4,4 158,2 6,1 50,8 11,8 Dez 37,2 42,2 41,7 -1,6 123,4 12,9 31,3 17,7 Jan 11 37,1 37,7 45,2 -1,5 154,9 11,9 44,8 18,2 Feb 33,8 32,2 49,3 -3,2 161,1 9,2 47,3 11,1 Mär 37,0 21,9 54,0 -6,0 173,7 0,8 53,1 4,0 Apr 35,7 15,1 48,3 -5,3 156,6 -2,3 47,3 7,4 Mai 37,1 7,9 50,9 -4,9 168,3 3,7 56,1 18,3 * gegenüber dem Vorjahresmonat, ** Stangen, Profile, Rohre; Mitteilung des Gesamtverbandes der Aluminiumindustrie (GDA), Düsseldorf Primäraluminium Walzprodukte > 0,2 mm ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 Sekundäraluminium Press- und Ziehprodukte 11 WIRTSCHAFT ! -2 )59-')()5!!"" -) ',80()2/5-6)-28534%63:-)7)2 ()2<-)00 2)+%7-9) )0(82+)2 A&)5 (-) 6',:%',)#)5*%6682+()5" $-576',%*7 :%5)2 -1 9)5+%2+)2)2 32%7 (-) &) ,)556',)2()2!,)1)2%2()2:)07:)- 7)2 -2%2< 82( 3,673**1?5/7)2 #35 %00)1 (-) 35+)2 81 )-2)2 1@+0-',)5 :)-6) 82/3275300-)57)2 7%%76&%2/5377 5-)',)20%2(6 ,%77)2 -1 32%769)5 0%8* 2%',7)-0-+) 86:-5/82+)2 %8* (-) 081-2-81/856) )7<7)2(0-', :85() <:%5)-2:)-7)5)6-0*64%/)7+)6',2A57 "26-',)5,)-7)2 &0)-&)2 ()223', &)67) ,)26:-5(2-',7%86+)6',0366)2(%66 :)-7)5)8530?2()5-2()2 3+()55-) ',)20%2(5-6)+)5%7)2 &)5 %8', .)26)-76 ()6 70%27-/6 -67 (-) -78%7-32 &)(53,0-', -) " 6-2( 1-7 9-)5<),2 -00-32)2 300%5 9)56',80()7 82( (-) 9)5@**)270-',7)2 32.82/785(% 7)2 0%66)2 %8* )-2) )5267,%*7) 5/5%2 /82+()5:)07+5@>7)2$-576',%*761%',7 6',0-)>)2 %+)+)2 )5:)-67 6-', (-) ()876',) $-576',%*7 :)-7)5,-2 %06 53 &867 )5 9-)0 &)%',7)7) *32(); 67-)+ -182-%8*()2,@',67)2 7%2(6)-7()5 $-)()59)5)-2-+82+ ! 0)7<7)285',6',2-776:)57) 82%45-0 ?5< )&58%5 %28%5 853 853 853 853 853 853 50 0 –50 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 0)7<7)285',6',2-776:)57) 2.500 82%45-0 ?5< )&58%5 %28%5 2.000 853 853 853 853 853 853 1.500 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 1.000 5.000 0)7<7)232%76)2(:)57) 82%45-0 ?5< )&58%5 %28%5 !3 !3 !3 !3 !3 !3 4.000 3.000 2.000 1.000 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 0 00)2+%&)2%8*(-)6)5 )-7)6-2(829)5&-2(0-', 8)00)!!""=%/78)00)$)57)827)5:::75-1)7()3()51-7()5!!44*A5(%6-,32) 12 ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 ECONOMICS The present trilogy is based on the ground-breaking article: Which globalization for the aluminium industry – a normative analysis exploring alternative business models, published in ALUMINIUM 1-2/2008 and 3/2008 as well as on the opening speech with the title ‘How globalization is changing competition in the aluminium industry’, held at the ‘Aluminium Two Thousand” congress from 17 to 19 May 2011 in Bologna. The globalizing aluminium industry – Part 1/3: Competitive strategies of emerging and advanced economies Bruno G. Rüttimann, Horgen China and other BRIC countries have been experiencing during the past years average growth rates of about 10% whilst advanced economic areas such as Europe suffered from stagnation or had to be content with slight growth. With increased self-confidence, backed-up with a very competitive cost structure, new competitors are successfully entering the international markets. Emblematic is the Chinese export success of extruded products to America having reached from scratch in less than ten years a 15% market share, and that in fragmented markets characterized by regional transaction patterns. The damage in fragmented type 2a globalization markets inflicted by the opportunistic low-cost type 1c globalization is deleterious for the local industry in 14 high-cost countries. At the same time, whilst in Europe the primary metal industry is declining due to high energy cost, new big smelters are being put into operation, not only in the Gulf region, to satisfy the rising demand for primary aluminium. Western industrialized countries needed 100 years to build-up today’s aluminium industry. Fig. 1: Contingent factors influencing corporate strategy orientation Emerging economies will not need another 100 years to reach the The intrinsic nature of the different business same level, shortening learning curves with types combined with striving to maximize the help of Western partners, and will benefit profit exploiting global growth opportunities from already available product and process are leading to different but very characteristic technology. One thing is for sure: the econom- globalization patterns and strategies. Four of ic gravity centre will shift – a new economic the seven basic globalization types (Fig. 2) and order will be established where the emerging relative macro business strategies are relevant economies will have their lion’s part. The car- to us: type 1a, type 1b, type 1c and type 2a [1, dinal question is now: what will companies in 2]. The understanding of these basic globaliemerging economies most likely do? What is zation patterns is essential in order to underthe resulting spectrum of possible strategies stand not only the strategy scope but also the for the longstanding players in the light of in- threat or opportunity deriving from globalizacreasing importance of emerging competitors, tion along the different levels of the value-add changing the competition rules? chain. Relevant is also the governing industry logic of the industry life cycle and how supply chains are evolving. This topic will be analyzed Globalization patterns and strategy more deeply in the second part of this trilogy. The cardinal question is: how will globaliza- The industry logic evolves and embraces new tion impact corporate strategies. Corporate key success factors generated by discontinuistrategies are not fully free to choose and are ties of the second type, i. e. disruptive changes, subject to change influenced by the changing leading to new competitive moves. The indusindustry logic. Under the ‘leitmotif’ of maxi- try logic is therefore the associated governing mizing profit, global strategy formulation has rational of industry life cycle and changes with to be seen within the company-extern as well its stage of maturity. as company-intern context which is evolving Possible strategies depend largely on the and depends on (Fig. 1): resources and skills available to the company • The business type and industry logic but also to the intrinsic type of business [3]. It • The external local resource endowment is a fact that resources, such as bauxite, cheap • The internal accumulated skills energy and cheap labour, are mainly abundant • The mission and vision of the company. in emerging economies. In advanced econo- Images: Rüttimann During the past 20 years, the aluminium industry has been experiencing fundamental changes. The concentration of big aluminium groups and the de-verticalization of the formerly integrated value-chain are the consequences of the globalizing aluminium business. In addition, new competitors from emerging economic regions are entering the international scene and play their role for the conquest of market shares. The result is a new competitive environment with new rules of the game. The globalization of the aluminium business is modifying the industry logic. Proven business models will be abandoned and new ones will emerge within an eclectic market. With the present trilogy, the author analyses the variables driving the next future of the globalizing aluminium industry and how the resulting aluminium competitive system could look like. He covers topics such as the normative strategies of emerging and advanced economies, the arising new industry logic, as well as the possible consequences to the European aluminium industry. In this first part, the possible macro-strategy moves of companies from emerging and advanced economies are analysed. ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 ECONOMICS mies skills are dominating, such as know-how and technology. It seems obvious that companies from advanced economies have to concentrate on technology to keep the advantage whereas companies from emerging economies will concentrate at the beginning on exploiting abundant resources, even supported by Western companies. This seems to lead directly to Pareto optimality of supply chains within a global multi-country system, each country concentrating on the stage of transformation where it posses the best endowment in resources or skills. With the different endowment of resources we clearly see that companies from emerging and advanced economies will have a different spectrum of strategies available. Emerging and advanced economies are also on different stage of maturity regarding the industry life cycle [4, 5, 6]. The question arises: what is the overall predominant resulting industry logic? The governing industry logic will be the one with the most efficient supply chain along the value-add chain. Therefore cost again will most probably dominate over efficacy. The corporate mission is derived from external and internal factors and more precise, it is conceived within the field-force of competi- tors move, product/service differentiation and own skills in order to have an advantageous position to serve targeted customers. But it is also influenced by the political framework as well as set by social guidelines dictated from ethical beliefs of the shareholders and of the board of directors. In a winning customer-centric mission, everything has to be deducted from customer’s critical requirements and expectations. We can deduce that the mission, and therefore the corporate strategy, have a limited degree of freedom, because they are restricted to the available resources and have to comply with the governing industry logic in order to be successful. Therefore it is essential to identify the governing industry logic and to become best-in-class, or to set new rules of the game. The company vision then refers to the objectives, i. e. the quantitative targets in term of profitability, market share, and degree of international action scope. The rational of opportunistic low-cost globalization Let us have a look of what consists the biggest threat for the companies in advanced econo- Spouts and Stoppers mies. We will refer here to the semis industry, such as rolling, extrusion and castings. The aluminium semis production being a fragmented business with regionally limited action scope belongs to the type 2a globalization form [4, 5]. This leads to a regionally limited monopoly with imperfect competition scheme according to Chamberlin and Robinson. In such markets we usually do not expect to have competition from far-flung countries. But if the price differential for a non-differentiated product is high enough, exports from the low-cost region to the high-price economy may materialize according to the type 1c globalization pattern (Fig. 2). This happened extensively in the North American extrusion market during the period 2002 to 2010 [7, 8, 9, 10]. Imports from China alone reached more than 15% market share of the American extrusion market in 2010, before being stopped in 2011 by 300% import duties. The Chinese extrusion exports to the US had attained 200,000 tonnes in 2010 corresponding to more than ten extrusion plants with two presses and totalling more than 1,000 employees laid-off. The figures show that the damage inflicted to the local economy can be immense if not appropriate reactions are taken. Ceramic Foam Filters For Aluminium DC Casting w w w.drache-gmbh.de ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 · mail@drache-gmbh.de 15 ECONOMICS Therefore, this threat is not hypothetically but realistic. The exports of type 1c from low-cost countries can be modelled as follows [1]: tZK = ( pK PZ VK, ΔpZK, sZK, ⎯⎯, ⎯⎯ pZ VZ ) where tZK denotes the trade volume from the low-cost country Z to the high-price country K. This export volume depends on the market volume VK in the high-price region K, the absolute price difference ΔpZK of the two economic regions, as well as on a factor sZK summarizing the logistic aspects. Furthermore, pK and pZ are the respective prices in the high and low-price economies and VZ and PZ are respectively the demand and production capacity in the low-cost economy. This shows that the trade volume between Z and K depends mainly on price differences between the two economies and the capacity utilization in country Z. From the above causal relation, we can further assume that if pK/pZ > 1, i. e. absolute price difference is assumed, then capacity of the low-cost country Z will be dedicated to exports (if the demand side quality and service requirement can be fulfilled), i. e. the company in the low-price economy will act according to the rational economic law of maximizing profit. Let us have a look at the capacity situation. When PZ > VZ, exports will materialize and they will materialize the higher the price difference will be. When PZ < VZ, exports will hardly materialize, even if the price difference seems to be advantageous, because stateowned national interest will prevail, as long as the production capacity has not been adjusted. This will fuel the set-up of additional capacities in Z to exploit the advantage. From that we see that the production capacity situation in low-cost region Z is the essential triggering for exports to high-price regions. This fact will help us to understand the big difference of peculiarities of the BRIC countries compared to other economic regions, such as the Gulf. Indeed, exports will not be the primary strategy scope of China, the primary scope is to satisfy the rapid and huge growth of internal demand, but exports help to finance the huge need for capacity investment. Therefore, exports will be confined, until internal demand is growing. We can only hope that big lowcost economies, such as China, will continue to grow. If growth will stagnate, exceeding capacities will be oriented to the high-price economies with all its consequences for companies in fragmented type 2a markets. This situation is completely different from that one of the Gulf region because there will 16 be established structurally an overcapacity, exceeding largely the home-market demand. The aluminium demand in the Gulf region was 2010 approximate 600.000 tonnes for a population of 38 million. The excess of lowcost primary aluminium production will be a benison for all the countries with lack of endowment of natural resources. The foreseeable investment in downstream production in the Gulf region is a question of time, not only to supply the increasing local demand for semi-fabricated products but to export higher value-add products. sions are restricted due to mutual interactions. Two dimensions emerge to be decisive to understand the evolution of competition: the economy type and the action scope. Indeed, within the matrix of normative strategy options [11], advanced and emerging economies can choose between concentrating their activity either to a regionally local scope or to expanding their activity on global level, revealing four different basic strategy options (Fig. 3). Develop home market: Emerging economies focussing their attention mainly on the lo- Fig. 2: Nature of different globalization types Indeed, exporting semis according to the type 1c globalization logic based on low-cost advantage is obvious. The type 1c globalization form is a non-natural but a transient type of globalization form, existing as long as the advantage exists – but it will last long enough to hurt high-price economies. It is obvious that this type 1c globalization form can cause unemployment in high-price economies. If this situation persists, the price pressure on Western semi-fabricators will increase, and reactive strategies have to be actuated. Matrix of normative strategy options Now, let us come to the cardinal question: what can competitors of advanced economies do in light of what new competitors of emerging economies most likely will do relative to the action scope in the globalizing competition system. As we have seen before the response is not freely choosable but the strategy deci- cal home market pursue the mission to buildup a national industry in order to satisfy the local rising demand; this is mainly the case in very large countries, such as the BRICs. By the way, these companies have a social responsibility to fuel internal growth and to sustain the development of their country. An integrated approach along the whole value chain is most suitable because usually in these countries bauxite ore and cheap renewable energy also exist. Investment in downstream operation is necessary to satisfy the industry demand for extrusions, sheets or castings. Companies following mainly this approach are: CBA, UC Rusal, Hindalco and Chinalco. It goes without saying that this categorization is only approximate because also these companies are exporting, but the exports are for certain goods only a side-business. Exploit cost advantage: Competitors of rather smaller emerging economies but which are rather well endowed with cheap labour, ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 ECONOMICS cheap energy and ore reserves may pursue a rather different approach. Also they have the intention of building-up the home market but, leveraged with export focus, exploiting economies of scale to be able to serve the local market in the best way. Focussing only on the small home market would impede building industries with sizes exploiting economies of scale. Companies belonging to this strategy type are, for example, Alba, Dubal, Emal and Ma’aden. These competitors are following the type 1a globalization form as well as the type 1c. Exceptions are found also here: e.g. Kam Kiu, a big Chinese extruder, is also heavily exporting not because its home market is too small! Exploiting the cost advantage of emerging economies is typical, per antonomasia, in type 1c globalization pattern. Therefore, if exports to high-price countries are made on the same stage of the value chain this might have serious consequences to the local industry of high-price economies [1, 7, 8, 9, 10]. Exports of products following the globalization type 1a pattern, on the other hand, are highly appreci- Fig. 3: Matrix of normative strategy options ated by the companies of high-price countries, working hand in hand along the value chain; this gives a synergic supply chain, leaving space for any actor in the aluminium industry value-add chain, in emerging and advanced economies coming very close to the Pareto optimality to maximize wealth. Exploit know-how: How should competitors from advanced economies respond to this globalization challenge? Aluminium semi-fabricated products show a rather fragmented type 2a industry structure impeding exports over a long distance if it is not a very special semis-product of type 1b. Competitors wanting to grow have therefore to implement a strategy based on FDI (Foreign Direct Investment), wholly owned or via joint ventures. The need may also arise, forced by internationally active customers, to follow them globally. In ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 addition, from the Central Theorem of Globalization, a globalized activity reduces the portfolio risk [1]. The strategy of this business idea is based on brand marketing, following on international customers and knowing how to best run such types of plants. It may be obvious that those multinational enterprises (MNE) are competing locally in emerging markets against local competitors, but usually they are competing at arm’s length and with preferred customer relationships. Companies belonging to this strategy type are: Novelis, Sapa as well as partially Aleris and Constellium, the former Alcan EP downstream business. It has to be remarked that, Novelis belongs to the Birla group, which indicates that also the MNEs of emerging economies are beginning to have their own foothold on the global market and not only on local ones, as just described above, or try to get Western technology. Defend local market: The last basic strategy box is reserved mainly for small medium enterprises (SME), managed by an entrepreneurial small industry group or even family-owned, but also for the facilities of advanced MNE in their home markets. Semis fabrication is typical for this constellation. These companies may facing a hard future: exports are usually possible only on a limited scale, their home markets may still grow but that depends on the customer or application segment, and in addition, they have to face potentially increased competition from low-cost competitors exploiting the type 1c globalization pattern. The basic strategy to survive is customer relationship management, integrated by Lean and Six Sigma management philosophy based on service. This can be achieved also by SME, having an already lean cost structure; what has to be established is the right response to customers need. Mutually interactive strategies From the analysis of the matrix of normative strategy options results that competition advantage is asymmetric in favour of the emerging economies. Indeed, whereas the strategies of advanced economies show a win-win constellation, this is not true for both options of emerging economies. Implementing a type 2a strategy implies to build-up local capacities for the local market. This increases market share and profit for the advanced economies in fragmented markets, and at the same time it brings wealth and know-how to the emerging economy. An immediate idea to increase further shareholder profit could be to export these low-cost capacities to advanced highprice economies according to an opportunistic type 1c strategy; of course this should not be initiated by profit oriented Western management lacking of ethical principles. As we have already discussed, this low-cost exports can harm local industry of advanced economies especially in fragmented markets with low differentiation degree (remember the before cited American-Chinese extrusion case); this semis industry is vital to a well functioning downstream industry. Different is the situation of complementary steps in the value-add chain optimizing the supply chain according to type 1a globalization. The lack of commodities in high-price countries such as Europe leads to think about the whole value chain. Whether the control of the supply chain is made through participation or preferred customer-supplier relationship is a contingent question. Due to the fact, that more and more semis-conversion will be made also at the origin of the commodities helping to industrialize the commodity-supplying country, physical globalization of type 1a export could reach a temporary peak to advanced economies in future, substituted partially by exporting more value-add products of type 1c logic. At that stage at the latest, companies in advanced economies will have to enforce their strategy planning department and politicians in advanced economies should have created the best suitable conditions for a sustainable industry politics in their countries. Summary, first part Corporate strategies cannot be chosen deliberately but have to comply with the industry logics, or they have to revolutionize the industry logic. Due to the different external and internal resource endowments, strategies for companies in emerging and advanced countries will be different, where the opportunistic low-cost globalization is more than only a noise factor and will hurt companies in highcost countries. The rough spectrum of possible strategies for companies in emerging and advanced countries, how to behave in the global context, is shown in the Matrix of Normative Strategy Options. References [1] Rüttimann B., Modeling Economic Globalization – A Post-Neoclassic View on Foreign Trade and Competition, 2007, MV-Wissenschaft, ISBN 978-3-86582-447-9 [2] Rüttimann B., Globalisierung verstehen bedeutet Märkte beherrschen, io new Management, 5/2010 Springer Verlag [3] Rüttimann B., Strategy and Tactics in the Aluminium Semis-finished Products Industry, ALU- 17 ECONOMICS MINIUM 78 (2002) 1/2 and 4, Giesel Verlag [4] Rüttimann B., Which Globalization for the Aluminium Industry – A Normative Analysis Exploring Alternative Business Models, Part 1 in ALUMINIUM 1/2-2008 and Part 2 in ALUMINIUM 3-2008, Giesel Verlag [5] Rüttimann B., Which Globalization for the Aluminium Industry, proceedings of the ALUMINIUM 2008 World Trade Fair and Conference, Sept 23-25, 2008, Essen [6] Rüttimann B., Which form of globalisation for the aluminium industry?, report on the Aluminium 2008 Essen presentation, Aluminium International Today, Vol. 20, No. 6, Nov-Dec 2008, dmg world media, Redhill Surrey UK [7] Rüttimann B., The Globalization Trap of the Aluminum Extrusion Industry, proceedings of the 9th International Extrusion Technology Congress ET08, May 13-16, 2008 Orlando FL USA [8] Rüttimann B., Challenges of the Globalizing Aluminium Industry, proceedings of Aluminium 2010 World Trade Fair and Conference, Sept 1416, 2010, Essen [9] Rüttimann B., The effects of Chinese hegemony and the increased volatility of metal markets, ALUMINIUM 11-2010, Giesel Verlag [10] Rüttimann B., Werden die chinesischen Halbzeugexporte die Märkte überfluten?, Dow Jones NE Metalle Monitor, 1/2011 [11] Rüttimann B., How Globalization is Changing Competition in the Aluminium Industry, proceedings of 7th World Congress ‘Aluminium Two Thousand’, May 17-19, 2011, Bologna Italy Author Bruno G. Rüttimann, Dr.-Ing. MBA, has been active for 20 years in the aluminium industry. Today he advises institutions and companies. He is invited keynote speaker at international congresses with focus on strategy and globalization. At Inspire/ETH Zürich, he teaches Lean Six Sigma principles for the Swissinstitute for Systems Engineering. More details at www.brunoruettimann.de Aluminium market strong, oil price main risk for future growth G. Djukanovic, Podgorica At the end of June, while writing this article, the aluminium price was again at the level it was at the beginning of the year, just below USD2,500 per tonne. In the meantime, the 3-month price rose above USD2,800 per tonne in early May, the highest level since August 2008. The main support for all base metals prices came from high oil prices and optimism about the growth prospects of important economic regions. However, weak economic parameters coming from the USA in recent weeks, concern about the renewed Greek debt crisis in Europe, continued anti-inflation measures in China and already ongoing recession in Japan have all together put pressure on oil and metal prices in recent weeks. The general feeling is that in the conduct of their economic policies, governments react too slowly to counter and prevent possible economic crises in time. Surprisingly, the copper price has still remained high, holding at around USD9,000 per tonne with potential for further growth in the second half of the year. This is mainly due to low stocks in China and expectations that local consumers will soon start to buy more from abroad. The expected rise of copper price may be the main support for the aluminium price in coming months. On the other hand, metals prices have been very sensitive to the US dollar’s relation to the Euro, so currency analysts could provide better clues about which direction prices may move in by the end of the year. Strengthening of the dollar towards 1.2 per Euro, as some analysts forecast in the next 6 18 to 12 months if the Greek crisis spreads to other European countries, may push down the aluminium price to as low as USD2,100-2,150 per tonne. On the other hand, any move towards EUR/USD1.5 or higher, along with support by the oil, copper and other metals prices, may result in USD3,000 per tonne for the aluminium price during the same period. This is also approximately the range metals analysts put their forecasts for the aluminium price in the latest base metals polls, for 2011 and 2012. However, the aluminium price has remained stable in Euros during this year and this trend should continue for the rest of the year. Supply difficulties support the price Some 70% of the aluminium in LME warehouses is tied up in financing deals (over 3m t); this will continue to support the aluminium price, at least in the second half of the year. Deficient availability of LME aluminium may slow or even prevent a switch from copper to aluminium, even though the price of alu- minium is almost four times lower. Industry experts say that current technology would allow about 20% of copper applications to be replaced by aluminium, amounting to about 3.8 million tpy. For example, newly installed overhead power lines in China are now mostly made of aluminium, instead of copper. Recently Coca Cola Co. was one of several companies and many traders that complained to the London Metal Exchange about the supply of aluminium. The Wall Street Journal reported on 17 June that Coca Cola accused Goldman Sachs of restricting the supply that leaves its warehouses in Detroit, trying instead to increase stockpiles and artificially boost the price that producers can charge. The Detroit warehouses hold around 25% of LME’s total inventory. According to the current LME procedure only 1,500 tonnes per day are allowed to leave the warehouses, thus creating supply bottlenecks. “It takes two weeks to put aluminium in, and six months to get it out. The situation has been organised artificially to drive premiums up,” said Dave Smith, Coca ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 Cola’s strategic procurement manager. Proposed recommendations by LME to increase load-out rates by next April are too little and too late, as the market landscape may be vastly altered over the next ten months, aluminium market players in USA agreed. They have voiced concern over the long lead times to get metal out of US warehouses, particularly in Detroit. Market players say it will take until Feb/March 2012 to get metal out of Detroit. At a meeting in mid-June, the LME board agreed that the loadout requirement will be linked to the amount of metal stored, rather than to the square metre storage capacity. The rate will be set at a minimum of 1,500 t/day for up to 300,000 tonnes stored; 2,000 t/day for 300,000 to 600,000 tonnes; 2,500 t/day for 600,000 to 900,000 tonnes; and 3,000 t/day for more than 900,000 tonnes. The changes would be effective as from 1 April 2012, thus allowing “ample time for the warehouse companies to prepare for the new regime and for the market to digest the consequences of the change.” Most US traders believe that the changes will ease rather than fully resolve the problem. “Too little, too late” is the general opinion. The supply difficulties also maintain near record high premiums in USA and Europe. US premiums had come down to 8-8.5 cents per pound in the second half of June, down from record high of 9.5-10 cents per pound (USD220 per t) in May. Premiums for duty-paid physical aluminium in Europe also slightly eased from record highs, to USD205-235 per tonne over LME cash prices in mid-June. This compared with quotes of USD210240 in May. Premiums for duty unpaid material were quoted at USD140-150 per tonne. #"#$$" &!)!$"#! * ") " . ( '$& "!'%' " - + . +% )&&' &" && ! !' !'!( &&'!&' !! , . " "'') "''&'!,&)'$' ''!&&%)&"!%&& & $ Investors worried about commodities According to a Barclays Capital survey, commodities have fallen sharply out of favour among institutional investors during the second quarter. Just 15% of nearly 900 respondents expect commodities to be the best performing asset class in the coming three months, down from 41% previously. Commodities have plunged from being the most popular asset class to the least popular, with a fifth of investors favouring equities and nearly a third bonds. The asset class has fallen more than 15% since early April, according to the S&P GCSI, a broad commodity index. Obviously investors are not any more as optimistic about global growth prospects as they were in early 2011. Although most of them are worried, none is expecting another, deeper recession. The Chinese economy has been a major source of uncertainty, with 67% of investors in emerging markets citing a significant Chinese slowdown as the biggest risk to the markets. #% !# (%)' "#" )"! ,!'! " * & '$&%$ ' *%-&'!'& $' "#!"&!$"!$$%# !# !! Stocks falling, following the price Aluminium inventories in warehouses monitored by the LME fell to 4.52 million tonnes at the end of June, the lowest since January. LME stocks reached 4.71 million tonnes in May (the highest since 1998). Thus both the aluminium price and LME stocks returned to the values they had at the beginning of the year. The fact that both moved in the same direction, first up and then down, indicates that some other, non market parameters are influencing the price, such as the already mentioned supply difficulties out of LME warehouses. Significant amounts of the metal were removed from US and South Korean warehouses in June. Analysts at Citi Global Commodities said that LME cancelled warrants have surged ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 ECONOMICS rise year-on-year. Increased supply put pressure on alumina prices, prompting merchants to mull alumina exports. Alumina production costs in China amount to about 2,100-2,200 yuan per tonne, making the current spot prices attractive to them. China’s imports of alumina slumped to a multi-year low of 113,500 tonnes in May. Imports fell by 16% last year and the cumulative January to May total imports of 945,000 tonnes marked a 57% y-o-y drop. China to extremely high levels in recent weeks. The issue now is to decide whether this is merely a large holding being transferred to another warehouse on the back of a better rent deal, or whether consumers are cancelling in anticipation of long delays in getting hold of their material. Alumina Major producers of alumina have obviously drawn inspiration from selling iron ore at an index-based price and on a monthly basis, are keen to apply the same to alumina pricing too. Rio Tinto Alcan believes that index-based pricing will “give a good signal that alumina prices should be linked to potential investments because somewhere along the line, there will be a shortage”. The migration to the new index-based pricing of alumina began in the second half of 2010, with most major producers referring to an index or a basket of indices for selling the material, including long-term contracts. The index is based on reported transactions in an effort to more clearly reflect the physical alumina market. Alcoa, the world’s largest third-party seller of alumina, and UC Rusal, the world’s leading aluminium producer, are using a basket of indexes to get as close as possible to the underlying costs of making the material and also in order not to be seen as favouring one index over the other. Indices produced by Platts, Metal Bulletin and CRU have become the principal reference points for alumina prices. At the end of June, Platts alumina index PAX FOB Australia stood at USD388 per tonne. Metal Bulletin alumina index fell to 20 USD384.33 from the previous USD391.67 per tonne, after thin buying and increased supplies. UC Rusal’s alumina index was USD395.48 per tonne, on FOB basis, down from USD409.75 per tonne at the end of May. The market seems saturated by increased production in China and reduced imports there, which have resulted in a lower alumina index price; that trend may continue during the summer, while the alumina index may fall to USD350 per tonne. Moreover, the alumina index may stagnate or fall farther even if the aluminium price starts rising due to eventual production reduction, especially in China. In this case alumina inventories will continue to rise for a certain time and put pressure on the alumina index price. China’s alumina prices have fallen 7% since March due to increased supply, prompting merchants to consider exporting the raw material used for primary aluminium production to a steadier international market, industry sources said recently. Spot alumina was traded at about 2,550 to 2,650 yuan (USD394-409) per tonne early in June in China, down from about 2,800 yuan in March, while international prices have firmed about 3% over the period due to increased demand. Industry sources expect the alumina price in China to fall farther this summer. Output of alumina reached a record 3.119 million tonnes in May, up from the previous record of 2.987 million tonnes in April. China produced 14.3 million tonnes of alumina in the first 5 months of 2011, that is a 13.3% Chinese primary aluminium production in May reached a record high of 1.536 million tonnes, up 5.3% from the previous month and 8.7% from a year ago. Daily average production hit a fresh all-time record high of 49,700 tonnes in May, equivalent to an annualised 18.14 million tonnes. Total global output in May also increased to a fresh high of 43.66 million tonnes annualised. Chinese smelters have lifted run rates by an annualised 3.47 million tonnes so far this year and the same amount may enter production by the end of the year. China has not been a major exporter of primary aluminium since the end of 2006, when a 15% duty on exports was introduced. Since then China became a growing exporter of aluminium products, which surged by 56% to 2.18 million tonnes in 2010, and by an average 30% a month, to 10.37 million tonnes in the first five months of 2011 – mainly due to firm demand from the automobile and property sectors. In May alone exports of products accelerated to a new all-time high of 340,000 tonnes, obviously in a rush prior to an expected de- ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 ECONOMICS crease in tax rebates. These tax rebates on exports of selected products, in contrast to the high duty on primary metal exports, have supported the rise of exports in previous years. This means that part of China’s internal consumption of aluminium is merely to produce products for export. Based on official figures for the January to April 2011 period, exports of products accounted for 11% of total products output. The rebate on exports of some semi-finished aluminium products could be cut to 8 or 9%, from the present 13%, as the government intends to limit exports and encourage consolidation in the energy-intensive aluminium sector. Power supply is a major concern for China this summer. The country is undergoing the worst power cuts since 2004, and has instituted rationing for industrial users. These shortages will likely affect aluminium production in July and August. This, together with lower rebates, would support the aluminium price at LME. The Chinese government has recently ordered a halt to all planned smelter projects. If enforced, the order could delay or eliminate some 7 million tonnes of planned smelting capacity, according to estimates by local analysts. Previous attempts to curb the industry have met with only limited success. Even if successful, it is probably too late to prevent some 3 million tonnes of smelting capacity expansion already underway from entering production this year. China could significantly influence the aluminium market and prices in the following months and years if these measures are implemented. In the near future, however, it would be more likely that power shortages would not cut aluminium production to any great extent and that the government policy would allow smelting capacity to satisfy local demand. Primary aluminium production and consumption are expected to be balanced this year, or to have a smaller surplus. Japan Just a few words about the economy in Japan, which shrank much more than expected in the first quarter and slipped into recession after the triple disaster in March – earthquake, tsunami and nuclear catastrophe. Shipments of rolled aluminium products from Japan increased 0.8% in May, the first gain in three months as demand recovered. Supplies to domestic and export markets increased to 166,885 tonnes in May, up from 165,638 tonnes a year earlier, according to the Japan Aluminium Association. That was the first increase since February, when shipments rose 2.3% to 168,092 tonnes. The growth was led by demand from can mak- ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 ers as producers accelerated output before the start of the high-sales season for beer and soda. Shipments of aluminium products for use in cans jumped 23% to 43,521 tonnes in May, while demand from builders expanded 8.9%. Shipments to the automotive industry dropped 29% since carmakers are still working to restore full operations. The Japan government ordered industrial power users to cut electricity consumption by 15% as from 1 July to help cope with short- ages after the March earthquake destroyed the nuclear power complex in Fukushima. The restrictions are to take effect by 22 September in areas covered by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the operator of the disabled plants. The premium for primary aluminium shipments to Japan in the third quarter of 2011 has been set at USD120 per tonne, up from USD113 in the second quarter this year, according to industry sources directly involved in premium talks. Aluminium price well supported in H2 The aluminium price should remain supported during the summer due to the threat of production cuts in China, reduced product exports from China and in general healthy global demand. There have been consistent optimistic forecasts about the aluminium price in the remainder of this year and 2012 by Alcoa and UC Rusal, while Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton and Hydro have been cautious in the near term outlook (2012/13), but optimistic in the longer term. Alcoa expects a 12% global demand growth rate in 2011 over 2010. Excluding China, the company looks forward to an 11% increase in demand for this year. German car producer Volkswagen expects to use more aluminium in 2012, compared with 2011, in the effort to farther cut carbon dioxide emissions. Volkswagen hedges up to 75% of its aluminium need for up to ten years ahead, according to a company official. Similar announcements of increased use have come from other major car producers. The aircraft industry as well placed record orders at the Paris Air Show in June, and this will boost the aluminium demand in this field of application too. In the author’s opinion, high oil prices remain the major risk for sustainable recovery of the major global economies. Despite the fall in recent weeks, oil prices will rise again on any sign of economic growth, so limiting and undermining full recovery of the global economy. Even if economic growth stagnates in the second half of this year the oil price will remain stable and relatively high. Only the scenario of entering recession again would produce a steep fall in oil prices. The main question is whether the global economy would avoid a significant fall, as occurred in the previous recession, or would it be inevitable once markets lose momentum? Global economic policy makers have to find a preventative economic model to avoid higher oil prices that would drag economies down to even deeper and more prolonged depression. The conclusion might be that even improved conditions for the aluminium market, followed by a double-digit rise in demand this year, may not be a guarantee that this trend will continue in the coming months and even years, resulting in higher prices. The reason for this is that high oil prices, around and over USD110 per barrel Brent Crude Oil Futures, may not give the world economy time to draw breath for a higher and substantial growth. Author Goran Djukanovic is an aluminium market analyst and a consultant/advisor to the Montenegrin government on aluminium and energy markets. Email: gordju@t-com.me. He is located in Podgorica, Montenegro. 21 WIRTSCHAFT SMS group nutzt Chancen im Aufschwung Der Auftragseingang der SMS-Gruppe betrug 2010 gut 2,9 Mrd. Euro (+25,2%). Der Umsatz ging auf 3,0 Mrd. Euro (-22%) zurück, doch verbesserte sich die Umsatzrentabilität auf 8,6 Prozent (2009: 5,7%). Das Gruppenergebnis vor Steuern in Höhe von 262 Mio. Euro stieg gegenüber dem Vorjahr um 17,5 Prozent. Die beiden Unternehmensbereiche SMS Siemag und SMS Meer profitierten etwa in gleichem Maße von der Erholung der Märkte. So stieg der Auftragseingang der SMS Siemag um 28 Prozent auf 1,9 Mrd. Euro und der SMS Meer um 20,6 Prozent auf 1,0 Mrd. Euro. 2010 waren im Jahresdurchschnitt 9.209 Mitarbeiter (2009: 9.001) bei SMS beschäftigt. Der Markt für hütten- und walzwerkstechnische Anlagen hat sich im Jahr 2010 spürbar erholt. Die Zahl der vergabereifen Projekte ist nach Überwindung der Krise wieder angestiegen, die Auslastung der Kapazitäten in den Unternehmen der SMS bis Frühjahr 2012 im Wesentlichen gesichert, wie Heinrich Weiss, Vorsitzender der SMS group, auf der Jahrespressekonferenz im Juni deutlich machte. Während sich die Kunden in den Industrieländern weitgehend auf Modernisierungen SMS group grasps opportunities of the upswing Recovery in order intake, stable profit, higher investment in production facilities and technological innovations are the key features that characterise the SMS business development in 2010. The SMS group of metallurgical plant and machinery construction companies attracted an order intake in business year 2010 totalling 2.9 billion euros (+25.2%). Sales decreased to 3.0 billion euros (-22%); however, net operating margin improved to 8.6% (2009: 5.7%). The net result for the group, at 262 million euros, increased by 17.5% compared with the previous year. The two business areas SMS Siemag and SMS Meer profited equally from the upswing on their markets. Specifically, order intake at SMS Siemag was up by 28% to 1.9 billion euros and at SMS Meer by 20.6% to 1.0 billion euros. The average number of employees in the SMS group over the year 2010 totalled 9,209 (2009: 9,001). The market for metallurgical plants and rolling mill technology bounced back noticeably in 2010. Now, after the crisis has been overcome, the number of projects open for bidding has increased and capacity utilisation in the group companies is essentially ensured until early 2012, according to Heinrich Weiss, chairman and chief executive of the SMS group. Foto & Grafik: SMS Erholung beim Auftragseingang, stabiler Gewinn, höhere Investitionen in Fertigungsstätten und technische Innovationen – das sind die Schlüsselmerkmale der SMS-Geschäftsentwicklung im vergangenen Jahr. Der SMS-Vorsitzende Heinrich Weiss erwartet für 2011 einen weiter steigenden Auftragseingang SMS chairman and CEO Heinrich Weiss is expecting a further increase in order intake in the current business year While customers in the industrialised countries are mainly focusing on revamps and business with new plants is still slow, the situation in the emerging economies is different. Since the end of the credit crunch, these countries have resumed their industrialisation drive and investment in new plants is on the rise again. There is a strong demand for metallurgical plants above all in India, China, Brazil and smaller Asian and South American countries. In 2010, SMS Siemag registered healthy interest in plants for the production of aluminium and other nonferrous metals, whilst the group’s other business area, SMS Meer, achieved its best results with long product rolling mills. Project activity in China was slightly lower because so much new capacity has already been built up (LQ.LSSRIHQOlVVWVLFKGXUFKGHQ(LQVDW]GHVÄ3UR+ (LQVWDWLRQlUHU*LHRIHQOlVVWVLFKGXUFKGHQ(LQVDW]GHV in recent years. 6HQVRUV³NRPELQLHUWPLWGHU3UHFLPHWHU 3UHFLPHWHU7DSRXW$NWXDWRUVÄ3;3(³LQ.RPELQDWLRQ Principally, SMS expects Ä.LSSRIHQVWHXHUXQJ³DXWRPDWLVLHUHQ'LHVHV6\VWHP PLWHLQHPÄ3UR+6HQVRU³XQGGHU5HJOHU6WHXHUXQJDXWR JDUDQWLHUWGLH(LQKDOWXQJGHVJHZQVFKWHQ)OOVWDQGHVPLW PDWLVLHUHQ'LHVHV6\VWHPJDUDQWLHUWGLH(LQKDOWXQJGHV further growth in India, HLQHU*HQDXLJNHLWYRQPP )OOVWDQGHVDQHLQHPJHZQVFKWHQ3XQNWPLWHLQHU *HQDXLJNHLWYRQPP China, South America and :LUDXWRPDWLVLHUHQGHQ0HWDOOÀXVVNRPSOHWWYRQ$QIDQJELV(QGHLQEHVWHKHQGHQXQGQHXHQ*LHDQODJHQ the Middle East. Per-capita IU:DO]EDUUHQ3UHVVEDUHQ%lQGHU5XQGEDUUHQXQG0DVVHOQ)UDJHQ6LHQDFKHLQHP$QJHERW metal consumption in these regions is still relatively low. &DUOL3UHFLPHWHU*PE+.LUEHUJ':LHKO%LHOVWHLQ However, the unresolved SKRQHID[ FDUOL#SUHFLPHWHUFRPZZZSUHFLPHWHUFRPGF debt crisis in Europe and the $XWRPDWLVLHUHQ6LH,KUH2IHQVWHXHUXQJ 22 ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 ECONOMICS USA, political instability in the Middle East beschränken und das Neuanlagengeschäft Grundsätzlich rechnet die SMS-Gruppe mit and the high volatility of prices for raw materi- noch schleppend verläuft, setzt sich der Indus- weiterem Wachstum in Indien, China, Südals all create uncertainty about further growth trialisierungsprozess und damit die Investiti- amerika und dem Nahen Osten. Diese Regionen weisen einen noch vergleichsweion these markets. se geringen Pro-Kopf-Verbrauch bei Mr Weiss Metallen auf. Allerdings gebe es vor pointed out: “We dem Hintergrund der ungelösten Schulmade good use denkrise in Europa und den USA, der of the breather politischen Instabilität im Nahen Osten provided by the und der hohen Volatilität der Rohstofffinancial and preise Unsicherheiten bezüglich des economic crisis. weiteren Wachstums dieser Märkte, so Bucking the genWeiss. eral trend, we Er wies darauf hin, dass man die increased investZeit der Finanz- und Wirtschaftskrise ments, put even genutzt und gegen den allgemeinen more effort into Trend die Investitionen erhöht, die technological detechnische Entwicklung intensiviert, velopment, updie Fertigungskapazitäten modernisiert graded our manund die herausgehobene Marktstellung ufacturing capacider Gruppe auf Zukunftsfeldern wie ties and enhanced der Umwelttechnik und der Energieour already strong einsparung ausgebaut habe. market position So hat SMS Meer im Oktober 2010 in areas vital to eine für rund 22 Mio. Euro errichtete the future such as Werkstatt in Shanghai in Betrieb gegreen technology nommen. Und in Hilchenbach, dem and energy sav- Auftragseingang nach Geschäftsbereichen in Mio. Euro: insgesamt (grau), SMS Siemag (rot), SMS Meer (blau) und SMS Kunststofftechnik (gelb) Stammsitz des vor über 140 Jahren geing.” gründeten Familienunternehmens, entAs an example, Order intake in million euros: in total (grey column), SMS Siemag (red), SMS Meer (blue) steht zurzeit eine der modernsten SMS Meer built a and SMS Kunststofftechnik (plastics technology) (yellow) Schwermaschinenbau-Werkstätten new workshop in Shanghai for some 22 million euros; it was onen in neue Anlagen in den Schwellenlän- Europas mit Investitionen von über 80 Mio. commissioned in October 2010. Currently, dern nach der Überwindung der Finanzie- Euro. Für das laufende Geschäftsjahr sind InSMS is investing more than 80 million euros rungsengpässe fort. Hierbei werden besonders vestitionen von rund 100 Mio. Euro geplant. in one of Europe’s most modern heavy ma- Hüttenwerke in Indien, China, Brasilien und Ein Großteil dessen entfällt auf die Errichkleineren asiatischen und lateinamerika- tung und den Ausbau von Fertigungs- und Service-Werkstätten in China und Indien, nischen Staaten nachgefragt. Advertisement 2010 verzeichnete der Unternehmensbe- die weitere Modernisierung der Werkstatt in reich SMS Siemag ein besonderes Interesse Mönchengladbach und die Fortsetzung der an Anlagen für die Erzeugung von Aluminium Werksmodernisierung am Standort Hilchenund sonstigen Metallen. Im Unternehmensbe- bach. Angesichts der regen Anfragetätigkeit erreich SMS Meer entwickelte sich insbesondere der Markt für Profilwalzwerke positiv. In wartet Weiss für 2011 einen Anstieg beim China war die Projekttätigkeit etwas gerin- Auftragseingang. „Bei Umsatz und Ergebnis ger, weil bereits in den vergangenen Jahren erwarten wir eine Größenordnung in Höhe chinery construction workshops in Hilchen- umfangreiche Kapazitäten aufgebaut worden des abgelaufenen Geschäftsjahres“, sagte er. bach, the seat of the family-owned company sind. N founded more than 140 years ago. Over the current business year, SMS plans to invest some 100 million euros. The majority of this is earmarked for the erection and expansion of production and service workshops in China n n,4./6/ -/ n+/ and India, further modernisation of the workn3 -/ n!73423// n4// shop in Mönchengladbach plus improvements n44-/3 n&23// n/3 n'/5//33-//3 n*-1/0332 n-33-/ at the company’s Hilchenbach location. n 3-6 -/ n03 /3 Based on an improved level of inquiries, Mr Weiss expects an increase in order intake. “As for sales and profits, we anticipate that the )%',!(-/5/33/.# .$8+./31-4/8"3/4/./3 */8"-7 figures for 2011 will be similar to those of the 666//8/ -0// past year,” he said. N ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 23 A L U M I N I U M S M E LT I N G I N D U S T R Y Dubal – world-class in aluminium smelting In 2010, for the first time in the its 31-year history, the Jebel Ali operations of Dubai Aluminium Company Limited (Dubal) produced more than one million metric tonnes of molten aluminium in a single year. Achieving this major milestone has not only consolidated the entirely state-owned enterprise’s standing as one of the world’s largest singlesite producers of primary aluminium, but also its determination over the years to grow into a world-class global player in a sustainable manner. Aerial view of Dubal So says Ali H A M Al Zarouni, vice president of Smelter Operations, who confirms that Dubal’s hot metal yield in 2010 amounted to 1,002,014 tonnes; thereby exceeded the budget for the year by 9,986 tonnes. “This success can be attributed to a combination of factors, starting with the Dubal vision to rank among the world’s top five in terms of capacity, the able leadership and guidance our executive management, and the tremendous team work across the plant,” says Al Zarouni. “At plant level, improving our operating pa- rameters – particularly amperage increases in all potlines – boosted our production capacity significantly. Other ongoing improvements in pot control strategies, operational practices and technological advancements also helped us reach this milestone.” Topping the one million metric tonnes mark represents the culmination of a calculated growth strategy at Dubal. At its inception, the company’s smelter operations comprised 360 smelter pots arranged in three potlines. Having bathed up and energised the first pot (in Potline 1) on 1 November Photo: Dubal 1979, Dubal produced just 152 tonnes of hot metal in that year. By May 1981, the fledgling plant was fully commissioned, giving an annual production capacity of approximately 148,000 tonnes. Following various expansions and modifications, Dubal today has 1,573 operational Fig. 1: Dubal hot metal production, 1979 to 2010 Fig. 2: Dubal current efficiency (%), 1979 to 2010 Fig. 3: Dubal average amperage (kA), 1979 to 2010 Fig. 4: Dubal specific energy (kWh/kg Al), 1979 to 2010 24 ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 SPECIAL ward, driven by further productivity gains. From a technology perspective, Dubal’s smelter pots feature range of alumina feed mechanism including Centre Break and Feed (CB Pots) and Poor Man Point Feed (retrofitted CB pots). The smelter has four different types of pots (and related reduction technologies), namely CD 20, D20, DX and DX+, each successive technology enabling higher amperages than its predecessor (see Fig. 3),” says Al Zarouni. “Many operational and productivity improvements were also obtained by implementing creative ideas from our continuous improvement teams and employee participation in the Dubal Suggestion Scheme.” Importantly, the improved productivity, capacity and efficiency of the company’s operations has been achieved while maintaining the highest standards of environmental conservation – particularly reduced energy consumption (as shown in Fig. 4) and emissions. “In 2010, the specific energy consumption of our DX Technology pots was less than 13.05 kWh/kg aluminium – which is very favourably against the world average of 15.8 kWh/ kg aluminium1 for our industry,” says Al Za- rouni. “Perfluorocarbon emissions from our DX Technology cells were contained at 0.008 CO2eqt/t aluminium, which is far lower than the industry average of 0.27 CO2eq/t aluminium1. Likewise, the total fluoride emission level from our Jebel Ali plant was just 0.63 kg/t aluminium, compared to the industry average of 1.12 kg/t aluminium1. These performance standards will be sustained, if not bettered, in the year ahead.” In closing, Al Zarouni lists the following as the more important contributing factors to achieve the production record of more than one million tonnes of hot metal in 2010: “The excellent co-operation and coordination among various stakeholders and service departments within Dubal – such as purchasing and shipping, docks, raw material handling, power plant, carbon clant, potrooms, casthouse, metal transport, laboratory, maintenance and I.T. – was key,” he concludes. “By working towards our common goals, we demonstrated Dubal’s corporate slogan – Together, we shine.” N 1 International Aluminium Institute DUBAL smelter pots arranged in seven potlines. “In other words, the number of aluminium reduction cells in our Jebel Ali plant has increased more than three-fold over the years while our company’s production has risen about sevenfold,” adds Al Zarouni. “In total, Dubal produced 12,341,664 tonnes between the first metal tapped and 31 December 2010.” Importantly, Dubal’s annual production volumes have consistently exceeded design specifications. “By using advanced in-house developed technologies, which offer improved productivity and other operating benefits, and simultaneously maximising ‘creep’ through technical and operational improvements to our existing facilities, we have effectively increased our production capacity,” Al Zarouni says. The annual growth in Dubal’s hot metal production is more than 9.8 percent since 1995, as depicted in Fig. 1. The installed capacity at Dubal’s Jebel Ali Plant, at 100 percent smelter pot availability and high current efficiency, is now 1,021,000 tonnes (as shown in Fig. 2, average current efficiency at Dubal in 2010 was close to 95%). Ever-higher hot metal production is going for- A L U M I N I U M S M E LT I N G I N D U S T R Y ",)/!"45."()&)!2'#."-*#-#(-#!((!#(,#(!*,)/,'(. ,.#)(()''#--#)(#(!) *(/'.#'.,#&"(&#(!-2-.'- ),./,(%2*,)$.- ()'*)((.- ),."&/'#((/-.,2),'),."( 2,-."4,("- -.)) ),"#!"+/&#.2-.(,-2-.'-0#."'),."( , ,(-0),&0# ! " ,-&(,.,s #((,! &s1s"'/,!6-'#.")' ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 25 A L U M I N I U M S M E LT I N G I N D U S T R Y Gulf Aluminium Council “A forum to develop strategies for common issues” Mahmood Daylami, General Secretary of the GAC, in a talk with International ALUMINIUM Journal Diagrams: GAC Asked to outline the Gulf Aluminium Council’s objectives, Mr Daylami stressed the specific difference between GAC and other aluminium associations in different parts of the world. “We are not focused on political lobbying. GAC is more business orientated. Our main objective is to provide a forum to develop strategies for common issues related to operations, logistics, environment, human resources or health and safety – and to share best practices so as to improve the efficiency of the six member smelters. of our industry all in “We want to play a catalyst all,” he said. Accordrole for companies which ingly, GAC takes care have aluminium business not to get involved in interest in the Gulf and competitive-relevant to encourage them to escommercial issues like tablish their base in the marketing, production region,” he said. The aim is procedures, efficiency to improve the availability improvement or negoof related materials, servtiations with suppliers. ices, spare parts, expertise As an example of and logistics, and to reduce common interest, Mr cost and time for all parties. Daylami pointed to “We are the only body able the topic of Spent Pot Lining (SPL). With the to bring six CEOs to a comanticipated increase mon meeting for a technolin the volume of SPL Mr Daylami, general secretary of the GAC ogy supplier to present his generation following project. So he doesn’t need the start-up of new smelters in the region, a to visit them at six places.” special GAC task force has been formed with GAC is a non-profit organisation financed the mandate to establish a common approach by its member companies. “We also generate to this subject. As a result, it was decided to ap- small income by offering training or by organpoint a leading technology supplier to conduct ising the Gulf Aluminium Dinner.” Over 250 a feasibility study into building a centralised guests attended this event in March this year: plant for all Gulf smelters to treat SPL mate- senior executives from aluminium companies, rials. Another example of common interest: technology providers and equipment supplito reinforce its members’ commitments to ers, power generation manufacturers, traders, safety and environment protection, GAC will industrial aluminium users, raw material prointroduce annual Safety and Environmental ducers, service organisations, banks, suppliers Awards – separately for smelters and down- and government officials. “The idea is to have stream processes – that will honour best prac- chief executives from different parts of the tice initiatives. world to get together in an informal, casual GAC has created a Business Development way – and thus to network and strengthen Task Force consisting of senior representatives business relationship among one another,” he said. How important is the aluminium industry to the Gulf region, compared with other industrial sectors? “Aluminium is the major non-oil industry in the Gulf”, Mr Daylami said. “The total investment is about 40 billion US-dollars. Another 10.5 billion US-dollars will be added by the Ma’aden project. The aluminium industry contributes four to twelve percent to the GDP, depending on the Gulf state. It employs some 11,000 people directly and about 30,000 indirectly. It is creating a lot of other small- and medium-size companies that feed the sector. The aluminium industry is also contributing toward training people in industrial business. We see a new generation of skilled people going into industry. Even women are joining the industry, which is a very positive sign.” ALUMINIUM The aluminium industry in the Gulf has been developing into a substantial hub in global terms. Not only has production capacity been established and expanded in various Gulf countries, but also diverse downstream industries have emerged over the years. Against this background, the GAC (Gulf Aluminium Council) was founded in March 2010 by the six primary aluminium smelters in the region – Alba, Dubal, Emal, Ma’aden, Qatalum and Sohar – to promote the interests of the aluminium industry within the region. Meanwhile, all the major companies engaged in downstream businesses – Alupco, Altaiseer Aluminium, Elite Extrusion, Garmco, Gulf Extrusions, Kalexco, Oman Aluminium Processing Industries – have become members too. At the Aluminium Dubai exhibition in May this year, this journal talked to Mahmood Daylami, general secretary of the GAC. 26 ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 SPECIAL And the aluminium downstream industry is developing too. Every Gulf state has got its own development programme. Mr Daylami is convinced that in the long term the downstream sector is a big growth market. But not in multiplying existing business – more extrusion companies, a rolling mill and then another one. “I think, automobile and solar energy could offer good business opportunities.” The aluminium industry in the Gulf is mainly export orientated. 80 percent of the products are sold outside the region. “We are strategically well located to supply the European, Asian and US markets. The production capacity of our industry exceeds home market needs by far. The nameplate capacity for primary aluminium in 2011 is 3.5 million tonnes, with Qatalum going into full production in the course of this year and Emal producing at full capacity since the beginning of the year. In 2015, capacity will be about five million tonnes a year with Ma’aden coming on stream and the expansion project at Emal taken into account.” Yet, Mr Daylami does not fear overcapacity. “In view of annual growth in worldwide demand of five percent, we will see a market requirement of about 70 million tonnes in 2020, compared with 42 million tonnes this year. Five percent, that corresponds to two or three smelters a year,” he pointed out. The primary aluminium smelters in the Gulf are low-cost producers due to low energy prices. “But energy supply is still one of the biggest challenges for our industry. Although the Gulf region as a whole is rich in oil and gas and all the smelters and their expansion programmes are secured, the demand for electricity is rapidly growing in the Gulf – by ten to twelve percent a year,” Mr Daylami said. That is twice as much as the world average of about six percent. And some countries have no gas. “There is a lot of exploration taking place in the Gulf states for the discovery of natural gas as an energy resource for power stations, especially in Saudi-Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain. But there are also competing uses for gas. Some Gulf states are already negotiating with Qatar for the purchase of gas, as only Qatar has a surplus of this energy source.” How to quench the thirst for power, apart from buying gas from Qatar? “Alternatively to gas, you can use crude oil for power generation. In oil-rich Saudi-Arabia, lots of power stations are run by crude oil or refined products. But that goes along with higher capital expenditure, and is environmentally more challenging. Last but not least, some consideration was given to building nuclear power stations in the Gulf. It is difficult to estimate the impact that the nuclear accident in Japan will have on this approach.” Asked to comment on the Aluminium Dubai exhibition taking place while having this discussion, he said: “I am very pleased with the exhibition this year. The good thing about the exhibition is that it is growing. The numbers of participants and visitors have been growing over the years. But, of course, there is also potential for improving the activities of the exhibition.” N ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 A L U M I N I U M S M E LT I N G I N D U S T R Y #58(8/$(8,60(2(8!,,+04.%5048 55204.-653>+5;485),25;> &,+9*80545-#!,3077054 2,(4(4+,4:06543,48(22<7(-,*54:,<04. (4+*55204. 54:,<04.(4+55204. 552,+(8/$(8,60(2 !5,6+,68,*/401"3)# '((2/5--,6'86 = &/,04),6. ",63(4< ,2 = ;;;(9394+*53 A L U M I N I U M S M E LT I N G I N D U S T R Y innovatherm – Benchmark bei Feuerungstechnologie und Rauchgasreinigung „Den Prozess als Ganzes im Blick“ Im Jahr 1991 gegründet, hat sich die innovatherm Prof. Dr. Leisenberg GmbH + Co. KG in nur zwei Jahrzehnten zum Weltmarktführer bei Feuerungs- und Prozessleitsystemen für Anodenbrennöfen entwickelt. Die Ursprünge des Unternehmens liegen in der Entwicklung und Herstellung von Gas- und Ölbrennern für Tunnelöfen in der Keramischen Industrie unter der Manfred Leisenberg KG. Mit der Gründung von innovatherm wurde der Fokus verstärkt auf die Aluminiumindustrie gelegt. Bis heute sind mehr als 130 Produktionsfeuer auf über 50 verschiedenen Anodenöfen im Einsatz. 2006 hat innovatherm erfolgreich begonnen, mit der Rauchgasreinigung von Anodenbrennöfen ein weiteres Geschäftsfeld zu entwickeln. ALUMINIUM sprach mit Geschäftsführer Detlef Maiwald und Vertriebsleiter Domenico Di Lisa über die Unternehmensentwicklung, Prozesstechnologie und Positionierung im Markt. Aller Anfang ist schwer, daher verwundert es nicht, dass in den ersten zehn Jahren nach Firmengründung zunächst nur wenige Anodenbrennöfen mit Feuerungs- und Prozessleitsystemen von innovatherm ausgerüstet bzw. auf deren Technologie umgerüstet wurden. Nachdem dann erste Referenzen nachweisen konnten, dass der Retrofit bestehender und Geschäftsführer Detlef Maiwald: „Unsere Anlagen laufen in einem Automatikbetrieb von über 96 Prozent.“ Managing director Detlef Maiwald: “Our plants run automatically to an extent of more than 96 percent.” 28 innovatherm – benchmark in firing technology and flue gas purification “Viewing the process as a whole” Founded in 1991, in only two decades innovatherm Prof. Dr. Leisenberg GmbH + Co. KG became the world market leader for firing and process control systems for anode baking furnaces. The root of the company was the development and production of gas and oil burners for tunnel kilns in the ceramics industry, under Manfred Leisenberg KG. With the foundation of innovatherm the focus was directed more to the aluminium industry. To date over 130 production fires on more than 50 different anode baking furnaces are in operation. In 2006 innovatherm made a successful diversification in developing a new field of business: fume treatment plants for anode baking furnaces. ALUMINIUM talked to managing director Detlef Maiwald and sales director Domenico Di Lisa about the development of the company, its process technology and its position in the market. Beginnings are always difficult and it is therefore not a surprise that in the first ten years after the company’s foundation only a few anode baking furnaces were equipped with firing and process control systems from innovatherm, or converted to its technology. But once the first references had demonstrated that the retrofitting of existing and old firing systems brings substantial improvements of anode quality along with lower operating costs, the point had been made. “Since 2001 we have seen very dynamic development in our equipment business for aluminium smelters and anode plants respectively. Our customer’s list includes almost every name, whether large or small, in the sector,” Mr Maiwald emphasises. innovatherm offers two major product lines for the aluminium industry: namely ProBake firing and control system for anode baking furnaces (preheat systems, burner ramps and cooling systems), and ProClean, fume treatment centres for anode baking furnaces. A third area of business is ProCast, a charging and melting management system for optimising the production in primary or secondary casthouses. As Mr Di Lisa explains, this is “a niche which we want to develop further. We do have the necessary resources and have already equipped some plants.” However, it is not easy to extend this business unit as innovatherm does not build melting furnaces but is specialised toward automation. But Mr Di Lisa is optimistic that after the economic crisis of recent years ProCast can be revitalised. “The product is good and references are available,” he says, and points, among others, to Alba in Bahrain, Voerde Aluminium and the Hydro casthouse in Neuss. These three product areas represent around 90 percent of innovatherm’s business, while the remaining ten percent cover the products ProZinc (firing systems for zinc distilling columns, to produce high-purity zinc for the cosmetics industry), ProCeram (firing systems for tunnel kilns) and NovaTronic (plasticity and moisture control systems for extruders and forming machines). The greatest success is certainly ProBake, which generates most of innovatherm’s business. A look at the present order list shows company names such as Vedanta, Aluar, Alumar, Aluminij Mostar and Ma’aden. Most of the work consists in modernising existing systems originally supplied by competitors, while at the end of the day greenfield Vertriebsleiter Domenico Di Lisa: „Mit unserer ProClean-Technologie setzen wir die Benchmark bei der Rauchgasreinigung, obwohl wir die jüngsten im Markt sind.“ Sales director Domenico Di Lisa: “Our ProClean fume treatment technology is benchmark in the world, although we are the most recent entry in the market.” ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 SPECIAL smelters and new anode plants are not build ‘monthly’. When this does happen, however, innovatherm is routinely involved – as in the Ma’aden/Alcoa project. Here, at the beginning of this year an order was received for the design and supply of seven fires for two anode baking furnaces in Ras Az Zawr, Saudi Arabia. The latest ProBake technology will be installed. The order also covers the design and supply of the main gas skid systems for both furnaces. This auxiliary plant will be delivered already by the end of 2011. In the middle of next year the first anodes should be produced, and correspondingly the firing systems will be provided in the spring of 2012. ProClean technology ensure lowest emission values in die Jahre gekommener Feuerungssysteme eine deutliche Verbesserung der Anodenqualität und geringere Betriebskosten mit sich bringt, war der Knoten geplatzt. „Seit 2001 erleben wir eine sehr dynamische Entwicklung im Ausrüstungsgeschäft für Aluminiumhütten bzw. Anodenfabriken. Zu unseren Kunden zählen fast alle großen und kleinen Namen der Branche“, betont Maiwald. Im Wesentlichen bietet innovatherm zwei große Produktlinien für die Aluminiumindustrie: ProBake, das sind die Feuerungs- und Leitsysteme für Anodenbrennöfen (Vorwärm-, Brenner- und Kühlsysteme), sowie ProClean, das sind die Rauchgasreinigungsanlagen für Anodenbrennöfen. Ein drittes Geschäftsfeld ist ProCast, ein Leitsystem zur Chargenablaufplanung und automatischen Berechnung der Chargenzusammensetzung und Chargierung in Primär- und Sekundärgießereien. Wie Di Lisa ausführt, handelt es sich um „eine Nische, die wir gerne weiterentwickeln wollen, wo wir auch über die notwendigen Ressourcen verfügen und bereits Anlagen gebaut haben.“ Der Ausbau dieses Standbeins ist jedoch nicht ganz einfach, weil innovatherm keinen Ofenbau hat, sondern rein auf die Automation ausgerichtet ist. Di Lisa zeigt sich jedoch optimistisch, nach der Wirtschaftskrise der vergangenen Jahre mit ProCast wieder durchzustarten. „Das Produkt ist gut und die Referenzen sind vorhanden“, sagt er und verweist unter anderem auf Alba in Bahrain, Voerde Aluminium und die Hydro-Gießerei in Neuss. Diese drei Produktfelder machen heute rund 90 Prozent des Geschäftes von innovatherm aus, die restlichen zehn Prozent erstrecken sich auf die Produkte ProZinc (Feuerungssysteme für Zink-Destillationskolonnen, um Reinstzink für die Kosmetikindustrie herzustellen), ProCeram (Feuerungssysteme für Tunnelöfen) und NovaTronic (Plastizitätsund Feuchteregelungen für Extruder und Formmaschinen). Die Cashcow ist zweifellos ProBake, hier generiert innovatherm die meisten Aufträge. Wer sich die Auftragsliste des letzten Dreivierteljahres anschaut, dem begegnen Unternehmensnamen wie Vedanta, Aluar, Alumar, Fotos & Grafik: innovatherm In the ProClean business sector the situation is similar to that of ProBake: it is not only or even mainly about equipping new anode furnaces with a new fume treatment centre. Many plants in the world that have already existed for a long time operate entirely without FTC A L U M I N I U M S M E LT I N G I N D U S T R Y Das Konzept einer integrierten Rauchgasreinigung und Feuerung wurde erstmals 2008 bei Aluminij Mostar in Bosnien-Herzegowina in die Praxis umgesetzt The concept of an integrated fume treatment plant and firing system was first put into practice in 2008 at Aluminij Mostar in Bosnia-Herzegovina ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 29 A L U M I N I U M S M E LT I N G I N D U S T R Y Aluminij Mostar und Ma’aden. Meist handelt es sich um die Modernisierung bestehender Systeme von Wettbewerbern, der Neubau von Hütten und damit verbunden von Anodenfabriken findet schließlich nicht alle Tage statt. Wenn doch, ist innovatherm regelmäßig mit im Geschäft – wie im Ma’aden/AlcoaProjekt: Hier konnte Anfang dieses Jahres der Auftrag zum Bau von sieben Feuern für zwei Anodenbrennöfen in Ras Az Zawr, Saudi-Arabien, gewonnen werden. Installiert wird die neueste ProBake-Technologie, zum Auftrag gehört auch die Gaseingangsstrecke für beide Öfen. Diese Nebenanlage wird bereits Ende 2011 ausgeliefert. Mitte nächsten Jahres soll die erste Anode produziert werden, entsprechend werden die Feuerungssysteme im Frühjahr 2012 bereitgestellt. Proclean-Technologie sichert niedrigste Emissionswerte Im Geschäftfeld ProClean verhält es sich ähnlich wie bei ProBake: Es geht nicht nur oder vorrangig um die Ausrüstung neuer Anodenfabriken mit einer Rauchgasreinigung. Manche schon lange bestehenden Fabriken in der Welt arbeiten ganz ohne Rauchgasreinigungsanlage (FTC – Fume Treatment Centre) oder mit einer veralteten Technologie – und dies nicht nur in Schwellenländern, sondern teilweise auch in den USA. „Interessant ist neben dem Neubau, bestehende FTCs mit veralteter Technik auf den heutigen Stand moderner Technik aufzurüsten, wie wir es zum Beispiel bei Aluar in Argentinien gemacht haben“, sagt Maiwald. Hier hat innovatherm Anfang dieses Jahres einen Großauftrag zur Lieferung einer integrierten Anlage erhalten, bestehend aus einer Trockenadsorbtions-Rauchgasreinigung und einer neuen Feuerung. Aluar ist ein Altkunde, der bereits drei Ofenanlagen mit innovathermFeuerungssystemen betreibt. Die bestehende Rauchgasreinigung wird auf die hoch verfügbare ProClean-Technologie umgerüstet: So wird ein neuer Konditionierturm gebaut, die gesamte Trockenadsorbtion erneuert und neue Filter eingebaut. Durch die direkte Kopplung von Rauchgasreinigung und Feuerung wird eine Schnittstelle eliminiert und der Prozess mit Blick auf die Emissionen wesentlich optimiert. Die Rauchgasreinigung wird zudem kapazitiv erweitert, da zwei geschlossene Öfen in offene Öfen konvertiert werden sollen – eine „echte Herausforderung, das Anlagenlayout mit seinen Gegebenheiten in unsere Technologie zu konvertieren“, sagt Di Lisa. Das Konzept einer integrierten Rauchgasreinigung und Feuerung wurde erstmals im 30 Juni 2008 bei Aluminij Mostar in BosnienHerzegowina in die Praxis umgesetzt. Der Vorteil dieses Konzeptes ist, dass auf eine regenerative thermische Nachverbrennung (RTO – Regenerative Thermal Oxidiser) von Schadstoffen verzichtet werden kann. Dies spart Investitions- und Betriebskosten einer solchen Anlage. Bei Mostar konnte seinerzeit gezeigt werden, dass die strengen Vorschriften der neuen deutschen TA Luft 2002 auch ohne RTO eingehalten und unterschritten werden. Mit der ProClean-Technologie werden gegenüber Altanlagen sehr niedrige Emissionswerte erreicht: zum Beispiel Fluorverbindungen < 1 mg/Nm3, Reststaub ≈ 5 mg/Nm3, gesamter organischer Kohlenstoff (TOC) < 1 mg/Nm3, PAKs < 0,1 mg/Nm3. Bei der Schwefeladsorbtion werden Minderungen bis zu 50 Prozent erreicht. Dies gelingt unter anderem durch verfahrenstechnische Verbesserungen im Konditionierturm, in dem die Rauchgase vorbereitet und so abgekühlt werden, dass die Schadstoffe besser adsorbiert werden. So erzeugen spezielle Zweistoffdüsen einen feinsten Wassernebel, durch den sich Aerosole aus den Schadstoffen im Gas bilden, die dann in der Reaktorkammer an Aluminiumoxid als Adsorbent angelagert werden. Di Lisa weist darauf hin, dass die spezifische Prozesstechnologie, wie sie innovatherm entwickelt hat, ein gewisses Alleinstellungsmerkmal aufweist – indem die bekannte Technologie der Trockenadsorption mit innovativem Verfahrens-Knowhow vereint wird. „Das Rauchgasreinigungsprinzip – Trockenadsorp- fume gas cleaning (FTC – Fume Treatment Centres) or with antiquated technology – and this, not only in developing countries but in some cases even in the USA. “Besides newly built plants, it is interesting to retrofit existing FTCs whose technology is outdated and bring them up to present-day technological standards, as we did for example at Aluar in Argentina,” Mr Maiwald says. From there, at the beginning of this year innovatherm received a large order for the supply of an integrated plant consisting of a dry-adsorption fume treatment plant and a new firing system. Aluar is an ‘old’ customer and already operating three furnaces with innovatherm firing systems. The existing fume treatment plant is being retrofitted with the high-availability ProClean technology: a new cooling tower for gas conditioning and cooling is being built, the entire dry-adsorption unit is being renewed and new filters are being incorporated. Thanks to the direct link of the fume treatment plant and the firing, an interface is eliminated and the process substantially improved in relation to emissions. The capacity of the plant is also being enlarged since two closed furnaces are to be converted to open furnaces. “To convert the plant layout with its particular features to our technology is a real challenge,” Mr Di Lisa says. The concept of an integrated fume treatment plant and firing system was first put into practice in 2008 at Aluminij Mostar in BosniaHerzegovina. The advantage of the concept is that it does not ask for a Regenerative Thermal Oxidiser (RTO) to treat harmful pollutants. Anfang 2011 wurde innovatherm von Aluar beauftragt, die Rauchgasreinigung zu modernisieren und eine neue Feuerung zu installieren Early in 2011, innovatherm received a large order from Aluar to retrofit the fume treatment plant and to install a new firing system ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 SPECIAL A L U M I N I U M S M E LT I N G I N D U S T R Y tion – ist bei allen Anbietern gleich: Jeder hat einen Konditionierturm, jeder eine Art der Alumina-Aufgabe und jeder das Herzstück der Anlage, den Gewebefilter. Aber wo man Alumina aufgibt, wie man rezierkuliert, wie man mit Temperaturen spielt, wie ich Wasser eindüse, wie ich das Gas im Kühlturm führe, sind die kleinen Spezialitäten, in denen sich die UnAluminium Bahrain (Alba) war 2002 die erste Top-Referenz für die ProBakeTechnologie ternehmen unterscheiden.“ innovatherm With the installation of the ProBake technology at Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) in 2002 the success story ‘took off’ nimmt für sich in Anspruch, hier BenchThis saves the investment and operating costs marks zu setzen, „und dies, obwohl wir die of such a unit. At the same time it was shown jüngsten im Markt sind“, so Di Lisa. Bei Mostar erhielt innovatherm auch den at Mostar that the strict provisions of the new German TA Luft 2002 were complied with Auftrag für das Feuerungssystem des Brennofens. Der Vorteil der integrierten Lösung and improved upon, even without RTO. Compared with old plants, very low emis- aus FTC und Feuerung liegt auf der Hand. sion values are achieved with ProClean tech- „Die Feuerung produziert die Rauchgase, wir nology: for example fluorine compounds kennen ihre Zusammensetzung, und das FTC < 1 mg/Nm3 (Nm3 – standard cubic metre), re- muss sie reinigen. Es gibt also nicht nur eine sidual dust ≈ 5 mg/Nm3, total organic carbon konzeptionelle, sondern auch eine physische (TOC) < 1 mg/Nm3, PAHs < 0.1 mg/Nm3. With Verbindung durch Rohrleitungen“, sagt Di sulphur adsorption, reductions of up to 50 Lisa. Die Zusammensetzung der Rauchgase percent are achieved. This happens, inter alia, by virtue of process-technological improve- hängt unter anderem von den Temperaturen ments in the gas conditioning tower in which ab, mit denen der Feuerungsprozess gefahren the fumes are prepared and therefore cooled wird. Feuer, das heißt Gas einbringen und so that the pollutants are better adsorbed. Verbrennungsluft heranführen, eine TemSpecial two-phase nozzles produce a very peratur von etwa 1.160 °C erzeugen, damit fine water mist by which aerosols are formed die Anode verkokt, die Anoden kontrolliert from the pollutants present in the gas, which aufheizen und kühlen sowie die Rauchgase are then adsorbed on aluminium oxide in the absaugen und reinigen. „Das alles bezeichnen wir als ein Feuer. Wir haben es allerdings mit reactor chamber as an adsorbed deposit. Mr Di Lisa points out that the specific proc- einem Zyklus aus mehreren Feuern zu tun, ess technology developed by innovatherm has die auf dem Anodenofen umlaufen. Dieser a certain unique feature, in that the known dry- komplexe Vorgang verlangt unterschiedlichsadsorption technology is combined with in- tes Fachwissen, das bei uns über Feuerungsnovative innovatherm process know-how. “The fume treatment technology – dry adsorption – is the same from any supplier: they all have a conditioning tower, an alumina injection, and the core of the unit, the fabric filter. But where the alumina adsorbs, how Temperaturabweichungen beim Anodenbrennen seit 1970 recirculation takes Standard deviation of anode temperature distribution since 1970 ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 bauer, Brenner- und Prozessspezialisten und Automatisierer verfügbar ist. Auf diese Weise haben wir den Prozess als Ganzes im Blick – ein maßgeblicher Faktor unseres Erfolges“, sagt Maiwald. ProBake – niedriger Energieverbrauch bei verbesserter Anodenqualität Früher, vor 20, 30 Jahren war die Anodenqualität entscheidend von der Erfahrung des Feuermannes abhängig, die Feuerungssysteme wurden manuell gesteuert, zum Teil ist dies sogar heute noch der Fall. „Die Erfahrung der Feuerleute haben wir in mathematische Modelle umgesetzt, um einen automatisierten Betrieb mit reproduzierbarer, gleichbleibend hoher Anodenqualität sicherzustellen. Unsere Anlagen laufen in einem Automatikbetrieb von über 96 Prozent. Damit geht eine enorme Qualitätsverbesserung einher“, so Maiwald. Das lässt sich auch an der Glockenkurve (s. Grafik) ablesen: Um 1970 lagen die Temperaturabweichungen beim Anodenbrennen bei +/-60 °C (rote Kurve). Mit der Einführung einer automatisierten Temperatursteuerung der Feuerschächte in den 1980er Jahren konnte dieser Wert auf +/-30 bis 40 °C verringert werden (blaue Kurve). Dieser Wert repräsentiert in etwa den Industriedurchschnitt im Praxisbetrieb. Mit der automatisierten und optimierten Steuerung der Wärmeübertragung in der Vorwärmzone über den gesamten Brennzyklus konnte diese Temperaturabweichung auf +/-15 °C weiter verringert werden (gelbe Kurve), dies kennzeichnet den heutigen Stand der Technik. innovatherm bewegt sich dank weiterer Optimierungsmodule laut Maiwald entlang der grünen Kurve mit einer Abweichung von nur noch +/-10 °C. Durch diese ausgezeichnete Temperaturverteilung in den Anoden sind lokale Überhitzungen ausgeschlossen, was ihrer Qualität zugute kommt. Zwei technologische Besonderheiten bei innovatherm: Die Abgase werden schon an der Brennrampe gemessen und auf eine bessere Rauchgasqualität geregelt. Der Kühlprozess ist zudem mit einer Nulldruckrampe ausgestattet, auf die der eine oder andere Anbieter verzichtet. Diese Rampe verteuert das Investment, doch geht sie mit weiteren Energieeinsparungen und einer besseren Anodenqualität einher. innovatherm beherrsche den Prozess auch ohne Nulldruckrampe, so Di Lisa, und in den ersten Jahren komme man vielleicht ohne eine solche Komponente aus. „Aber der Ofen altert kontinuierlich und man will ja auch in zehn, 15 Jahren noch eine gute Anodenqualität produzieren. Die Rampe kann dazu einen wichtigen Beitrag leisten“, sagt er. 31 A L U M I N I U M S M E LT I N G I N D U S T R Y Bei Sohar Aluminium in Oman hat innovatherm 2009 erstmalig drei Feuer mit zehn Feuerschächten in ProBake-Technologie installiert. Das Feuerungssystem weist mit 1,76 GJ pro Tonne Anode den niedrigsten Energieverbrauch branchenweit auf – „die absolute Benchmark in der Welt“, so Maiwald. Dahin zu kommen war ein Weg von etwa zehn Jahren. 2001 hatte das Unternehmen Kontakt zu Alba in Bahrain, wo drei Öfen mit Wettbewerbssystemen liefen, die von innovatherm modernisiert wurden. „Wir konnten mit unserer Technologie 20 Prozent Energie einsparen und die Anodenqualität deutlich verbessern. Für uns war Alba damals die Top-Referenz und Initialzündung. Die Hütte betreibt heute fünf Anodenbrennöfen, die alle mit unseren Systemen ausgestattet sind“, so Di Lisa. Das Unternehmen produzierte im vergangenen Jahr 850.000 Tonnen Aluminium und entsprechend rund 425.000 Tonnen Anoden. Mit Alba nahm die dynamische Erfolgsgeschichte ihren Lauf, die Referenzliste von Folgeaufträgen in den darauf folgenden Jahren umfasst Unternehmen wie Nalco, Alcan Lynemouth und Sebree, Hydro Ardal, Dubal, Alouette, Rusal Sayanogorsk, Noranda. Im April 2006 wurde mit dem weltgrößten Aluminiumproduzenten Alcoa ein Master Agreement abgeschlossen. „Seitdem sind wir alleiniger Ausrüster für Alcoa weltweit“, erklärt Maiwald, „und haben eine Vielzahl von Alcoa-Werken und -beteiligungen aus- und umgerüstet.“ Maiwald führt u. a. Massena, Tennessee, Point Henry, Portland, Mosjoen (Norwegen) an. Ganz aktuell ist der Auftrag von Alumar in Brasilien, wo Alcoa eine Mehrheit hält. Dabei geht es um die Modernisierung der Feuerungssysteme auf den Öfen 1, 2, und 3 und die Umstellung von Dieselöl auf Flex-Gas. Natürlich ist der Ma’aden-Auftrag von Anfang 2011 ein besonderes Highlight. Mit dem Bau von sieben Feuern für zwei Anodenbrennöfen ist er ein Großauftrag, wenngleich nicht der größte. Für Vedanta in Indien arbeitet innovatherm den größten Einzelauftrag ab, der je vergeben wurde: 15 Feuer auf sechs Brennöfen. Bei Ma’aden wird die Anlage mit zehn Heizkanälen nebeneinander gebaut, üblich sind acht oder neun Feuerschächte. Eine solche Anlage wurde erstmals bei Sohar gebaut und spiegelt womöglich einen Trend zu immer breiteren Anlagen wieder. „Die normale Rampenbreite ist 12 Meter, hier reden wir von 15 Metern, mit mehr Regelkreisen“, sagt Di Lisa. Bei Ma’aden wird zudem die neueste Anlagensicherheits-Philosophie integriert – gemäß 32 Die ProBake-Feuerung bei Sohar Aluminium weist branchenweit den niedrigsten spezifischen Energiewert auf The ProBake firing at Sohar Aluminium has the lowest specific energy consumption anywhere in the sector der Sicherheitsnorm EN 746 – Industrielle Thermoprozessanlagen / Teil 2: Sicherheitsanforderungen an Feuerungen und Brennstoffführungssysteme – die 2010 novelliert wurde. „Diese Novelle hat enorme neue Anforderungen an die Sicherheitstechnik von Feuerungssystemen gebracht“, sagt Maiwald. Die Anforderung, die EN 746 umzusetzen, kam vom Kunden, da Saudi Arabien in diesem Bereich keine eigene Norm hat. Das Geschäft läuft also auf Hochtouren. Die Wirtschaftskrise, die Ende 2008 den Stopp sämtlicher Branchenprojekte innerhalb weniger Wochen mit sich brachte und über das gesamte Jahr 2009 zu einer Durststrecke für sämtliche Ausrüster der Aluminiumindustrie führte, ist Vergangenheit. Seit 2006 hatte das Unternehmen eine Vertretung in den USA, seit Anfang 2009 gibt es dort eine Tochtergesellschaft, die den nordamerikanischen Markt bedient. Seit 2001/02 gibt es ein 50:50 Joint Venture in Indien, mittlerweile auch Vertretungen in China, Russland, Bahrain und Venezuela. „Damit haben wir über die Jahre ein Netzwerk aufgebaut, mit dem wir in allen Kontinenten vertreten sind“, erklärt Maiwald. Selbst Australien ist seit dem Master Agreement mit Alcoa und der jüngsten Vertretung durch Webb Australia längst kein weißer Fleck mehr. Neben den Retrofits für AlcoaHütten wurden auch ProBake-Projekte für Rio Tinto Alcan (Boyne Smelter) gewonnen, sodass rund 60 Prozent des australischen Marktes mit innovatherm-Technologie ausgerüstet ist. place, how the temperatures are controlled, how the water is sprayed, how the gas is guided into the cooling tower: these are the little, specialised details in which companies differ.” Innovatherm claims to set benchmarks in these respects “and this, although we are the most recent entry to the market,” he says. At Mostar innovatherm also received the order for the firing system of the baking furnace. The advantage of the integrated FTC and firing solution is easy to understand. “The fire produces the fumes, we know their composition, and the job of the FTC is to clean them. Thus, there is not only a physical connection via ducts but in particularly a conceptual association,” he explains. The composition of the fumes depends, among others, on the temperatures at which the firing process is operated. A fire – that is drawing in gas, adding combustion air, producing a temperature of around 1,160°C so that the anode is carbonised, heating and cooling the anode in a controlled manner, and drawing off and purifying the fumes. “We call all of that a ‘fire’. But we have to deal with a cycle of fires that circulate in the anode furnace. This complex process demands a wide range of technical knowledge, which is available to us from firing engineers via burner and process specialists to automation experts. In that sense we view the process as a whole – a decisive factor for our success,” Mr Maiwald says. N Earlier – 20 or 30 years ago – anode qual- ProBake – lower energy consumption with better anode quality ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 Lower plant investment and operation costs? Certainly. 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Using ABB quality products helps you achieve industry leading productivity. www.abb.com/aluminium ABB Switzerland Ltd 5405 Baden 5 Dättwil Phone: +41 58 586 84 44 Fax: +41 58 586 73 33 E-mail: process.industries@ch.abb.com A L U M I N I U M S M E LT I N G I N D U S T R Y ity depended decisively on the experience of the furnace operator, the firing systems were controlled manually, and this is sometimes still the case nowadays. “We have interpreted the experience of the furnace operator in terms of mathematical models in order to ensure automated operation with reproducible, constant and high anode quality. Our plants run automatically to an extent of more than 96 percent. This results in enormous quality improvement,” he says. This can also be seen from a bell-shaped curve (see diagram): in the 1970s the temperature spread of the final anode temperature was ± 60°C (red curve). With automatic control of the flue temperatures in the 1980s the spread could be reduced between ± 30°C and ± 40°C (blue curve). That value represents approximately the industrial average in practical operation. Including the automatic and optimised control of the heat transfer in the preheat area over the full baking cycle, the spread can be brought down to ± 15°C (yellow curve). This is now the typical state of the art. But according to Mr Maiwald, thanks to further optimisation modules innovatherm is moving along the green curve, still with some scatter but now only ± 10°C. Owing to this outstanding temperature distribution in the anodes local overheating is excluded, much to the benefit of anode quality. Two special technological features at innovatherm are: the exhaust gases are already measured at the burner ramp and adjusted for a better fume quality. The cooling process is also equipped with a zero-point ramp, which some suppliers do without. This ramp admittedly adds cost to the investment, but brings further energy savings and better anode quality. innovatherm masters the process without a zero-point ramp, says Mr Di Lisa, and in the early years one could perhaps omit such a component. “But any furnace is getting older all the time, whereas one wants still to produce good-quality anodes in 10 or 15 years. The ramp can make an important contribution toward this,” he says. At Sohar Aluminium in Oman, in 2009 innovatherm installed three fires on a ten flue baking furnace. Operated with only 1.76 GJ per tonne of baked anodes the firing system has the lowest energy consumption anywhere in the sector – “the absolute benchmark worldwide,” Mr Maiwald says. To arrive at this point has taken around ten years. In 2001 the company made contact with Alba in Bahrain, where three furnaces with systems supplied by competitors were modernised by innovatherm. “With our technology we were able to achieve energy savings of up to 20 percent along with substantially improved anode quality. For us, at the time Alba was the top reference and our ‘ignition point’. Today the smelter operates five anode baking furnaces, all of them equipped with our systems,” says Mr Di Lisa. Last year the furnaces, it is a major contract although not the largest. innovatherm is working on the largest individual contract ever awarded in the industry. For Vedanta Aluminium in India 15 fires for six baking furnaces are being built. At Ma’aden the furnaces are being built with ten flues, the usual number being eight or nine flues. Such a plant was built for the first time at Sohar and, if anything, reflects a trend toward ever-wider carbon bakes. “The normal ramp length is around 12 metres, but here we are talking about 15 metres and more, with more control loops,” Mr Di Lisa says. At Ma’aden the latest plant safety philosophy is also being integrated – in accordance with Safety Standard EN 746 – Industrial thermoprocessing equipment / Part 2: Safety requirements for combustion and fuel handling systems – as amended in 2010. “This amendment has imposed huge new requirements on the safety technology of firing systems,” Mr Maiwald says. The request to design the firing system according to the European Standard EN 746 came from the customer, since Saudi Arabia has no standard of its own in this field. So business is proceeding briskly. The economic crisis, which at the end of 2008 put a stop to all projects in the sector within a few weeks and, during the whole of 2009, led to hard times for all the aluminium industry’s equipment suppliers, is a thing of the past. Since 2006 the company had a representing agency in the USA and since the beginning of 2009 a subsidiary has been serving the North-American market. Since 2001/02 there has been a 50:50 Joint Venture in India, and meanwhile agencies have been set up in China, Russia, Bahrain and Venezuela. “So over the years we have built up a network with which we are represented on every continent,” Mr Maiwald underlines. Since the Master Agreement with Alcoa and a representation by Webb Australia, the Australian market has no longer been a blank patch on the map. Besides retrofits for Alcoa smelters, ProBake projects for Rio Tinto Alcan (Boyne smelter) have also been ordered, so that about 60 percent of the Australian market is or will be equipped with innovatherm technology. innovatherm customers – worldwide 34 company produced 850,000 tonnes of aluminium and, correspondingly, around 425,000 tonnes of anodes. With Alba the dynamic success story ‘took off’: the reference list of follow-up orders in the years after includes companies such as Nalco, Alcan Lynemouth and Sebree, Hydro Ardal, Dubal, Alouette, Rusal Sayanogorsk and Noranda. In 2006 a Master Agreement was concluded with Alcoa, the world’s largest aluminium producer. “Since then we have been the sole equipment supplier for Alcoa worldwide,” Mr Maiwald points out, “and we have equipped and retrofitted many Alcoa plants.” Among others, he mentions Massena, Tennessee, Point Henry, Portland and Mosjøen (Norway). Just now there is an order from Alumar in Brazil, in which Alcoa holds a majority. This involves modernising the firing systems of the furnaces 1, 2 and 3 and converting from diesel oil to flex-gas. Of course, the Ma’aden contract in early 2011 is a particular highlight. Involving the supply of seven fires for two anode baking N ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 SPECIAL A L U M I N I U M S M E LT I N G I N D U S T R Y Happy birthday, aluminium! 125 years adding value to society This year marks the anniversary of a discovery that has not only improved our lives, but plays an eminent role for sustainable development. Safer and more fuel efficient transportation, energy efficient buildings, infinitely recyclable packaging, all that has been possible with the help of this discovery made 125 years ago which enabled the production and the use of aluminium on an industrial scale. The smelting process to produce aluminium was discovered almost simultaneously but independently in 1886 by Charles Martin Hall in the United States and Louis Toussaint Héroult in France. Both men dissolved aluminium oxide in molten cryolite and then extracted the aluminium by fused-salt electrolysis – the foundation for a dynamically developing industry in the past 100 years. Whereas world production of aluminium was 46,000 tonnes in 1911, world production in 2011 will rise to more than 46 million tonnes. The first aluminium smelter to start production, in August 1888, was Aluminiumindustrie AG (AIAG) in Neuhausen am Rheinfall in Switzerland. There followed a smelter in Pittsburgh, USA, in December 1888 and then two smelters in France in 1889. Further developments were needed, however, so at first aluminium production remained modest. It was also necessary to first establish sales channels. There was an upswing when AIAG reduced the price of aluminium to a quarter of its previous value in 1890/91. The first smelter in Germany was built by AIAG in BadischRheinfelden in 1897. However, until the patents of Héroult and Hall expired, in 1903 and 1906 respectively, the number of companies and smelters remained small. Today, thousands of products can be made safer, lighter, more energy efficient and fully recyclable thanks to aluminium: from cars, trains or aircraft to cookware, packaging and electrical conductors. Almost three-quarters of all aluminium ever manufactured (700m t) is still in use thanks to its and excellent recyclability. No material other than aluminium can combine the advantages of being light and strong, totally recyclable, resistant to corrosion, completely impermeable, and an excellent conductor of heat and electricity. “In the 125 years since this discovery, the variety of applications for aluminium has grown apace and will continue to contribute to sustainable development and energy efficiency gains in Europe,” says Patrick de Schrynmakers, secretary general of the European Aluminium Association (EAA), which has recently released the third edition of its sustainable development indicators (SDIs) report, available at www.eaa.net. This latest iteration of the SDI exercise includes, for the first time, indicators covering the use of aluminium in key applications in addition to more than thirty sustainable development indicators on the production phase. The report clearly demonstrates the sectors contribution to achieving overall sustainability goals. N $, ,,,' & !)' ))' )' ') ')'(')')', *)'' +)'''''' ,(')'+' ' ' ')'' ,),() ))' #'*) %,''%' #' *)- #' *) #$"'' A L U M I N I U M S M E LT I N G I N D U S T R Y 25 years of R & D Carbon: a success since 1986 By Werner K. Fischer, Dr. Ulrich Mannweiler and Jean-Claude Fischer, R & D Carbon R & D Carbon, based in Sierre, Switzerland is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. From humble beginnings, the company now has a worldwide established presence in the industry. After 20 years of successful development work in the field of carbon materials at Swiss Aluminium Ltd. (Alusuisse), Werner K. Fischer started his own business in 1986. He took over carbon materials development projects from Alusuisse, which had decided to abandon this sector. He had a clear vision of what the industry needed: an ever better understanding of how anode quality depends on raw material properties and on process parameters. He built a technology centre in Sierre, Switzerland, where employees of the former carbon research group of Alusuisse found a new workplace. Together with Ulrich Mannweiler, also a former Alusuisse man who joined RDC in 1988, he set up a new strategy which is still valid today: R&D Carbon (RDC) shall become the world leading supplier of know-how in the field of carbon technology. A multi-disciplinary and laterally thinking team shall serve the aluminium, petroleum coke, pitch and electrode industries worldwide. With its extensive experience, and through intensive research in carbon technology, RDC will improve anode quality, so reducing metal production costs and lowering capital investment for production plants. RDC established six distinct areas of activity, each having its clear role: • Research & Development • Laboratory Test Equipment • Technical Services • Baking Furnace Production Control System • Technology Development • Training and Workshops What has been achieved in the past 25 years? Research & development Together with universities in New Zealand, Switzerland and China, seven PH.D dissertations were completed, relating to raw material and to process improvement. The subjects include anode properties and anode behaviour, heat treatment of anodes during baking, as well as an in-depth understanding of Chinese raw materials. More than 100 technical papers were published in renowned journals. Several com- 36 prehensive handbooks were published, e. g. Anodes for the Aluminium Industry, Fundamentals in Anode Baking. 20 international awards were received from TMS, Light Metals, Chalco, DKG and other societies. More than 50 patents in process and product development were granted. Laboratory test equipment 65% of the worldwide anode production is currently evaluated using equipment sold by RDC. In more than 100 laboratories on all continents RDC has installed and maintains some 1,200 instruments for testing properties of raw material and anodes. The corresponding test methods have all been approved by ISO, DIN or ASTM. Technology development During three decades RDC has collected extensive results from research and development work, as well as through quality improvement programs. Through its know-how and practical experience in operating and optimising anode plants for customers all over the world, RDC has proposed and implemented many modern, efficient concepts and designs for paste plants and anode baking furnaces. Low investment and operating cost, as well as efficient reduction of emissions, make these concepts attractive for new green-field plants as well as for refurbishing existing anode plants. Training and workshops Technical services Technical services provided to many customers around the globe are one of RDC’s core businesses. The services range from technical support for the production of all carbon materials, to plant audits and process optimisations. In its technology centre, RDC conducts pilot or bench scale trials, as well as any kind of laboratory tests and analysis, according to standardized ISO methods. Technical assistance to companies active in worldwide trading is an important way to improve anode and cathode qualities supplied to the world market. An example of its success is the ‘Swiss Anodes Made in China Quality Model’, operated together with RDC’s American partner Aminco Resources LLC. During ten years of cooperation, this model has assured the quality of more than 1 Mt of anodes produced, tested, and exported to customers worldwide. RDC organises conferences in the field of carbon products for the aluminium industry, as well as training courses on anode raw materials, anode production and anode behaviour in smelters. Training courses are held in Switzerland or abroad (Middle East, China, North America, Brazil) on-site, tailored to customers needs. R&D Carbon Technology Centre Its headquarters in Sierre, Switzerland employs 20 engineers and skilled technical staff. They serve more than 150 customers worldwide, and maintain an excellent network with technology and trading companies. Cooperation with well-known business development companies has led to new business around the globe. During the past ten years RDC’s focus has been China. The future Baking furnace production control system Thanks to 30 years experience in developing, manufacturing and operating baking furnace process control systems, RDC systems today operate 40 bake furnaces (100 fires) worldwide. The control system is an integral part of the overall production control. A new generation of young engineers are taking over important tasks in the business. The succession is guaranteed as Jean-Claude Fischer, the owner’s son, already plays an active role in the business of R&D Carbon. The future for RDC is bright. More details at www.rd-carbon.com N ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 ! "#$ % #& '! "#$ % #& & (! )*) )( ) )( A L U M I N I U M S M E LT I N G I N D U S T R Y News from the aluminium smelting industry Commissioning of power plant further delays Qatalum ramp-up The power plant is being built for Qatalum by a consortium between General Electric (GE) and Doosan under a turn-key contract, but is now significantly delayed compared to the original project plan. Hydro will revert with an update on the status of the power plant and production ramp-up at its second quarter 2011 earnings release on 26 July. is soon expected to become a net importer of primary aluminium because of booming demand and stagnant local production. on regulatory approvals and an agreement on the price of electricity, among other things, he said. The aluminium smelter will have a capacity of 750,000 tpy, according to the initial plan. According to media reports, 1Malaysia Development plans to complement the smelter with other associated factories including an aluminium rolling mill, a cable plant, a casting plant and ten extrusion outfits with an additional investment of USD1.8bn. Mubadala will not participate in those ventures. The projects are expected to create 10,000 jobs during construction and 2,000 specialist jobs on completion. The expected growth in aluminium demand is about six percent a year for the next ten years, according to industry representatives. Related to a consumption of about 42 million tonnes in 2011, 6% growth necessitates an dditional production of 2.4m to 2.5m tonnes every year. Much of that new production is expected to come from the Gulf and Asia. In addition to Emal, the Gulf has some of the world’s biggest new smelter projects, including in Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Norsk Hydro Qatalum, the 50/50 joint venture aluminium plant between Qatar Petroleum and Hydro, is experiencing further delays in reaching full production due to challenges with the commissioning of the power plant’s steam turbines. Qatalum, currently producing at 70% capacity, now expects to reach full production by the end of September 2011. Further ramp-up is dependent on successful commissioning and performance testing of the two steam turbines. According to the former ramp-up plan, Qatalum should have run at full 585,000 tpy capacity from June 2011. Currently, 490 pots of a total of 704 are in operation, representing about 70 % of total capacity. The producing pots are operating well and according to specifications. Qatalum is expected to reach full production by the end of Q3 Argentina’s Aluar looks to enter Brazilian aluminium market Aluar, Argentina’s sole primary aluminium producer, is looking to enter the Brazilian market and may build a plant in the country. The company will postpone the final phase of the primary aluminium expansion at its Puerto Madryn smelter – to 520,000 tpy from 460,000 tpy – to focus on increasing extrusion billet capacity. The additional billet will be mainly for the Brazilian market, where demand is booming and imports of several aluminium products, including ingot and billet, are increasing. The billet expansion at Puerto Madryn is expected to cost USD80m. Brazil receives some 30% of Aluar’s export shipments at present. Some 139,551 tonnes of aluminium products were exported to Brazil between January and April, nearly double the 71,059 tonnes exported in the corresponding period of 2010. Of these totals Argentina accounted for 24,394 tonnes in the first four months of 2011 from 13,141 tonnes a year earlier. Brazil 38 Mubadala Development and 1Malaysia Development to build a USD4bn aluminium plant in Malaysia Mubadala Development, Abu Dhabi’s strategic investment company, has launched a joint venture to build a USD4bn aluminium complex in Malaysia. The preliminary deal with 1Malaysia Development is to deepen the involvement of Mubadala Development in one of the world’s fastest-growing metals markets. “We want to invest in aluminium smelters in places that have similar advantages to Abu Dhabi with competitive energy costs and good logistics,” said Waleed al Muhairi, Mubadala’s chief operating officer, according to media reports. The agreement to build the smelter in Sarawak, on the island of Borneo, was still preliminary and its execution would hinge Tom Johansen new CEO of Qatalum Tom Petter Johansen (53) from Hydro has taken over as chief executive of Qatalum on 1 July. He succeeds Jan Arve Haugan, who is taking on a new position as CEO of Norwegian oil and gas contractor Kvaerner. To date, Mr Johansen was in charge of Hydro’s fully owned smelters. He has been with Hydro since 1985, holding a number of management positions, including sector president of Hydro Magnesium and of Hydro Automotive Structures North Europe. He has also been plant manager at Høyanger primary aluminium and at Årdal primary aluminium plants in Norway. ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 SPECIAL A L U M I N I U M S M E LT I N G I N D U S T R Y INNOVATION LEADS TO A NEW GENERATION USE THE ORIGINAL BCT PASTE KNEADER – FOR MORE Productivity Efficiency Reliability & #&"'&" #"& & #$%%#!& ! !###%# & Y O U R PA R T N E R F O R T E C H N O L O G I E S BUSS ChemTech AG Hohenrainstrasse 12A, 4133 Pratteln 1, Switzerland Tel. +41 (0) 618 256 462, Fax +41 (0) 618 256 737 info@buss-ct.com www.buss-ct.com A L U M I N I U M S M E LT I N G I N D U S T R Y Rusal starts modernising Urals and Siberian plants UC Rusal is launching an environmental modernisation at four of its plants. The total investment into these projects is expected to amount to RUR5.5bn (approx. USD200m). New environmental projects have started at three Urals plants – the Bogoslovsky Aluminium Smelter, the Urals Aluminium Smelter, the Urals Silicon Plant – and at the Achinsk Alumina Refinery (AAR) in Siberia. At AAR Rusal will reconstruct the gas purification systems of sintering furnaces 5 and 6 and will create a new waste storage area. After the reconstruction, plant efficiency will reach 99.8% and the new waste storage area will enable the refinery to extend the waste storage terms up to 20 years in compliance with all the environmental law requirements. Total environmental investment at AAR will exceed RUR2.5bn. Rusal will install a dry gas purification system at its Urals Silicon Plant. This should decrease mineral dust emissions 150-fold with SiO2 > 70%. The company estimates this project to cost up to RUR650m. The Urals Aluminium Smelter is going to reconstruct the waste storage field 2 and reconstruct waste storage field 3 to prolong its service up to 2027. The cost of the project is expected to be RUR750m. An extended RUR1.5bn waste storage field will also be built at the Bogoslovsky Aluminium Smelter. The realisation of these environmental projects will establish a base for Rusal’s future growth and enable production increase in accordance with environmental standards as the world’s demand for aluminium continues to rise. The environmental actions of the company serve to modernise and to upgrade 50 to 60 years old production facilities and to develop new environmentally friendly aluminium production technologies for greenfield developments. Rusal is committed to minimising the impact of its operations on the environment. About 80% of their aluminium is produced using climate-neutral hydro energy. Rusal is also the first Russian company to join UNDP Climate Change Initiative. Alba sales soar 4.3% in H1 Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) improved sales in the first half of 2011 by 4.3% to 445,370 tonnes, compared with the corresponding period in 2010. Production figures in the year to June were up by 3.5% from 421,659 tonnes. The company has boosted value-added sales in the European market, and the opening of a sales office in Zurich, Switzerland, will further support this development. For at least the next few years the smelter’s full production is earmarked for customers in the Middle East, Europe and Asia. Alba, which operates a primary aluminium smelter in Bahrain, sells about 45% of its output in Bahrain, 12 to 13% to neighbouring Saudi Arabia and 12 to 13% to the rest of the Middle East, as well as some 15 to 20% to buyers in Europe and Asia. If the company Alcoa’s leadership in energy efficiency recognised by Hydro-Quebec Alcoa’s three aluminium smelters in Quebec, Canada, have been recognised by Hydro-Quebec for their energy efficiency, and are members of the power company’s select Energy Savers’ Circle network. Alcoa’s Deschambault smelter was just raised to Elite status, having been a member of the Energy Savers’ Circle since 2008, and the BaieComeau smelter was newly inducted into the Circle. In 2010, the Bécancour plant was named an Elite component of the Energy Savers’ Circle. Furthermore, Alcoa’s Deschambault and Bécancour plants are two of only five locations designated Elite members because of their exceptional energy performance, and are deemed ambassadors in energy efficiency. Alcoa’s Baie-Comeau smelter joined the Energy Savers’ Circle by reducing its annual power consumption by more than 68 GWh through improved performance of its electrolytic cells and through for some time optimising its compressed air system. Deschambault was awarded Elite status after lowering its annual electricity use by more than 300 GWh – equivalent to the consumption of 18,000 Quebec households in a year. Alcoa’s Bécancour smelter, the first Alcoa smelter to attain Elite status, reached new heights in effectiveness by accomplishing energy efficiency gains of more than 250 GWh. The 40 smelter acted on its consumption of compressed air, motive power, heating and lighting of facilities as well as power used for its electrolytic cells. Between 2007 to 2010, Alcoa’s Canadian smelters posted total cumulative energy efficiency gains of more than 600 GWh. In addition, both the Bécancour and Deschambault facilities received awards for their energy efficiency initiatives in the 2011 Énergia competition. Alcoa Canada Global Primary Products (GPP Canada) operates four facilities in Quebec: the Baie-Comeau, Bécancour (ABI) and Deschambault smelters as well as the Bécancour Rod Plant. These four plants have an annual production capacity of roughly one million tonnes of ingots, castings, billets and aluminium rods. GPP Canada employs nearly 3,300 people and its activities generate economic spin-offs of over USD1.2bn annually in Québec. Alcoa smelter Deschambault – energy savings of more than 300 GWh a year Photo: Alcoa ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 SPECIAL moves forward with its proposed expansion plans, some of that incremental volume could make its way to the United States. Alba’s possible build-out could come in one of two forms – an expansion of Potlines 4 and 5 or the addition of a new potline. An additional potline, which could come online by the end of 2014, would add an estimated 400,000 tonnes a year. The company is now undergoing an energy study to help determine the plant’s optimal energy flow, which in turn will help the company decide whether to proceed with the expansion plan (80,000 tpy over three years) or an additional potline – or both. If Alba moves forward with Line 6, North America could see some 50,000 to 100,000 tonnes of that incremental capacity. Another 100,000 tonnes likely would head to Europe, 100,000 to 150,000 tonnes to the Middle East and the remainder to Asia. A L U M I N I U M S M E LT I N G I N D U S T R Y 1.994 million tonnes (+7.8%), in Eastern & Central Europe 2.127 million tonnes (+2.1%), in Australia and New Zealand 1.140 million tonnes (+1.7%) and in Africa 0.886 million tonnes (+3.7%). Suppliers UC Rusal signs agreement to recycle spent carbon pot lining UC Rusal has signed a cooperation agreement with the Kemerovo Region administration and Environmental Regional Centre (ERC) on recycling waste to innovative products for ferrous metallurgy. The first stage provides for recycling by ERC of all spent carbon pot lining (aluminium production wastes) coming from the Novokuznetsk smelter in the amount of up to 3,000 tpy. In the future, ERC will also recycle the stored pot lining from the waste site, increasing the site’s lifespan. The agreement will be valid until the end of 2015 and may be extended afterwards. No additional investment is required from Rusal. The company will provide ERC with wastes and let it use its industrial sites for in- WWW.BUSSCORP.COM LME changes warehousing rules The London Metal Exchange (LME) has changed its warehousing rules by doubling the minimum loading out rate for the largest warehouses from 1,500 to 3,000 tonnes a day, starting in April 2011. Aluminium processing companies as well as their customers like CocaCola or GM have criticised the decision as not going far enough. Nick Madden, chief procurement officer at Novelis, is “disappointed” that the LME has made only a “relatively minor adjustment to this critical problem” (Financial Times). This half-hearted decision will prolong anomalous pricing and supply chain issues for both manufacturers and consumers in the market, he says. The leading Mixing Technology Global aluminium production up 5% in the first half of 2011 for Anode Pastes Latest IAI statistics show global primary aluminium production in the first half of 2011 of 12.621 million tonnes, which is a 6.2% rise compared to the corresponding period a year earlier. The region with the biggest growth in production was the GAC / Gulf countries with an increase of 33.6% to 1.671 million tonnes. Aluminium production in North America was 2.430 million tonnes (+3.7%), in South America 1.096 million tonnes (-4%), in Asia 1.277 million tonnes (+2.9%), in Western Europe For over 50 years BUSS KE and CP series Kneaders have been ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 the benchmark for reliable, cost-effective compounding of anode pastes. Now we go one step further. 41 A L U M I N I U M S M E LT I N G I N D U S T R Y stallation of recycling equipment. Purchase of the equipment required will be financed by ERC under a soft loan with the support of the Kemerovo Region administration. The wastes will be recycled by ERC to synthetic flux used in cast iron and steel production, which are a substitute to natural flux (fluor spar). Compared to natural flux, synthetic one is cheaper, has a lesser inert content and a higher calorific value under a lower fusion temperature among other advantages. ERC has already signed supply contracts with the West Siberian, Novokuznetsk and Nizhny Tagil metallurgical works. The longterm demand for synthetic flux from these plants amounts to 6,000 to 8,000 tonnes monthly. The project is included into the Kemerovo Region investment projects’ list and is currently unique for Russia. This project will help Rusal increase the amount of recycled wastes up to 80,000 tonnes by 2013. minium industry. The prototypes will be tested by Rusal’s Siberian facilities. GAZ engineering specialists are developing a pot crust breaking machine, metal handling trucks, alumina loading machines and a stud cleaning unit. This project is part of the large-scale modernisation programme underway at Rusal’s operations, and promotes the use of advanced machinery to automate the process and to improve labour productivity. The joint project aims to upgrade Rusal’s aluminium production process in terms of safety and efficiency. The new prototypes will be tested at the Novokuznetsk, Krasnoyarsk and Bratsk aluminium smelters. Following the testing of the prototypes, the company will consider buying the new machines for all of its smelters. One of the possible options is to launch the manufacturing of the machines directly at Rusal’s sites. Coperion: New Service Centre for the Middle East UC Rusal and GAZ to develop new machinery for aluminium production UC Rusal has started a joint project with GAZ group to develop new machinery for the alu- Coperion Middle East, a joint venture between Coperion and the Saudi Arabian company Golden Wing, extends Coperion’s world-wide service network by an additional service centre. As a longstanding partner of Coperion in the Middle East, Golden Wing has already taken care of numerous high-capacity compounding lines for Coperion during their assembly and installation, including the local servicing. The joint venture will now enable Coperion to realise its projects in the Middle East even more efficiently and faster than hitherto. Coperion Middle East is based in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. The managing director of the joint venture is Ayman Gabr of Golden Wing. The Middle East is one of the world’s most important core regions of the petrochemical industry. Moreover, the region has a strong and rapidly growing aluminium industry for which Coperion has already designed and manufactured a multitude of materials handling installations. A benefit afforded by the new service centre lies in the now optimised attendance to all planned and existing installations in the region. This service embraces local project coordination and procurement just as much as the making available of processing knowhow or the drafting of machine modification studies, thus boosting local wealth creation. In addition, Coperion Middle East shortens the delivery routes to rapidly growing target markets: e.g. for handling and logistics systems for the aluminium producing industries. N B&P CK-700-CP Ko-Kneader – for premium quality anode paste B&P Process Equipment ships the fourth CK-700CP Ko-Kneader to go into production. Hailed as the largest capacity anode paste mixer to be placed into production, the CK-700-CP represents the largest single anode paste mixing line to be installed in China. With installations in Norway and the United Arab Emirates, B&P’s machine has become the industry benchmark in terms of large capacity production of green anode paste and continues to gain attention as an affordable and flexible unit. Buyers can choose from several options to fully automate the line or to simplify and keep capital expenses low. Based upon a rugged, high-reliability design, the CK-700-CP is meant for high-availability and premium quality anode paste. By closely controlling the specific mechanical energy that is input into the paste mixture, the CK-700-CP is producing some of the highest density green anodes in the world at production rates capable of reaching 75 metric tonnes. This latest CK-700-CP Ko-Kneader shipment is headed for Yunnan Yuanxin Carbon Co., Ltd 42 and, under the contract, B&P is also providing the coke pre-heating unit which will operate upstream of the Ko-Kneader. A single control system provided by B&P Process Equipment will tie the two systems together making for a high degree of automation. B&P Process Equipment, headquartered in Saginaw, Michigan, USA, has been providing rug- B&P Ko-Kneader for Yunnan Yuanxin Carbon ged and reliable mixing and separation systems for the chemical processing industries for more than 120 years. The hallmark of the B&P name lies in engineering high-precision, high-reliability machines that are considered affordable, flexible and simple to operate. B&P considers their customers long-term partners and place a high value on after-market service and support. Photo: B&P ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 TECHNOLOGIE Hofmann Wärmetechnik – Überkopf-Ofenanlagen aus Österreich Die Firma Hofmann Wärmetechnik mit Sitz im oberösterreichischen Hellmonsödt wurde in den letzten Jahren als Sonderofenbauer für die Aluminiumindustrie bekannt. Die Ofenanlagen werden von Hofmann selbst geplant, gebaut und in Betrieb genommen. Hofmann Hofmann Wärmetechnik hat sich aus dem Standardofenbau entwickelt und fokussierte sich im Laufe der Zeit immer stärker auf kundenspezifische Lösungen. Mittlerweile ist die das Unternehmen ein reiner Sondermaschinenbauer und tritt mit modernen, kundenorientierten Lösungen auf. Dazu zählt auch die Herstellung von Überkopfofenanlagen, sogenannten „Vergüteautomaten“, für die Aluminiumindustrie. Bei den Vergüteautomaten handelt es sich um Industrieofenanlagen, die sich dadurch auszeichnen, dass sowohl das Lösungsglühen ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 wie das Abschrecken und wahlweise auch das Auslagern bzw. Altern von Aluminiumteilen in einer Anlage vollautomatisch durchgeführt wird. Als Überkopfofen wird die Anlage von unten beschickt. Der Ofen wirkt somit als Wärmeglocke. Die warme Luft bleibt länger im Ofen, was sich wiederum positiv auf den Energieverlust während des Chargenwechsels auswirkt. Vergüteautomaten werden von Kunden aus der Automobil- bzw. Luftfahrtindustrie, jedoch auch von Kunden aus der aluminiumverarbeitenden Industrie benötigt. Dieser Ofentyp ist speziell für Kunden bestimmt, die hochwertige Produkte herstellen, da die Chargendaten über den kompletten Ablauf der Wärmebehandlung aufgezeichnet und archiviert bzw. dokumentiert werden. Die Anlage entspricht den gängigen Anforderungen in Bezug auf Temperaturgenauigkeiten, welche in den einschlägigen Normen (AMS 2750D, NADCAP, T6 etc.) gefordert werden. Die für die Einhaltung der Vorschriften erforderlichen Temperaturgleichmäßigkeits- und Systemgenauigkeitstest können weitgehend von außen (während des Betriebes) durchgeführt werden. Es werden in diesen Anlagen auch die sehr kurzen „Abschreckverzögerungen“ von bis zu 7 Sekunden realisiert. Anlagen mit Roboterbeschickung laufen vollautomatisch, mannlos im Vierschichtbetrieb. Der Wartungsaufwand ist sehr gering, „da wir nur bewährte Technik einsetzen und die Anlagen für schwierige Verhältnisse und erschwerte Einsatzbedingungen ausgelegt werden“, heißt es bei Hofmann. Neben diesen Vorteilen müsse der Kunde beim Kauf einer Überkopfofenanlage auch nicht auf die Flexibilität verzichten, die bei großem Produktmix gewünscht wird. Generell gilt: Je mehr kleinere Kammern, desto mehr Flexibilität. Hofmann Wärmetechnik bietet verschiedene Systemvarianten an: • Verfahrbares Abschreckbecken und Öfen mit Ofenwinde für kürzeste Abschreckzeiten sowie große Chargenabmessungen und Gewichte • Fixes Abschreckbecken und übersetzen ins Abschreckbecken mit Scherenhubtisch und Gabelmanipulator. Kombination für kleinere Chargen (bis 2 Tonnen) und große Chargenvielfalt. Als Anlagenoption bietet Hofmann: • Gasbeheizt (direkt / indirekt) oder elektrisch beheizt • Luftabkühlung, Wasser- oder Polymer/ Glykolabschreckung • Heizung für Becken elektrisch oder über Wärmetauscher • Beckenkühlung/Rückkühlung über Wärmetauscher, auch komplett mit Kühlkreislauf und Wasseraufbereitung • Andockstationen oder Energieketten für fahrbare Abschreckbecken • Umfangreiche vor- und/oder nachgelagerte Fördertechnik (Rollgänge, Kettenförderer, Roboter etc. N 43 TECHNOLOGIE Fotos: Erbslöh 1911 bis 2011 – Strangpressen bei Erbslöh 1.000-t-Presse, die erste Strangpressanlage bei Erbslöh The first extrusion press at Erbslöh Unter diesem Motto fand am 27. Mai 2011 bei der Erbslöh Aluminium GmbH in Velbert ein Symposium statt, das nicht nur die 100 Jahre Strangpressen würdigte, auf die Erbslöh zurückblicken kann, sondern auch Produkt- und Markttrends in der Aluminiumindustrie weltweit beleuchtet. Die beiden Geschäftsführer der Erbslöh Aluminium GmbH, Frank Busenbecker und Norbert Sucke, begrüßten mehr als 150 Gäste aus dem Kunden-, Lieferanten- und Branchenumfeld. Bereits 1911 wurde bei Erbslöh in WuppertalWupperfeld die erste wasserhydraulisch betriebene Strangpresse in Betrieb genommen. Bis heute ist das Strangpressen von Aluminiumhalbzeugen für die Automobilindustrie und verschiedene Industriemärkte die Kerntechnologie der Erbslöh Aluminium GmbH. Anhand klarer Kriterien wird heute über die Anschaffung einer Strangpresse entschieden. Die Wirtschaftlichkeitsberechnung dazu basiert auf Annahmen über die Produktionskapazität und die Produktionskosten einer Anlage sowie vor allem über die Absatzprognose. Aktuell kann man auf technische Erfahrungswerte und Marktstudien zurückgreifen. Welche Überlegungen aber haben vor 100 Jahren dazu geführt, das Strangpressen bei Erbslöh einzuführen? 44 „Der Auslöser zu dieser für die damalige Zeit sehr gewagten Investitionsentscheidung war keine romantische Technikverliebtheit. Tatsächlich spielten schon damals Kriterien wie Marktpotenzial, Wirtschaftlichkeit und Innovationskraft, aber auch unternehmerisches Risiko eine ähnliche Rolle wie heute“, führte Sucke aus. Die Grundlage war fast 30 Jahre zuvor gelegt worden. Bei Erbslöh wurden damals plattierte Bleche für Schmuck, Knöpfe, Gürtelschnallen und Bilderrahmen produziert. Verarbeitet wurden Kupfer, Zink und Messing; plattiert wurde unter anderem mit Silber und Gold. Mit diesen dekorativen Artikeln hatte sich das Unternehmen einen guten Ruf erarbeitet. Doch der Absatz war gefährdet, denn Aluminium war in Mode gekommen und drohte die silberplattierten Bleche zu ersetzen. Auf der Weltausstellung 1878 in Paris konnten sich die Eigentümer des ErbslöhStammhauses erstmals über das noch recht neue Aluminium informieren. Seit 1882 wurden erste Gieß- und Walzversuche mit dem damals noch chemisch gewonnenen Aluminium durchgeführt. Ab etwa 1890 stand elektrolytisch erzeugtes Aluminium zur Verfügung, das nun erschwinglich wurde. Zunächst wurde es zu Blechen verarbeitet, aus denen Kochgeschirr sowie einfache Gebrauchsgegenstände gefertigt wurden, weitere Anwendungen kamen rasch hinzu, sodass größere Teile der Produktion auf die Aluminiumverarbeitung eingerichtet wurden. Inzwischen war aus modischen Gründen der Absatz der dekorativen Bleche deutlich eingebrochen, mit den Aluminium-Walzblechen hatte sich das Unternehmen jedoch ein neues Standbein errichtet. Anfang des 20. Jahrhunderts stieg der Bedarf an Kupfer durch die steigende Elektrifizierung im Verkehrsbereich und in der Antriebstechnik. Spekulationen beeinflussten jedoch den Kupferpreis, sodass nach Ersatz- 850-PS-Dampfmaschine zum Betreiben der Strangpresse 850-HP steam engine for operating the extrusion press ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 TECHNOLOGY materialien gesucht wurde. Allerdings war von 1901 bis 1908 durch das Kartell der Aluminiumproduzenten der Aluminiumpreis ebenfalls hoch gehalten worden. Im Jahr 1907 führten stark steigende Kupferpreise dazu, dass die Elektrizitätsindustrie nach Auswegen suchte. Unter den Mitgliedern der „Vereinigung der Elektrizitätswerke“ wurde deshalb eine Umfrage erhoben, die auch die Verwendung von Aluminium für Maschinen, Transformatoren, Schaltanlagen, Kabel und Freileitungen betraf. In dieser Zeit hatte man bei Erbslöh mit der Herstellung von Aluminiumdrähten begonnen. Das Herstellungsverfahren war allerdings sehr aufwendig: • Von der Aluminium AG Neuhausen in der Schweiz wurde das Aluminium in Form sogenannter Zweiteiler mit 3 bis 4 kg Gewicht geliefert. • Daraus wurden Blöcke in der Größe von 20 x 250 x 40 mm gegossen. Die Blöcke wurden zu Blechen ausgewalzt. Die Antriebskraft der Walzen setzte den technischen Möglichkeiten Grenzen. • Mittels Rundschere wurde der Draht spiralförmig abgetrennt. • Die Abschnitte wurden durch Kalibrierwalzen rund gewalzt. • Anschließend wurden die Drähte gezogen. Auch auf einem weiteren Gebiet wurden aufgrund des technischen Fortschritts neue Lösungen gesucht. Elektrische Triebwagen von Lokomotiven oder Straßenbahnen waren Gießerei zur Herstellung der Rundbarren für die 1.000-t-Presse Casthouse for producing round bars for the 1,000-tonne press vornehmlich mit Rollenstromabnehmern ausgestattet. Die steigenden Geschwindigkeiten führten bei den kleinen Rollen zu hohen Drehzahlen. Abhilfe sollten Aluminium-Schleifbügel schaffen. Um 1900 entwickelte Siemens & Halske solche Stromabnehmer. Doch der Verschleiß war sehr hoch, sodass man versuchte, durch Gießen einen U-förmigen Schleifbügel herzustellen, um in der Längsnut Schmierfett einbringen zu können. Doch die gegossenen Schleifbügel waren sehr fehleranfällig. Bei Erbslöh hatte man mit der Verwendung legierten Aluminiums begonnen, um dessen Festigkeit zu steigern. Vor allem das Zulegieren von Kupfer verhalf dem Aluminium zu einem deutlichen Festigkeitsanstieg. Siemens & Halske fragte bei Erbslöh U-förmige Schleifbügel aus legiertem Aluminium an, und mit Blick auf das zu erwartende Absatzpotenzial stellte man sich der technischen Herausforderung. Plattierwalzen wurden zu Profilwalzen 1911 to 2011 – Extrusion at Erbslöh Erbslöh Aluminium GmbH in Velbert, Germany, looks back over 100 years of extrusion. At the anniversary celebration, combined with a symposium, held at the end of May this year the company traced its development from the beginning up to today. The origins of Erbslöh’s business lie in the production of c lad sheet for costume jewellery, knobs, belt buckles and picture-frames of copper, zinc and brass. With rolled aluminium sheet the company entered a new field when, for fashionrelated reasons, the sales of decorative sheet collapsed. In the first decade of the 20th century Erbslöh also began producing aluminium wires – at that time a very difficult process. With U-shaped sliding bows for the current collectors of trams the company finally started doing business with aluminium profiles. For this, the existing cladding rollers were converted to profile rollers so as then ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 to form rolling slabs into profiles instead of wires. The extension of this business and the wish for an economical production process led to the design of an extrusion press with extrusion load 1,000 tonnes, which after a year of planning and construction work went into operation in Wuppertal in 1911. The press was operated by a water-hydraulic system and all press movements still had to be controlled manually. In 1914 the casting capacity was increased in order to ensure self-supply of high-quality alloyed round bars. For that the aluminium, melted in coal-fired furnaces, was cast into metal moulds so that the bars could be taken out after releasing a sleeve. “So that was how extrusion began at Erbslöh. In the past 100 years a number of product life cycles have gone by,” explained Norbert Sucke, technical director of Erbslöh Aluminium GmbH. Today the company produces aluminium profiles for the automobile industry and for various other industrial applications. The product range for the car industry includes, besides thin-walled multi-chamber profiles for heat exchangers, for example B-column panels, water deflectors, window holders, roof strips and edging strips. Among industrial applications the company focuses on very fine aluminium profiles with highly decorative surfaces, produced inter alia for sanitary ware and for the electronics industry. For example, bright-alloyed profiles under the brand name Alminox are found in high-end audio, video and multi-media products manufactured by Bang & Olufsen. Over the period 2001 to 2010 the company’s turnover increased from 89 to around 130 million euros, while over the same period over 60 million euros have been invested. Production amounting to 16,500 tonnes in 2001 is forecast by commercial director Frank Busenbecker to total 24,500 tonnes by the end of this year. 45 TECHNOLOGIE umgebaut, um Walzbleche statt zu Drähten Ein weiterer Trend setzte 1992 mit der Klimanun zu Profilen zu walzen. „Die Versuche tisierung von Pkws ein. Für die zugehörigen gelangen, und das erste Erbslöh-Profil war Wärmetauscher werden dünnwandige Mehrkammerprofile benötigt. Durch die Produktigeschaffen“, so Sucke. Kaum war der U-förmige Schleifbügel ein on von Abstandhaltern war Erbslöh mit dem Erfolg, wurden immer neue Profilformen er- mehrsträngigen Strangpressen dünnwandigsdacht. Für Bergbahnen wurden zum Beispiel ter Profile vertraut. Wandstärken von 0,2 mm dachförmige Profile benötigt. Die ohnehin waren lange undenkbar. Heute betreibt Erbsschon sehr aufwendige Drahtherstellung wur- löh Aluminium eine der weltweit leistungsfäde um einen weiteren Arbeitsgang ergänzt. higsten Strangpressen für diesen Markt. Die Gleichzeitig entstand der Wunsch nach einem wirtschaftlicheren Herstellungsprozess. Mit der Anpassung der Produktion an den stark steigenden Aluminiumbedarf wurde der damalige technische Direktor, Hugo Lohmann, beauftragt. Ein umfangreicher Neubau schaffte Platz für die neuen Anlagen. Neben der Strangpresse mussten auch eine große Bandwalzanlage und die erforderliche 850-PS-Dampfmaschine projektiert werden. 1911 wurde nach rund einjähriger Planung und Bauzeit die 1.000-TonnenStrangpresse bei Erbslöh in Wuppertal-Wupperfeld in Betrieb genommen. Die Presse war wasserhydraulisch betrieben, und alle Pressenbewegungen mussten von Hand gesteuert Alminox-Dachleisten in unterschiedlicher Oberflächenanmutung werden. Als Anerkennung Alminox roof strips in different surface look für seinen unschätzbaren Einsatz erhielt Lohmann Gesellschaftsanteile Gebäudeklimatisierung bietet aktuell weitere am Unternehmen Erbslöh. Wachstumschancen. 1914 wurde die Gießkapazität erweitert, Einer der auch heute noch wichtigsten um die Eigenversorgung mit legierten Rund- Märkte für das Unternehmen ist das Autobarren in guter Qualität sicherzustellen. mobilgeschäft. In den frühen 1920er Jahren Dazu goss man das in kohlebeheizten Öfen wurde die aufkommende Automobilprodukerschmolzene Aluminium in Kokillenschalen, tion als Wachstumsmarkt erkannt. Zuvor hatte um nach dem Lösen der Manschette die Rund- das Unternehmen dekorative Bleche für die barren zu entnehmen. Verzierung von Kutschen gefertigt. Nun aber „Das also war der Beginn des Strangpres- konnte die Formgebung durch das Strangpressens bei Erbslöh. In den vergangenen 100 sen für Fensterrahmen, Regenleisten, ZierJahren wurden einige Produktlebenszyklen leisten, Trittschienen und Frontschutzbügel durchlaufen. Ab etwa 1960 wurden Profile genutzt werden. Die Anforderungen der Kunden an Strangfür die boomende Bauindustrie hergestellt. Nach der Ölkrise 1973 zählte Erbslöh mit pressprofile stiegen stetig. Aus den ursprüngPUR-isolierten Bauprofilen zu den ersten lich nur funktionalen Bauteilen sind durch Anbietern wärmeisolierender Fenstersyste- Oberflächenveredlung Designelemente geme. Unter dem Markennamen Ekonal wurden worden, die dem Fahrzeug Kontur geben, Bausysteme in der ganzen Welt vertrieben“, Wertigkeit ausstrahlen und den Wiedererkennungswert bestimmen. so Sucke. 46 Schon die kleinsten Oberflächenfehler und Verunreinigungen marktüblicher Profile führen in einer anspruchsvollen Weiterverarbeitung zu Ausschuss und Nacharbeit. Die konsequente Reduzierung aller profilbedingten Fehler hat sich Erbslöh zur Aufgabe gemacht. Unter dem Markennamen Alminox produziert und vertreibt Erbslöh Aluminium heute Profile, die diesem Anspruch gerecht werden. Vor allem in den letzten zehn Jahren waren erhebliche Aufwendungen für die Erweiterung und Modernisierung der Strangpressanlagen erforderlich. So erlebte das Presswerk nach der Übernahme der Erbslöh AG durch die Walter Klein GmbH & Co. KG im Jahr 2000 einen deutlichen Aufwind. Der Reparaturstau im Presswerk konnte beseitigt und Investitionen in das erste Alminox-Schmelzwerk sowie in eine 44-MNPresse schnell und unbürokratisch entschieden werden. „Die kurzen Entscheidungswege eines familiengeführten Unternehmens waren damals und sind auch heute ein entscheidender Wettbewerbsvorteil“, so Sucke. Erbslöh Aluminium hat sich im vergangenen Jahrzehnt sehr dynamisch entwickelt: Der Umsatz stieg von 89 auf rund 130 Mio. Euro, die Produktion von 16.500 Tonnen 2001 wird Ende dieses Jahres bei 24.500 Tonnen liegen. Das Investitionsvolumen 2001 bis 2010 betrug mehr als 60 Mio. Euro, wie Geschäftsführer Busenbecker ausführte. Das Spektrum an Profilanwendungen für die Automobilindustrie umfasst neben den Wärmetauscherprofilen unter anderem B-Säulenblenden, Wasserabweiser, Fenstereinfassungen, Dachleisten und Bordkanten. Bei den Industrieanwendungen fokussiert das Unternehmen auf filigrane Aluminiumprofile mit hoch dekorativen Oberflächen, die unter anderem für das Sanitärwesen und die Elektronikindustrie hergestellt werden. Die glänzlegierten Alminox-Profile finden sich beispielsweise auch in hochwertigen Audio-, Video-, und Multimediaprodukten von Bang & Olufsen. N ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 TECHNOLOGY Constellium Global ATI ‘Airware’ – more than an aluminium alloy Images: Constellium B. Rieth, Meerbusch In the run-up to this year’s aviation show in Le Bourget the aerospace division of the former Alcan Engineered Products has taken the opportunity to present itself and its Airware range under the new corporate name Constellium Global ATI (Aerospace, Transportation and Industry). The backbone of Airware certainly consists of the aluminium alloys developed by Alcan’s research centres in Voreppe and Lausanne. In addition, today Airware denotes an integrated system solution based on rolled, extruded and precisioncast aluminium products tailor-made for the future demands of the growing aerospace sector. The development of new materials for aviation is increasingly driven by the pressures to which this sector is already subjected and will be even more so in the future. Besides reducing CO2 emissions these involve above all measures to cut costs and to invest in new aircraft types and flight operations. Among other things the intention is to achieve these objectives by lower fuel consumption and higher payloads. On the way towards that a competition between materials has emerged in the development of the latest aircraft models. This is evident on the one hand in the form of new ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 aluminium alloys with higher strength along with lower density, and on the other hand in the use of composite materials. As regards composites Constellium sees no development potential for itself and thus no challenges for its R & D activities. In this connection the company points out that the high costs of the manufacturing process are hardly justified by the production run sizes that would correspond to growth forecasts in the aviation industry. To be specific, according to Constellium the 40 new aircraft per month planned by Airbus and Boeing alone at present could never be built without the use of aluminium alloys. The declared aim of Constellium is, with the Airware concept, to offer the aviation industry materials and technologies that satisfy the following essential requirements: • weight saving of up to 25 percent • time until the first so-termed D-Check up to 12 years • reduced CO2 emissions, along with 100% recyclability of the materials used. To find the answers for this it is necessary, together with aircraft manufacturers, to think far ahead into the future: and this, against the background that the materials available, which once epitomised development advances in aerospace, are now coming up against the limits of what can be expected from them. To transcend those limits new and ‘smart’ materials are needed, which will be able to meet more complex demands. Whereas in the past the basis material aluminium was alloys primarily with weight and cost considerations in mind, in the development of the A380 generation the criterion of production optimisation was added. Even though that step is now a few years behind us, today and all the more so tomorrow other dimensions are gaining importance, for example environmental aspects. At the currently foreseeable end of this development – and this is the claim of Con- Constellium to invest €3.8m in its French extrusion plants Constellium will invest about 3.8 million euros to enhance the performance of its French extrusion sites of Nuits-Saint-Georges and Saint Florentin in order to address increasing demand within the market. Several projects have already started to be implemented as part of this investment programme. The plant of Saint Florentin (department of Yonne), which specialises in high value-added products for industry as well as the building and construction market, will spend close to 1 million euros to purchase new equipment for the press P2, such as lead out table, air quenching device, run out table, hot movable saw and two new pullers. The volume of aluminium scrap will be reduce by about 500 tonnes. The plant of Nuits-Saint-Georges (department of Côte d’Or), which supplies the automotive and industry markets, will invest 800,000 euros in the renovation of its welding system in order to reduce the volume of scrap. The hot saw stroke and puller machines will be modernised, the cooling table and the stretcher will be moved and the cold saw conveyor lengthened. Further investments will take place before the end of 2011 on the two sites, reaching a total of 2 million euros invested in Saint-Florentin and 1.8 million euros in Nuits-Saint-Georges. 47 TECHNOLOGY stellium’s Airware philosophy – is multi-functionality of the material aluminium and the innovations that can be derived from that. Constellium – formerly as Alcan Engineered Products – has already for years pursued the strategy of developing new alloys with lithium, copper, zirconium and silver, that enable lower component weight at the same time as greater rigidity and higher safe damage tolerance, and this in combination with new construction and manufacturing methods. This approach is much approved of by major customers such as Airbus, Boeing and Bombardier. What could more clearly Airware plate for aerospace applications. Airware enables aircraft designers and manufacturers to meet demands for a new generation of lighter, more efficient and greener aircraft. emphasise the course embarked upon by Constellium than the decision now to invest some 42 million euros at the Issoire plant and the Voreppe research centre – among other things for a new casthouse specially designed for producing the newly developed aerospace alloys? The availability of new alloys will also put Constellium in a position to face other challenges of the aviation market and thus offer multi-dimensional solutions, which ultimately amount to weight reduction along with increasing transport volume. This includes the introduction of a ‘patchwork’ technique comparable Alcoa, Aleris and Kaiser sign multi-year contract with Airbus Alcoa has been awarded a multi-year supply agreement with Airbus, worth USD1.0 billion, for aluminium sheet and plate products utilising the company’s current and newly developed aluminium alloys. The agreement was reached at the Paris Air Show in June. Alcoa’s aluminium solutions will be used across virtually all Airbus commercial aircraft programmes, from short-range, single-aisle jets to long-haul, twin-aisle jets including the A380 and range from fuselage panels to structural components to Airbus’ newest wing skins. The diverse rolled products will be supplied from the company’s plants in Davenport, Iowa in the US, Kitts Green in the UK and Belaya Kalitva in Russia. Similar to Constellium, Alcoa recently announced the development of a completely new set of aluminium-based solutions for the aerospace market that would allow airframers to build dramatically lighter and lower-cost short-range airplanes at significantly lower production risk than composite-intensive planes. The new solutions, which combine new alloys and advanced structural technologies, use Alcoa sheet, plate, forgings and hard alloy extrusion products across aircraft structures, including airplane wings and fuselage elements. The combination of Alcoa solutions results in short range aircraft that meet or exceed airframer targets for corrosion resistance, aerodynamic drag, maintenance requirements and fuel efficiency along with improved buy-to-fly ratios. According to the company, the improvements developed by Alcoa for a new short-range 48 aircraft can generate up to a 12% increase in fuel efficiency. Included in the new solutions portfolio are advanced alloys and third-generation aluminium lithium alloys that result in up to 7% lower density in major structural applications along with critically important corrosion resistance. Aleris Aleris Alcoa Aleris has signed a fiveAirbus and Aleris procurement team at the Aleris exhibition stand in Paris on the occasion of signing the multi-year contract. From left to year contract to provide right: Elmar Lütjen (Airbus), Steven Demetriou (Aleris), Klaus Richter aluminium plate and (Airbus), Olli-Matti Saksi and Roeland Baan (Aleris), Eric Zanin and Guido Locatelli (Airbus), Johan Petry, Serge Mouillard and Matthias sheet in a range of alloys Miermeister (Aleris). to Airbus for its global programmes. The agreement covers supply for the years 2012 through Kaiser 2016 and includes the development of a recycling programme, where Aleris will recycle scrap for Kaiser Aluminium has too reached an agreement Airbus. Further details of the contract were not with Airbus to supply aluminium plate and sheet disclosed. for use in the production of commercial aircraft. The flat rolled products will be produced at The multi-year agreement is subject to definithe Aleris plants in Koblenz, Germany, and in tive documentation, will commence upon the Duffel, Belgium. Furthermore, Aleris will supply completion of the companies’ existing supply plate to Airbus from its new plate mill in China agreement, and will extend Kaiser’s longstanding when construction of that plant is completed in role as a supplier of high quality semi-fabricated late 2012. “We believe that our USD300 million aluminium products to Airbus. ”We are confident investment in the China plant uniquely positions that our recently launched KaiserSelect solutions Aleris to supply plate from Asia to customers in will significantly contribute to Airbus‘s success,” a variety of industries,” said Steven J. Demetriou, said Jack A. Hockema, president, chief executive Aleris chairman and chief executive. and chairman of the company. ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 TECHNOLOGY to the ‘tailored blanks’ which have long been used successfully in lightweight automotive engineering. In this case structural components are no longer made from a single homogeneous piece, but rather consist, in a manner optimised according to local stresses, of components with different thicknesses and properties. For joining these components to produce a lighter but at least comparably strong structural assembly, Constellium can have recourse to the experience available in Voreppe in the use of modern welding technologies such as friction stir welding. An example of this is a new top-hat stringer design, which is 20 percent lighter but at the same time 14 percent stronger than its conventional counterpart. An example of how aluminium components can be ‘smart’, is provided by the rolled and extruded components developed by Constellium with embedded optical fibres. Already during the production of the semifabricate, glass optical fibres are incorporated into the aluminium body, which help to recognise material structures and identify any fractures in the material without costly and elaborate material investigations. In close collaboration with the developers and designers of the new, high-performance aircraft, Airware also aims to simplify and extend the maintenance intervals of aircraft. The predictability of material behaviour afforded by aluminium in contrast to composites simplifies the design, production and maintenance of new aircraft types. It is also simpler to repair minor damage to the aircraft, which cannot be excluded even with the most careful manoeuvring in airports. Together with the greater ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 corrosion resistance and fatigue resistance of aluminium, the aim of 12-year intervals between heavy maintenance checks – the sotermed D-Checks – becomes realistic. After ‘Specialty Sheet’, the Global ATI product range is the second-largest in Constellium’s portfolio. The worldwide 3,400 of 9,500 employees in total mainly produce Airware products for the aerospace industry. In addition, however, Global ATI also supplies aluminium plates for applications in shipping and road and rail transport. Airware products come from the two highly specialised plants in Issoire, France, and Ravenswood in the USA. They receive strong support from the research centres in Voreppe and Lausanne. Whereas in Lausanne a so- termed ‘Innovation Cell’ co-operates closely in the context of a strategic partnership with the highly regarded EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Fédéral de Lausanne) in that city and the marketing organisation for new materials and applications is also established there, Voreppe is run by Constellium as its central research facility. There, 170 scientists and technicians from ten countries develop mainly new aluminium alloys and new joining technologies. Considered overall, it can also be seen that Airware is an integrated system solution in which, however, the materials represent a very important partial aspect. Thus, Airware is by no means a future aspiration but already a reality, since it is used in the new Airbus models A350 XWB and in the C-Series of Bombardier. Most recently, in the context of a long-term agreement Constellium is supplying new aluminium-lithium alloys for the primary structure. Airware products account for up to 20 percent of all the materials in this advanced aircraft type. The fuselage is made from a combination of aluminium rolled products and extrusions for the outer shell, the stringers, the airframe and the floor beams. For its C-Series programme, designed for the 100- to 149-seater market, Bombardier anticipates that compared with similar conventional models it will achieve 15 percent lower cash operating costs, a fuel saving of 20 percent and thus correspondingly lower CO2 emissions. Author Dipl.-Ing. Bernhard Rieth is a marketing specialist and freelance technical journalist. As proprietor of Marketing Xpertise Rieth in Meerbusch, Germany, he advises equipment partners of the NF metals semis industry on marketing-related matters. 49 TECHNOLOGIE Recycling von Aluminiumspänen Studie bestätigt: Brikettieren von Aluminiumspänen ermöglicht Rückgewinnungsquote von knapp 99 Prozent Aluminiumspäne sind wertvoller Rohstoff. Doch wie lässt sich zu einem bestmöglichem Preis-/Leistungsverhältnis eine maximale Rückgewinnung erzielen? Mit dieser Frage beschäftigt sich eine von Ruf-Brikettieranlagen in Auftrag gegebene Studie des Ingenieurbüros Dr. Urbach (IMR). Die Versuchsreihen zeigen, dass durch das Brikettieren der Aluminiumspäne eine Gesamtausbeute von rund 99 Prozent erreichbar ist und damit noch weitere Vorteile einhergehen. Scientific studies confirm that briquetting aluminium swarf results in a recovery rate of almost 99 percent Aluminium swarf is a valuable raw material. But what is the most cost-effective way of achieving the maximum recovery rate? To find out the answer to this, Ruf commissioned consulting engineer Dr. Urbach (IMR) to carry out a study. A series of tests were run which show that a total yield of around 99% is achievable through aluminium swarf briquetting and that the process also brings with it a range of other advantages. Planing, turning, drilling or sawing aluminium during manufacture constantly creates waste in the form of swarf, which is in itself a valuable resource. It is just a question of how to use it efficiently. In order to do this, it is important that the melting yield should be as high as possible and that the processing costs remain as low as possible. There are two main ways of processing swarf: the fast, cost-effective way involving briquetting or the more time-consuming process of centrifuging the swarf, drying it and then melting it in furnaces using the submerged melting procedure. Manufacturers of the latter systems claim that melting yields of up to 98% can be achieved. The study carried out by consulting engineer Dr. Urbach shows a total yield of 98.6% for the briquetting process. Aluminium swarf briquetting also offers further significant advantages which more and more companies are benefiting from. For example, the coolant which is pressed out of the swarf can be quickly filtered and then fed back directly into the manufacturing process. Another benefit is that the briquettes’ low volume means they take up much less storage space and transport costs are reduced. And finally, the extreme compression of the swarf means that the oxidising surface is reduced to a minimum. Testing conditions and procedures The aim of the tests carried out was to define the melting yield of swarf briquettes. An AlMg3 alloy was chosen in order to achieve clearer, more realistic data. This material’s magnesium content means it is one of the more easily oxidising alloys and as a result it achieves lower melting yields. The briquettes used were seven days old. Four tests were carried out in total. In the first test, briquettes with a dry weight of 3.843 kg and residual moisture of 2.7% were put into a pre-heated empty crucible and melted. The result of this test then served as a comparison result for the subsequent tests and formed a point of reference between direct melting and classic submerged melting. In the other three tests, 4 kg of aluminium was melted as a sample and heated up to approximately 750°C. Then the test engineers put in a maximum of three briquettes. As these briquettes had been produced on Ruf machines they had a consistent density of between 2.22 g/cm3 and 2.27 g/cm3, thus ensuring that they would submerge more than 90% in the melting bath. The next batch was added once these briquettes had completely melted. After the last briquette had melted, Fotos: Ruf Durch das Fräsen, Drehen, Bohren oder Sägen von Aluminiumrohlingen entsteht neben dem gewünschten Endprodukt auch stets ein Abfallprodukt in Form von Spänen, das gleichzeitig wertvoller Rohstoff ist. Diesen gilt es, effizient zu nutzen. Dabei sollen die Schmelzausbeute möglichst hoch und die Prozesskosten gering sein. Prinzipiell führen zwei Wege der Späneaufbereitung zum Ziel: das schnelle und kostengünstige Brikettieren oder das kosten- und verfahrensintensivere Zentrifugieren mit anschließendem Trocknen der Späne und Schmelzen in Ofenaggregaten mit Einrühranlagen (Submerged Melting). Letzteres wird von den Herstellern derartiger Systeme mit einer erreichbaren Schmelzausbeute von etwa 98 Prozent angegeben. Eine vom Ingenieurbüro Dr. Urbach durchgeführte Studie weist für die Variante Brikettieren eine Gesamtausbeute von 98,6 Prozent nach. Dabei bietet das Brikettieren der Aluminiumspäne noch weitere Vorteile, die sich immer mehr Betriebe zunutze machen. So Aluminium swarf recycling Für die Versuchsreihen wurden Aluminiumspäne der Legierung AlMg3 verwendet und auf Brikettieranlagen der Firma Ruf zu handlichen Briketts gepresst Aluminium swarf from AlMg3 alloy was used for testing and pressed into practical briquettes using Ruf briquetting machinery 50 ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 TECHNOLOGY the whole molten metal bath was in turn heated to around 750°C and then run off into a collection pan. The melting yield in figures As expected, the first test (where the swarf briquettes were put straight into the furnace without a metal sample) produced a relatively low total yield of 93.11%. The proportionate amount of dross (low-value melting product) was relatively high at 9.06%. However, according to the testing team, the dross produced still has some value, and as it has estimated metal yields of around 80% it can be sold on to remelters. Two tests under realistic conditions produced almost identical results: total yields were 98.55% and 98.73% respectively. These yields include average dross proportions of 1.5%. These excellent results reveal the extremely low oxidation rate of these melt alternatives. The result of the other test is a little unusual as a technical problem meant that run-off had to be done at 830°C rather than at 750°C as planned. The proportion of dross was just over 4% which reduced the total yield to 97.75%. This is still a good result, but it shows that the oxidation of liquid aluminium increases significantly at temperatures above 770°C. Overall the test results show that the costefficient process of briquetting aluminium swarf with subsequent melting in a molten metal bath can hold its own against the much more elaborate process of centrifuging, drying and mixing. In addition, the processing of swarf briquettes in hearth furnaces or converters in both the primary and secondary aluminium industry with a yield of around 93% presents a high-performance alternative to the conventional process of treating swarf in salt-bath rotary drum furnaces, which only achieves yields of around 90%. N lässt sich das aus den Spänen gepresste Kühlschmiermittel nach einer kurzen Aufbereitung mit Filteranlagen direkt in den Fertigungsprozess zurückführen. Außerdem benötigen Briketts erheblich weniger Lagerplatz und sind durch das geringere Volumen für den Verkauf preiswerter zu transportieren. Und schließlich sorgt die starke Komprimierung der Späne dafür, dass die oxidierende Oberfläche auf ein Minimum reduziert wird. Die Schmelzausbeute in Zahlen Versuchsbedingungen und -ablauf Im Fokus der IMR-Untersuchungen lag die Bestimmung der schmelzbaren Ausbeute der Spänebriketts. Um realistische und nachvollziehbare Daten zu erhalten, fiel die Entscheidung bei der Materialauswahl auf eine AlMg3-Legierung. Diese gehört aufgrund ihres Magnesiumgehaltes zu den leichter oxidierbaren Legierungen und erzielt somit eher niedrigere Schmelzausbeuten. Die verwendeten Briketts waren jeweils sieben Tage alt. Die Wissenschaftler führten insgesamt vier Versuche durch. Im ersten wurden Briketts mit einem Trockengewicht von 3,843 kg und einer Restfeuchte von 2,7 Prozent in den vorgeheizten leeren Tiegel gegeben und aufgeschmolzen. Das Ergebnis sollte als Vergleich zu den nachfolgenden Versuchen dienen und eine Referenz zwischen direktem Einschmelzen und dem klassischen Tauchschmelzen (Submerged Melting) bilden. Bei den folgenden drei Versuchen wurde zunächst eine Menge von 4 kg Aluminium als Vorlage eingeschmolzen und auf eine Temperatur von etwa 750 °C erhitzt. Nachfolgend setzten die Tester jeweils maximal drei Briketts ein. Da diese auf Ruf- Ruf machine for the production of swarf briquettes ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 Anlagen hergestellt wurden und zuverlässig eine Dichte von 2,22 bis 2,27 g/cm3 erzielen, war gewährleistet, dass sie im Schmelzbad zu mehr als 90 Prozent untertauchen. Waren die Briketts vollständig aufgeschmolzen, erfolgte die nächste Zugabe. Nach dem Aufschmelzen der letzten Briketts wurde das Gesamtmetallbad wiederum auf etwa 750 °C erhitzt und dann in einer Auffangwanne abgestochen. Wie erwartet, brachte der erste Versuch (bei dem die Spänebriketts ohne Metallvorlage direkt in den Ofen eingesetzt wurden) eine relativ geringe Gesamtausbeute der Späne von 93,11 Prozent. Die anteilige Krätzemenge (geringwertige Schmelzausbringung) war mit 9,06 Prozent verhältnismäßig hoch. Den Wissenschaftlern zufolge verfügen jedoch auch die entstehenden Krätzen über eine Werthaltigkeit mit geschätzten Metallausbeuten von rund 80 Prozent und können daher an Umschmelzwerke verkauft werden. Zwei Versuche unter realistischen Bedingungen zeigten nahezu identische Ergebnisse: Die Gesamtausbeuten lagen bei 98,55 Prozent und 98,73 Prozent. Darin enthalten sind Krätze-Anteile von durchschnittlich 1,5 Prozent. Diese sehr guten Werte dokumentieren die extrem niedrige Oxidationsrate dieser Schmelzvariante. Das Ergebnis des zusätzlichen Versuchs fällt etwas aus dem Rahmen, da aufgrund eines technischen Defekts der Abstich nicht bei den geplanten 750 °C, sondern erst bei 830 °C erfolgen konnte. Der auf knapp über vier Prozent gestiegene Krätzeanteil reduzierte die Gesamtausbeute auf 97,75 Prozent. Ein noch immer gutes Ergebnis, das jedoch deutlich macht, dass die Oxidation des flüssigen Aluminiums ab einer Temperatur von über 770 °C stark zunimmt. Die Versuchsergebnisse machen in Summe deutlich, dass das kostengünstige Brikettieren von Aluminiumspänen mit nachfolgendem Schmelzen im Metallbad jedem Vergleich mit dem aufwendigeren Verfahren des Zentrifugierens, Trocknens und Einrührens Stand hält. Darüber hinaus erscheint auch die Verarbeitung von Spänebriketts in Herdschmelzöfen oder Konvertern in der Primär- und auch der Sekundäraluminiumindustrie mit einer Ausbeute von rund 93 Prozent als leistungsstarke Alternative zum herkömmlichen Prozess der Verarbeitung von Spänen in Salzbad-Drehtrommelöfen, bei denen die Ausbeute lediglich bei etwa 90 Prozent liegen soll. N Ruf-Anlage zur Herstellung von Spänebriketts 51 TECHNOLOGY Improved monolithic materials for lining aluminium holding and melting furnaces – roof, upper walls and flue Andy Wynn, John Coppack and Tom Steele; Morgan Thermal Ceramics Over the last 30 years, a group of monolithic technologies has emerged which have been designed specifically to perform within the unique environment of aluminium melt-hold furnaces. These aluminium-resistant grades often contain ‘non-wetting’ additives, particularly in the metal contact areas, to minimise interaction between the refractory and the melt to suppress damage to the lining from ‘corundum growth’ [1]. Morgan Thermal Ceramics has recently developed a monolithic material specifically to improve performance in the superstructure zone – roof, upper walls and flue, areas which have to cope with excessively high levels of alkali vapour and thermal shock. This article reviews the operating conditions found in the superstructure areas (as shown in Fig. 1) of a typical melting and holding furnace and the implications these have on monolithic lining material design and performance. The improved behaviour of the newly developed monolithic material against the critical performance criteria in these furnace regions is demonstrated in the laboratory, compared to existing industry leading materials, using industry standard test methods. 52 Fig. 1: Furnace lining zones in a typical aluminium melt-hold furnace Key performance parameters To understand the operating conditions in the superstructure region of an aluminium melthold furnace in more detail, Morgan Thermal Ceramics worked with a number of leading aluminium producers. By studying working practices and furnace operating conditions, and through post mortem analysis of exhausted furnace linings, the company has identified that the two primary factors which limit service life of linings are excessive alkali vapour and extreme thermal shock. An increase in the use of more powerful fluxes to deliver higher productivity and more exotic alloy compositions, coupled with higher chamber temperatures, particularly in melt furnaces, is leading to higher concentrations of alkali vapour in the upper chamber region. In the vapour state, these alkalis can easily enter refractory linings through the pore structure to chemically interact with the base materials. Such reactions can often lead to expansion effects, leading to extreme changes in volume, causing cracking and ultimately to the catastrophic failure of a lining. The rate of chemical attack is affected by temperature, furnace atmosphere, furnace housekeeping and composition and structure of the refractory lining. The superstructure region is also subject to considerable thermal stress as chamber temperatures rise and fall rapidly during the opening and closing of the furnace door and in the areas around the gas burners. This leads to rapid contraction / expansion of the surface of the furnace lining, microcracking the structure and ultimately leading to lining failure. Other environmental factors can also play a secondary contribution in limiting service life of the refractory lining in the superstructure, particularly in the upper wall region. The upper walls are subject to mechanical abrasion during cleaning operations, so some degree of abrasion resistance is necessary in the refractory lining to cope with the mechanical stress endured during cleaning. Also, although not normally in contact with molten metal, the upper walls can be subject to intermittent contact from metal splashing, produced during stirring and cleaning operations. It is therefore important that the refractory in this region also has some degree of ‘non-wetting’ capability to ensure corundum growth does not nucleate and grow at these splash points. Testing the materials Three existing monolithic materials used by several aluminium producers in the superstructure region of melt-hold furnaces were selected as baseline materials for the study. The performance of these materials in service is well established and so any test results can serve as useful benchmarks against which to Images: Morgan Thermal Ceramics As aluminium producers strive to increase productivity, the environment within furnaces for holding and melting aluminium is becoming more aggressive. Chamber temperatures are increasing and more aggressive fluxes are being used, necessitating more frequent and severe cleaning operations of the refractory wall. A key requirement for maintaining high levels of productivity is the need to minimise the frequency and duration of furnace downtime. The more aggressive conditions within which the refractory lining has to work today means that the aluminium resistant lining materials developed in the past to cope with these applications are now being used beyond their original intended design boundaries and their service performance is under threat, leading to more frequent lining repairs. In order to minimise the frequency of furnace downtime, a new breed of aluminium resistant products are needed, specifically designed to perform within today’s more aggressive operating environment. Fig. 2: Mould & test sample for alkali resistance tests ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 TECHNOLOGY Fig. 3: Thermal shock resistance of test materials rial technologies Standard 1 Standard 2 Standard 3 New Material was then used 49 45 76 42 as the basis for % Al2O3 40 49 6 54 % SiO2 a series of re% CaO 7 1.7 8.8 2 formulations to 1 1.5 3 1 % TiO2 find the optimum 0.8 0.9 5 0.7 balance of bond % Fe2O3 % Alkalis 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 and aggregate chemistry and Table 2: Chemical analysis of materials studied product granulometry that produced the Nine ‘Cup’ samples (5 cm cubes, each with a maximum improvement in 2.2 cm diameter, 2.5 cm deep hole) are prealkali and thermal shock pared for each test composition (Fig. 2), along performance without with a lid (5 cm square, 0.6 cm thick) for each negatively affecting other cube. Samples are allowed to set overnight, important properties. The results of perform- then demoulded, cured and dried at 110°C ance and property measurements of the final, for 18 hours. Three of the dried sample cups optimised development composition com- produced are each filled with 8 grams of potaspared to the baseline standards are presented sium carbonate, three with 8 grams of sodium below. All materials in the study were tested carbonate and three with a 50:50 mixture of 8 against the four key performance param- grams of both potassium carbonate and sodium eters using industry standard test methods; carbonate. Samples of each of the alkali mixtures are fired to 900°C, 1 000°C and 1 100°C Primary performance parameters 1. Thermal shock resistance test (ASTM for 5 hours. After sectioning vertically, samC1100-88 {1998} – ribbon ples are visually inspected for cracks, bulges, test); Pre-fired samples (230 depth of penetration and colour change. x 115 x 64 mm) are subjected Secondary performance parameters to five alternating heating and 1. Abrasion resistance test (ASTM C704); cooling cycles on one face us- Samples pre-fired to 815°C are blasted with a ing a ribbon burner. The Mod- stream of silicon carbide grit of specified grain ulus of Elasticity (E-modulus) size for a set time. Tested samples are then of samples is measured non- cross-sectioned and the amount of material destructively by ultrasonics abraded across the section is measured and before and after testing. The reported in cubic centimetres. percentage of retained E-mod- 2. Aluminium resistance ‘cup’ test; Sample ulus is used as a measure of preparation is similar to the Alkali resistance cup test, except no lid is used during testing. retained strength. 2. Alkali resistance ‘cup’ test; Instead of alkali, the samples are filled with Fig. 4: Standard 1 after alkali testing with K2CO3 (poor rating) Fig. 5: Standard 1 after alkali testing with Na2CO3 (poor rating) Fig. 6: Standard 1 after alkali testing with K2CO3 / Na2CO3 (poor rating) Fig. 7: Standard 2 after alkali testing with K2CO3 (excellent rating) Fig. 8: Standard 2 after alkali testing with Na2CO3 (excellent rating) Fig. 9: Standard 2 after alkali testing with K2CO3 / Na2CO3 (excellent rating) Fig. 10: New material after alkali testing with K2CO3 (excellent rating) Fig. 11: New material after alkali testing with Na2CO3 (excellent rating) Fig. 12: New material after alkali testing with K2CO3 / Na2CO3 (excellent rating) Water (%) 110°C Bulk 800°C Density 1000°C (kg/m3) 1300°C 800°C PLC 1000°C (%) 1300°C 110°C 800°C CCS (MPa) 1000°C 1300°C Standard 1 Standard 2 Standard 3 New Material 11-12.5 5.5-6.5 11-13 5.8-6.3 2130 2300 2560 2250 2020 2280 2440 2240 2020 2280 2410 2230 2040 2280 2440 2220 -0.2 -0.2 -0.1 -0.3 -0.2 -0.3 -0.2 -0.3 -0.8 -0.3 +0.8 -0.3 46 80 45 80 26 80 40 70 25 90 23 70 27 90 23 70 Table 1: Phyiscal properties of materials studied compare new developments. A detailed analytical investigation of the baseline materials was undertaken in order to identify those aspects of the materials technology that were considered to be either promoting or constraining performance in terms of alkali and thermal shock resistance and were thus controlling failure mechanisms. This knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of the existing mate- ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 53 TECHNOLOGY 7075 alloy. Samples are heated at 1 000°C for 100 hours. After cooling, the samples are sectioned vertically and visually assessed for the degree of metal penetration and corundum growth. Full details of the test method are described in the literature [2]. Results and discussion The physical characteristics and chemical composition of the optimised new material compared to the standard baseline materials are displayed in tables 1 and 2. Primary performance parameters Thermal shock resistance test results of several of the materials studied are presented in Fig. 3. After five test cycles, Standard 1 lost 50% of its E-modulus and Standard 2 lost 95%, compared to only 40% loss for the new optimised material. These results suggest that the new material is capable of delivering a 20% improvement on thermal shock resistance compared to Standard 1 and a twelve-fold improvement compared to Standard 2. Since the baseline materials are used routinely in aluminium melt-hold furnaces, it was expected that all would possess some degree of resistance to alkali attack. However, the alkali resistance testing displayed some extremes of behaviour. Standards 1 and 3 displayed very poor resistance to alkali attack, with samples being severely disrupted by major cracking and erosion all over (Fig. 4-6; samples tested at 900°C (left), 1 000°C (middle) and 1 100°C (right)). This behaviour contrasted with the results of Standard 2, which demonstrated excellent resistance to the alkali tests (Fig. 7-9; samples tested at 900°C (left), 1 000°C (middle) and 1 100°C (right)). The final optimised new composition, which builds on the performance mechanisms in Standard 2, passed all Alkali contact testing with potassium carbonate and sodium carbonate and delivered an excellent rating (Fig. 10-12; samples tested at 900°C (left), 1 000°C (middle) and 1 100°C (right)). Secondary performance parameters The abrasion resistance test results of the Fig. 14: Aluminium ‘Cup’ test for new material – pre-fired sample 54 materials, an important performance parameter for materials in the upper walls to resist the abrasive action of cleaning operations, are presented in Fig. 13. Standards 1 and 3 display relatively poor resistance to abrasion compared to Standard 2. The target for abrasion resistance in this region was greater than 10 cm3 and Standards 1 and 3 do not achieve this. The newly developed material incorporates technologies utilised in Standard 2 to deliver excellent abrasion resistance. To ensure the new material was safe from metal splashing in the upper wall region, such that corundum growth would not be an issue, it was pre-fired at 1 200°C and tested against metal contact with 7075 alloy at 1 000°C for 100 hours. This is a more aggressive test than most aluminium producers use in their material approval procedures [2]. Standard 1 produced a poor result, with all other materials achieving a good rating in the test, with only minimal interaction with the test alloy (Fig. 14). Summary The results of the tests, which can be seen in table 3, show that some baseline materials demonstrated superior behaviour for one of the primary performance parameters but poor performance for the other. The summary shows that the new material combines all the best performance features of the baseline materials, but without any of the weaknesses and so displays the optimum blend of performance features required for service in the superstructure of aluminium melt-hold furnaces. For improved ease of installation, the new Monolithic material has been designed as a vibrocast grade, requiring only minimal water addition to achieve good flow and is now on trial in the superstructure area of melt-hold furnaces at several aluminium producers around the world. But faster melting leads to increased metal losses from surface oxidation and to segregation from large heat gradients. These effects are countered by increased use of fluxes and increased stirring. Given the increasingly challenging environment within which the refractory lining has to work, traditional lining solutions can no longer be relied upon to provide the service lives that were previously achieved. Therefore, a new generation of furnace lining materials is required to cope with today’s aluminium furnace. The results from Morgan Thermal Ceramics’ tests suggest that the new material should be capable of surviving the unique set of service conditions in the superstructure region of aluminium melt-hold furnaces better than the existing materials used in the industry and thus deliver longer service life. Extended service life in the superstructure area is expected to reduce the frequency of furnace downtime and thus allow aluminium producers to run longer production campaigns, increasing productivity and minimising the need for expensive repairs. References [1] D. Jones, A. M. Wynn and T. J. Coppack: The Development and Application of an Aluminium Resistant Castable, UNITECR ’93, Sao Paulo, Brasil (Oct 31-Nov 3, 1993) [2] A. M. Wynn, T. J. Coppack and T. Steele: Methods of Assessing Monolithic Refractories for Material Selection in Aluminium Melt-Hold Furnaces, 53rd International Refractories Colloquium, Aachen, Germany (Sept. 8-9, 2010) Conclusion Aluminium producers continue to increase productivity through their melt-hold furFig. 13: Abrasion loss resistance of test materials naces to maintain Standard 1 Standard 2 Standard 3 New Material competitiveness and Primary performance parameters the use of more Thermal shock resistance Good Poor Fair Excellent powerful burners Alkali resistance Poor Excellent Poor Excellent to increase heat inSecondary performance parameters put to the furnace Abrasion resistance Poor Excellent Fair Excellent is therefore becomAluminium resistance Poor Good Good Good ing increasingly common practice. Table 3: Summary of test results against target performance parameters ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 AUTOMOTIVE Aluminium matrix composites in automotive applications Md. AI Mehedi, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) Aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) have become a very high-grade material for the automotive world nowadays. AMCs are highly used in producing cylinder boxes, brake rotors and drums, driveshafts, camshafts, crankshafts and other parts of cars. Steel is used as the main manufacturing alloy in the automotive industry. But the use of aluminium and magnesium is increasing in the automotive sector due to their light weight, which contributes toward reducing the fuel consumption. In fact, a weight reduction of 10% can lead to 5% reduction in fuel consumption (1). Aluminium is also useful in having a high strength-to-weight ratio and better stiffness. AMCs are generally reinforced with ceramic particles and fibres to obtain improved mechanical and wear properties. The reinforcement improves the fatigue resistance and lowers the thermal expansion. For example, the addition of 60 vol.-% of alumina (Al2O3) fibres to aluminium increases its elastic modu- ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 lus from 70 GPa to 240 GPa, and reduces the coefficient of expansion from 24 to 7 ppm/°C. The wear resistance of Al9Si reinforced with 20 vol.-% of SiC increases by varying degrees, up to values better than or equivalent to very hard grey cast iron (2). Car manufacturers are finding ways to use AMCs for several components, depending on the model. Recently the Germany-based automotive supplier KS Aluminium Technologie AG has developed a MMC cylinder lining for Porsche cars, for better wear resistance (2). Toyota launched a new engine built with TiAl-V alloy reinforced with TiB2 particles, a costeffective way to achieve very high wear resistance as well as tensile and fatigue strength (3). Why aluminium is replacing steel With the growing concern about greenhouse effects, the use of aluminium is overtaking that of steel. As aluminium has one third the density of steel, its lightness is used by technologists to reduce the weight of vehicles so as to reduce fuel consumption. Beside this the characteristic properties of aluminium, good formability, good corrosion resistance, high strength and stiffness-to-weight ratio and re- before. This is because the vehicle consumes less fuel and less capacity is therefore needed for the fuel tank. It is estimated that a vehicle weight reduction of 10% results in 8 to 10% fuel economy improvement (6). For chassis applications, aluminium castings are used for about 40% of wheels and for brackets, brake components, suspension (control arms, supports), steering components (air bag supports, steering shafts, knuckles, housings, wheels) and instrument panels. Aluminium matrix composites Metal matrix composites have become a regularly used component in the automotive world nowadays. When a metal matrix is mixed with particles or fibres of one or more other materials, this is termed a Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) where the materials are insoluble in each other and have superior desired properties. Ceramic particles or fibres such as SiC, Al2O3, TiB2, carbon, etc. are mainly used as the added element in aluminium matrix. Metal matrix composites have better mechanical and wear properties than the matrix metal. These materials posses higher strength, stiffness, corrosion resistance and wear resist- Source & Diagram: GDA The increasing use of Aluminium Matrix Composites (AMCs) has become an economic issue in the modern automotive world. Although AMCs are quite costly compared with traditional materials, they have potential to replace traditional materials like steel or cast iron or even Al/ Mg alloys, because they provide higher strength, stiffness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, high fatigue limit and lower thermal expansion. These properties can lead to higher value addition such as long life of engines, wheels and brakes as well as better service from them. The market for aluminium matrix composites was projected to exceed USD68 million by 2010. The main use of AMCs in the automotive industry includes brake discs and drums, cylinder blocks, cylinder liners, pistons, crankshafts, camshafts, valves, pushrods, connecting rods, brake callipers, turbo exchangers etc. According to a report by Global Industry Analyst, Inc. the use of AMCs in ground transportation amounts to 57% of the total uses of metal matrix composites, with an 8% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) in the 2001 to 2010 time period. In the near future AMCs instead of steel can be introduced into the body panel and structure of cars. Fig. 1: Average use of aluminium in passenger cars produced in Europe and differentiated by application (4) cyclability, make it an ideal metal to replace heavier steel. The use of aluminium in the automobile sector has almost doubled in the last ten years (see Fig. 1). Total use of aluminium per vehicle is predicted to rise to 250 kg or 340 kg, with or without taking body panel or structure into account (5). It is reported that the use of aluminium enables car manufacturers to use smaller engine blocks for the same vehicle performance as ance. In recent years the use of aluminium in the automobile sector has been increasing substantially. However, aluminium has very poor wear resistance on its own, which makes it incompatible for use in many inner and outer parts of a car. If ceramic particles or fibres are added, or even carbon, the wear resistance is increased to very high value. This characteristic helps to increase the use of aluminium metal matrix (AMC) in the automobile sector. 55 AUTOMOTIVE Use of AMC in various applications The use of aluminium matrix composite was initiated by Toyota in 1983. The company launched a piston for a diesel engine by selective reinforcement of an aluminium matrix with chopped fibres preformed in the ring groove area of pistons. This AMC improved the fatigue and wear resistance of the piston. It also helped to lower the coefficient of thermal expansion, and so reduced the tendency to cracking and distortion. The engine is the hottest spot in a car. Thus the material inside the engine needs high temperature strength and good fatigue strength as pistons produce cyclic loads inside the chamber and on the surface of the cylinder block, and also on the piston itself. To avoid wear loss of pistons, cylinders and other engine components it is highly recommended to use AMCs. The applications of AMCs in different engine parts and beyond are as follows: Pistons: The piston is one of the most vital parts of an automobile. Pistons are generally exposed to a dynamic thermal and mechanical environment. Thus they need good high temperature strength and fatigue strength, low thermal expansion and good wear resistance. To ensure these properties, the car manufacturers are now concentrating on the use of AMCs. The selectively reinforced pistons have better wear resistance and a lower coefficient of thermal expansion. They also have better heat exchanging properties and high tolerance to cracking. Although AMCs are more expensive than traditional materials, mass production involves only a single step and this optimises the cost with value-added service (7). Due to the low CTE of AMCs, the clearance between cylinder wall and piston can be reduced, which results in less noise and less wear of both surfaces. Cylinder blocks: The cylinder block is a high-temperature chamber where ignition takes place. The cylinder block accommodates continuous impacts from the pistons, and must therefore have very good wear resistance, fatigue strength and creep resistance. The use of AMCs in cylinder blocks provides these properties. Al-Mg or Al-Si alloys with ~30% SiC or Al2O3 are mainly used in cylinder blocks. The Porsche 911, Boxster, Toyota Celica and Honda Prelude are some examples of models where AMCs are used in the cylinder block. Cylinder liners: Cylinder liners are provided to reduce the friction between the piston and the cylinder wall. Cylinder liners contribute mainly toward increasing the wear resistance. AMCs have better wear resistance than 56 traditionally used liners made of cast iron. In addition, AMC liners can contribute a weight reduction of almost 20%. AMC liners have better thermal conductivity which helps the engine to operate at lower temperatures. This phenomenon increases the engine life quite remarkably (8). Honda was the first company to start using an AMC by adding a hybrid mixture of 9% graphite and Al2O3 to the aluminium matrix. In recent years Honda, Toyota and Porsche have been using hybrid composite liners in some of their models. Crankshafts and camshafts: The crankshaft is an associated part of the cylinder block, which is attached to the cylinders and transfers energy by reciprocal movement. Camshafts are associated with tappets to open or close valves. Crankshafts and camshafts have to have very good fatigue strengths and wear resistance for a long lifetime. High thermal coefficiency is also an issue while selecting materials for crankshafts and cam shafts. AMCs are a very good option for providing the desired properties for these parts. Driveshafts: The driveshaft is a mechanical device associated with the torque or rotation transmission to the gearbox. In large vehicles generally two driveshafts are used for length restriction. With AMCs this problem can be resolved, because the use of AMCs enables the use of driveshafts of a certain length with a small diameter or a certain diameter with a smaller length. The critical speed is well maintained with this system, along with a minimum weight saving of 9 kg. Aluminium wrought alloy 6061 with 10% Al2O3 powder particles is widely used in driveshafts nowadays. The GM Corvette, GM trucks, Ford Crown police cars and a number of racing cars use driveshafts of this type. Brake discs and drums: In brake discs and drums, AMCs have brought a new era of fuel economy and service life. In traditional cars cast iron is used as the manufacturing material of the brake system. But AMCs are more beneficial due to their light weight, better wear resistance and thermal conductivity. The use of AMCs also contributes to the increase of acceleration and reduces the braking distance; it also provides less noise and wear in the system. Mainly Al-Mg or Al-Si-Mg alloys with 20 to 30% SiC are used in the brake system. The use of these materials was initiated by the ‘Lotus Elise’ in 1996 when four disc rotors of directly reinforced aluminium (DRA) were introduced. The temperature in the AMC brake rotors never exceeds 380ºC, which leads to less heating in brake discs and drums. Various car manufactures are using AMCs in some of their models. Some significant names are VW Lupo, Toyota RAV-4EV, Plymouth Prowler, GM EV-1 and various racing cars. Brake callipers and pads: The use of AMCs in brake callipers enables very rapid stopping of wheel rotation compared with cast iron. Formula 1 racing cars use 2124/SiC/25p which supports the cars with great acceleration and quick stopping. Currently, apart from ceramic matrix composites AMCs are also used in brake pads. Pushrods: Pushrods are components which transfer motion from the camshaft to valves. In high-speed cars, it is necessary to have very high rpm (revolutions per minute) to have great speed and acceleration, which is unobtainable with traditional steel used in cars. AMCs are the best materials for obtaining higher rpm due to their good stiffness along with very good wear resistance and fatigue strength. 3M Corporation initiated the use of AMCs in pushrods with 30% Al2O3 in an aluminium matrix instead of 4340 steel. The new material provided almost 25% higher stiffness and twice the damping capacity compared with the traditionally used 4340 steel. This AMC increases the engine speed to 250 to 400 rpm. 3M expects further development of AMC pushrods with the optimisation of camshafts. Connecting rods: Connecting rods connect the pistons and crank shafts in reciprocating engines. The rods have to be relatively lightweight to avoid any secondary vibration forces. In fact lower reciprocating loads can lead to lower friction loads and can thus increase fuel efficiency. Some prototype connecting rods have been produced by using AMCs, but bulk production is not yet due because of the very high cost involved. Further research may lead to a new era of using AMCs in connecting rods. Body panels and structure: Using metal matrix composites in the car body panel is one of the most widely discussed issues today. AMCs provide good mechanical properties to be used instead of steel but their wear resistance is slightly lower than that of steel. If the AMC sheets can replace steel sheets and the joining technique is modified, then there will be no hindrance in using AMCs in the car chassis or body structure. Others: AMCs are used in energy transmitting devices, wheels, valves, etc. In the gearbox there are certain uses of AMCs due to their low CTE and other thermal properties. Economic impact of AMCs In the last decade the use of AMC in the transport sector has increased remarkably. A ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 AUTOMOTIVE research report prepared by Global Industry Analysts, Inc. states: “The aluminium matrix composites market is projected to exceed USD68 million by 2010. Among the various end-use industries for metal matrix composites, the ground transport market, with a share estimated at 57% for 2008, forms the largest, while the aerospace market is expected to emerge as the fastest-growing, with a CAGR of 7% over 2001-2010.” References 1) G. Cole, A. Glove, R. Jeryan, G. Davies, s.l.: Steel World, Vol. 2 (1) (1997), pp. 75–83. 2) Surappa, M. K. Feb/April 2003, s.l.: S¯adhan¯a, pp. 319–334, Vols. Vol. 28, Parts 1 & 2. 3) Cost effective Titanium Matrix Composite. s.l.: 2002, Toyota Central R&D Lab, Inc. 4) GDA Gesamtverband der Aluminiumindustrie (German Aluminium Association) 5) Automotive Engineering: Strategic Overview 2 (1). Sears, K. 6) Aluminium alloys for automobile applications, in: A. Morita. 7) Automotive Applications of Metal-Matrix Composites. Hunt, W. H., Miracle, D.B., s.l.: OH: ASM International, 2001. pp. 1029-1032. 8) Kevorkijan, V. M. (No. 11), s.l.: JOM, Vol. 51. 9) Aluminium alloys for automobile applications. A. Morita. 2010, Wear, pp. 124-126. Author Md. A.I. Mehedi is an undergraduate student of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). He is doing his B.Sc. on Materials and Metallurgical Engineering. His primary interest lies in metal matrix composites, renewable energy materials and failure analysis of materials. He is on the Dean’s list of the university and has been awarded the university merit scholarship for extraordinary academic performance. Contact: aminulmehedi_ mse.buet@yahoo.com, Tel: +88-01726294358. ZF erwirbt Honsel-Werk in Nürnberg Die ZF Friedrichshafen AG erwirbt das Werk ZF takes over Nuremberg plant Nürnberg des Automobilzulieferers Honsel. Das Gesamtunternehmen wurde unlängst im from die-cast specialist Honsel Rahmen des Insolvenzverfahrens vom Bieterkonsortium Martinrea/Anchorage übernom- ZF Friedrichshafen AG, located in Germany, Honsel, with total sales of lately about 650 men. Vorbehaltlich der Zustimmung durch die acquires the Nuremberg plant from the auto- million euros and around 4,000 employKartellbehörden übernimmt ZF von diesem motive supplier Honsel. The entire company ees worldwide, operates plants in Meschede Bieterduo nun das Nürnberger Werk mit (headquarters), Soest rund 750 Mitarbeitern und knapp 150 Leihand Nuremberg, Gerarbeitern. Der Zulieferkonzern ZF sichert many. In the current damit seine Lieferkette für Pkw-Automatbusiness year, the getriebe ab. Bereits vor einem halben Jahr Nuremberg plant is to hatte ZF die französische Honsel-Tochter achieve sales of some Fonderie Lorraine übernommen. 150 million euros. In Honsel mit einem Gesamtumsatz von Nuremberg, Honsel zuletzt rund 650 Mio. Euro und weltmainly produces pasweit etwa 4.000 Mitarbeitern betreibt in senger car transmisDeutschland Werke am Stammsitz Mesion housings and schede sowie in Soest und Nürnberg. Das transmission compoWerk Nürnberg erzielt im laufenden Genents from aluminschäftsjahr etwa 150 Mio. Euro Umsatz. ium and magnesium. In Nürnberg produziert Honsel vor allem All employees will be Pkw-Getriebegehäuse und Getriebeteile taken over by ZF, so aus Aluminium und Magnesium. Alle Mit- In Nürnberg produziert Honsel vor allem Pkw-Getriebegehäuse und Getriebeteile, they can keep their arbeiter werden von ZF übernommen und wie sie für die Montage des 8-Gang-Automatgetriebes am ZF-Standort Saarjobs. brücken eingesetzt werden behalten ihren Arbeitsplatz The plant achieves The Honsel plant in Nuremberg produces passenger car transmission housings Das Werk macht rund zwei Drittel and transmission components from aluminium which are used in ZF’s 8 speed around two thirds of Photo: ZF seines Umsatzes mit dem ZF-Konzern, automatic transmission assembly in Saarbruecken its sales with the ZF der unter anderem Gehäuse für seine group, which, among Sechsgang-, Achtgang- und Doppelkupp- had been taken over recently by the tender others, obtains housings for its 6- and 8-speed lungsgetriebe sowie Getriebe-Steuerteile consortium Martinrea/Anchorage within the and dual-clutch transmissions as well as transaus Nürnberg bezieht. „Das Werk Nürnberg scope of the insolvency proceedings. Subject mission control parts from Nuremberg. “The dient uns als Druckguss-Keimzelle, mit der to approval by the cartel authorities, ZF now plant in Nuremberg serves as a die-casting wir unsere Leichtbaukompetenz erhöhen“, takes over the Nuremberg plant with around centre which enhances our lightweight compoerklärt ZF-Chef Hans-Georg Härter. „Dort 750 employees and roughly 150 temporary nent expertise,” explains ZF-CEO Hans-Georg haben wir genügend Ressourcen, um flexibel workers from the two tenderers. Automo- Härter. “This is where we have sufficient reauf die Kundennachfrage reagieren zu kön- tive supplier ZF thus secures its supply chain sources to be able to react flexibly to our cusnen. Selbstverständlich beliefern wir auch die for automatic passenger car transmissions. tomers’ demand. Of course, like in the past, we anderen Kunden aus dem Werk Nürnberg in Only half a year ago, ZF acquired the French will also continue to supply the other customgewohntem Umfang weiter.“ ers from the Nuremberg plant.” N Honsel subsidiary Fonderie Lorraine. N ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 57 CO M PA N Y N E W S W O R L D W I D E Norsk Hydro Bauxite and alumina activities Rio Tinto and Chinalco form JV for exploration in China Chinalco and Rio Tinto will explore mainland China for world-class mineral deposits under a joint venture. Once established the JV will operate under the name Chinalco Rio Tinto Exploration Co. Ltd (CRTX). CRTX combines business expertise from a leading Chinese company with cutting-edge technologies and global mining and exploration experience from one of the world’s top miners. Chinalco will hold a 51% interest in the JV, and Rio Tinto will hold a 49% interest. Chinalco will nominate three directors including the chairman plus the chief financial officer, deputy general manager and compliance supervisor. Rio Tinto will appoint two directors and the general manager, who will be responsible for day-to-day operations. It is expected the CRTX headquarters will be in Beijing. Trafigura buys Ormet bulk terminal Ormet Corp. has found a buyer for its Louisiana marine terminal after a more than fouryear search. Impala Warehousing (US) LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Swiss trading house Trafigura Beheer BV, acquired the idled terminal in Burnside / Louisiana, for USD28m. Trafigura plans to invest some USD100m to reopen and expand the bulk terminal, which will primarily be used to ship coal. The bulk terminal will also ship some alumina and bauxite, including offloading and discharging material for Ormet’s soon-to-berestarted alumina refinery in Burnside. A 30year Terminal Services Agreement (TSA) was included as part of the sale and is intended to provide reliable loading and unloading services to the Burnside refinery. The refinery is not 58 included in the sale. After completing its planned refurbishment and expansion of the terminal, Trafigura is targeting a throughput of some 10m tpy. The Trafigura deal is an important step for the company, especially since USD10m of the net proceeds will be used to pay down Ormet’s debt. This is not the first time Trafigura and Ormet have worked together in the US market. Ormet’s Hannibal smelter earmarks some 61% of its aluminium output for tolling arrangements with Trafigura and competitor trading house Glencore International AG. Hydro planning Brazilian capacity hike Norsk Hydro will look to increase output at its Alumina do Norte do Brasil SA (Alunorte) alumina refinery and Paragominas bauxite mine this year as it folds the Brazilian upstream assets into its project portfolio. Hydro aims to raise annual output levels to more than 6m tonnes this year at Alunorte, which expanded its capacity to 6.3m tonnes in 2008 from 4.4m tonnes. Hydro has started working on some identified bottlenecks. This should improve results from both sites in the near future. Hydro acquired majority stakes in both projects when it closed its previously announced takeover of Vale SA’s upstream aluminium assets in February. Rusal announces project for extraction of low-iron bauxite in the Komi Republic UC Rusal is launching a project to extract low-iron bauxite in the Republic of Komi by Timan Bauxite, a subsidiary of the company. Future bauxite production is estimated to reach 250,000 tpy. Bauxite will be extracted by open-cut mining at the Middle Timan bauxite deposit. Timan Bauxite will launch preparatory works at the new mine in order to produce the first 90,000 tonnes of bauxite by 2012. In addition, in 2011 Timan Bauxite plans to acquire a highly efficient crushing and sorting plant and to start production of basalt rubble at the deposit. Year to date, over 100m roubles have been already invested in these two projects. For information: the low iron bauxite is a type of bauxite with a Fe2O3 content of less than 4% in the calcined material. This bauxite is used for the manufacture of refractories (chamotte bricks and clay), which can withstand temperatures up to 1,600°C; they are resistant to chemicals and have a good thermal conductivity. Worsley efficiency and growth project BHP Billiton announced the completion of the budget and schedule review for the Worsley Efficiency and Growth (E&G) project. The capital cost estimate for the project, encompassing the development of the Marradong mine, a refinery expansion and a connection to a multi-fuel cogeneration unit, has increased to almost USD3bn (BHP share). First production is now scheduled for the first quarter of calendar year 2012. The USD2.86bn (100% basis), 1.1m tpy refinery expansion is being executed within the existing footprint of the facility, making it one of the most complex brownfield projects undertaken. Such complexity has resulted in significantly lower levels of construction progress than previously anticipated, while broader inflationary pressures and the strengthening of the Australian dollar have also contributed to the cost increase. When complete the Worsley refinery will be able to produce 4.6m tpy of smelter grade alumina. Worsley Alumina is a joint venture between BHP (86%), Japan Alumina Associates (Australia) Pty Ltd (10%) and Sojitz Alumina Pty Ltd (4%). N Secondary smelting and recycling Alcoa to invest USD21m in advanced recycling process Alcoa announced it will install an advanced recycling and casting process that will reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions as part of a USD21m expansion of B&C Research, part of the company’s Wheel and Transportation Products business. The new facility, the first of its kind in North America, ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 CO M PA N Y N E W S W O R L D W I D E will use innovative new technology to produce billet from remelted aluminium scrap. The billet will then be used for new wheels. According to Alcoa, the new recycling and casting process is more efficient than conventional systems, lowering the company’s carbon footprint by a 25% reduction in energy consumption. The expansion is scheduled to be completed in the second half of 2012. New records in US can recycling The US recycling rate for aluminium beverage cans has reached its highest level in eleven years, with 58.1% of all cans recycled in 2010 – a rate that is more than double that of any other beverage container, according to The Aluminum Association and other industry bodies. Nearly 56bn aluminium cans were recycled last year. The amount of energy saved just from recycling cans in 2010 is equal to the energy equivalent of 17m barrels of crude oil, or nearly two days of all US oil imports. Aluminium beverage cans can be infinitely recycled back into new cans, keeping waste out of landfills and providing a significant amount of the material to make new cans. Indeed aluminium cans not only have the highest recycling rate of all beverage packages, they also have the greatest amount of recycled content – by far – at 68%. “As the first link in the manufacturing supply chain, the scrap recycling industry provides vital feedstock material sought after by industrial customers around the world, including more than 4.6m tonnes of aluminium scrap processed in the United States and shipped throughout the US and more than 50 countries in 2010,” said Robin Wiener, president of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries. „Aluminium cans represent a valuable portion of these recyclable commodities. Recycling is much, much bigger than the bin at the curb. Our industry provided a USD77bn boost to the US economy in 2010, protected our environment and helped save energy and natural resources.” In 2008, the Aluminum Association adopted a goal of recycling 75% of aluminium cans by 2015. The recycling rate at that time was 54.2%, and it has been gradually climbing upward since then; the 2009 UBC (Used Beverage Can) recycling rate was 57.4%. N EAFA Aluminium semis Groundbreaking ceremony for aluminium rolling mill in Sohar The Aluminium Rolling Mill Company, owned by Takamul Investment Co., held the groundbreaking ceremony for its facility in Sohar Industrial Estate on 19 June. The USD385m investment is the biggest aluminium project in the Sultanate. An estimated 140,000 tonnes of multipurpose aluminium sheet will be manufactured at the rolling mill. The construction of the project will be carried out by Fata EPC (a division of Fata SpA) ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 over a period of 31 months, and it is expected to provide more than 270 direct jobs, along with a number of investment opportunities. All environmental and safety requirements for the project were considered during the designing phase, which included implementing the latest technology for manufacturing aluminium flat rolled products. Takamul Investment is involved in the development of value-added projects in the field of petrochemicals, metals and mining. Takamul Investment is a 90% subsidiary of Oman Oil Company; the remaining shares are owned by Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority and Al Maha Strategic Industries for Investments. With an annual capacity of 160,000 tonnes, the facility will contain a Hazelett continuous caster, while Fata Hunter will supply a hot rolling mill along with a world-class cold rolling and finishing equipment. The plant will use molten aluminium supplied by Sohar Aluminium for manufacturing rolled coils. This will enable the company to produce aluminium sheet of very thin gauges and high surface quality with shorter product delivery time and lower energy cost. Norsk Hydro will boost Brazilian extrusion operations Norsk Hydro is investing NOK300m (USD 55m) to add another extrusion press at its aluminium extrusion plant in Brazil. The plant, known as Hydro Alumínio Acro, is located in Itú, near São Paulo, and supplies the South American market with aluminium profiles and precision tubing for use in the transport and construction industries. Hydro has three presses at the plant, with one of the three dedicated to heat transfer components and solutions, while the other two are used to serve general extrusion customers. The new extrusion press will be operational by January 2013. Annual per capita consumption of aluminium extrusions in Brazil is less than half the figure in the USA, so there is considerable room for growth, and the investment is in line with Hydro’s strategy of focussing on emerging markets. Just recently the company approved the addition of two new presses at its plant in China. The Brazilian plant was acquired by Hydro in 1997. The company has some 330 employees. Hydro also has the precision tubing operation, which handles heat transfer applications, and a remelting facility at the Itú site. Sapa Profiles consolidates European capacities Sapa Profiles is optimising the operational structure of its European business. In other words: the company will consolidate its capacity in Belgium, the Netherlands and Portugal and reduce its workforce there. Sapa has started a consultation process with employee representatives. Amcor invests in Singen converting plant Amcor Flexibles Europe & Americas has announced the investment of €6.7m in its Singen converting plant in Germany. This will extends the capacity for the production of pharmaceutical packaging and upgrades the classic converting facility meeting the needs of the 59 CO M PA N Y N E W S W O R L D W I D E pharmaceutical industry. The aluminum foil rolling and converting plant, employing 1,100 people, has integrated mills and supplies high quality multilayer aluminum-based packaging materials to customers all over the world in the pharmaceutical and food industries. This investment will enlarge the Pharma Clean Centre (LKM24) inaugurated three years ago, with a further production hall housing three additional reel slitting machines. In the future, sensitive packaging will be made only in specific production areas in order to meet the high cleanliness and hygiene standards of the pharmaceutical industry. RTA Dubuc Works to increase production of Constellium Airware alloys Rio Tinto Alcan’s (RTA) Dubuc plant in Quebec, Canada will increase its production of highly specialised ‘Airware’ alloys for the aeronautical industry by more than 50% following the signing of a contract with Constellium’s Global Aerospace division. To meet the requirements of the new contract, Dubuc Works will expand its operations. Construction work is already underway and should continue over the next several months. Constellium, formerly Alcan Engineered Products, is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of value-added aluminium products for a wide range of markets and applications, including aerospace, mass transportation, automotive, packaging, energy and construction. Headquartered in Paris, France, Constellium is owned by Apollo Management (51%), Rio Tinto (39%) and the Fonds Stratégique d’Investissement (10%). The company’s turnover was USD4.4bn in 2010 (see also pp 47-49 this issue). N reduce unit costs considerably, while shortening lead times at the same time. The expansion of the heavy-equipment bay will further improve production processes, in particular. Aleris chooses Fröhling’s ‘Diamond Mill’ technology for Duffel plant Aleris has chosen Danieli Fröhling’s 6-high ‘Diamond Mill’ technology for the enhancement of the existing plant in Duffel, Belgium. With the order, Danieli Fröhling is responsible for the overall supply of all mechanical, electrical and automation equipment including major auxiliary equipment such as the company’s innovative fume cleaning and oil recovery system DANECO2 as well as the DANPurity filter system. Besides the technological equipment, Danieli Fröhling is also in charge for erection and commissioning of the equipment to be supplied. Fata EPC awards contract to Kampf Fata EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) was assigned a large turn-key project by Oman Aluminium Rolling Co. in April 2011. The scope of this order includes equipment for all processes of aluminium sheet and medium gauge foil production: caster, hot and cold rolling mill and finishing equipment. Kampf Schneid- und Wickeltechnik from Germany has been selected to supply the slitting line for this new facility. The convincing ‘tight-line’ concept for this form of foil slitting was one of a variety of reasons for placing this order with Kampf. The Centurial Slitting Line includes a web coating station for application of a range of oil-types to both sides of the foil and Kampf’s profound knowledge with this form of surface treatment also figured prominently. This unique oiling system permits very precise dosing at all web-speeds. The Centurial 20/15 is designed to slit foils in the range of thickness from 75 μm up to 350 μm at production-speeds up to 800 m/ min, and winds the material to finished reels having diameters up to 1,500 mm. This machine embodies all of the attributes of the tried-and-tested, strong and rigidly constructed Kampf, type RKW 1003. Delivery of the Centurial 20/15 will take place in mid-2012 to Sohar, Oman, and there it will be commissioned by Kampf engineers. Hertwich continuous caster increases production at Nalco Hertwich Engineering, Austria, has successfully commissioned a horizontal continuous caster for T-bars at the National Aluminium Co. Ltd (Nalco) in India. The plant forms part of an expansion project at the Angul works in the state of Orissa which will expand Nalco’s capacity to 115,000 tpy, of which 60,000 tonnes of T-bars will be produced on the new horizontal continuous caster from Hertwich. Horizontally cast T-bars have clear quality advantages: a fine, uniform microstructure, minimum inclusions and oxides, no surface cracks or pores and an exact geometry. The scope of supply includes the casting plant with flying saw and the downline transport and packaging facilities. The caster is 3,000 mm Suppliers SMS Meer, Germany, a company of the SMS group, will be investing around €60m in the expansion of its Mönchengladbach site by 2015. “We are increasing productivity, reducing delivery times and thereby safeguarding jobs at the site over the long term,” said Joachim Schönbeck (see photo, 3rd from left), president and CEO of the leading specialist in plant construction and mechanical engineering, at the symbolic ‘turning of the first sod’ in mid-July. The modernisation of the machinery will 60 SMS Meer SMS Meer invests €60m in its Mönchengladbach site ‘Turning of the first sod’ at SMS Meer in Mönchengladbach ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 CO M PA N Y N E W S W O R L D W I D E wide. T-bars of 850 x 300 mm are cast continuously in three strands and then sawn to lengths of 1,050 mm. Alcan International Network up for sale Apollo Global Management LLC has put Alcan International Network (AIN) up for sale following its acquisition of Alcan EP (now Constellium). The private equity firm is believed to have received several expressions of interest for AIN. The potential suitors are from the financial community rather than from the metals sector. AIN is part of the engineered products division of Constellium. A sale would be logical as the business does not fit into the new company strategy. Under the new ownership, AIN does not have an exclusive supply or sales agreement with Constellium, for example. AIN has a network of 27 agencies supplying raw materials to the aluminium, steel and foundry industries, semi-fabricated products for construction, transportation, general engineering, packaging and industrial markets mainly in North America and Asia, as well as minerals and specialty chemicals, generating USD2bn in sales in 2009. Vimetco withdraws from its joint venture with Interagro Vimetco N.V. has decided to withdraw from its joint venture project for a coal fired power plant in the city of Turnu Magurele, Romania. The project, intended to be developed together with the Romanian company Interagro S.A., is currently suspended due to the impact of the international financial crisis. In recent The Author The author, Dipl.-Ing. R. P. Pawlek, is founder of TS+C, Technical Info Services and Consulting, Sierre (Switzerland), an established service for the primary aluminium industry. He is also the publisher of the standard works Alumina Refineries and Producers of the World and Primary Aluminium Smelters and Producers of the World. These reference works are continually updated and contain useful technical and economic information on all alumina refineries and primary aluminium smelters of the world. They are available as loose-leaf files and/or CD-ROMs from the Alu Media GmbH in Düsseldorf, Germany. ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 years, Vimetco has focused on developing its Romanian operations and has invested in increasing the efficiency of its aluminium operations. In 2009, Vimetco’s aluminium smelter, Alro S.A., restarted its alumina refinery, Alum Tulcea, thereby ensuring the necessary raw materials for the plant in Slatina. This year, the company further consolidated its business in Romania, after its subsidiary, Alum S.A., took over the operation of the company’s bauxite mines in Sierra Leone. Bolzoni Auramo and Meyer establishes subsidiary in Russia Bolzoni Auramo and Meyer, a leading manufacturer of forklift attachments, lift tables and forks in Europe, is further developing its business structure in the CIS and Baltic countries – markets that are currently significantly growing. Already in 2010, the import volumes of forklift trucks reached a pre-crisis level. In April 2011 the company established a subsidiary company in Moscow: ‘Hans H. Meyer OOO’ LLC, which provides the full Bolzoni Auramo and Meyer range of high quality forklift truck attachments, lift tables and forks, and a customer-oriented product consultation. “This new organisational structure is aiming to increase the level of service to our Russian customers,” says Denis Babushkin, managing director of the newly founded company. “It is planned to actively develop, alongside to our continuous sales activities, a broad variety of after sales and services elements, offering more than just product advice to our customers for the entire life of our products. Supplies of spare parts, repairs, refurbishing of used attachments and rental are some of these elements,” he says. In addition, a local stock of new attachments, based in Moscow, has been made available to the market already since July 2011, soon to be followed by the establishment of the after sales activities. The subsidiary will also continue to coordinate the business activities for the markets in Ukraine, Belorussia, Kazakhstan, Moldova and the Baltic States. N On the move Alba announced the appointment of Boris Santosi as the new sales manager for the European market. Mr Santosi will be based at Alba’s new European sales office in Zurich. He will be reporting directly to chief marketing officer Jean Baptiste Lucas. Primary aluminium producer Ormet Corp. has named Matthew T. Powell as commercial vice president, effective 1 July. Alcoa’s Asia-Pacific regional president Jinya Chen has been elected by the company’s board to serve as a vice president. In addition to continuing to oversee the region, Chen will now also be accountable for Alcoa’s China strategy. Jiming Zhu will join Alcoa as president of its Chinese rolled products unit. Zhu replaces Mark Vrablec, who has been named vice president of global rolled products technology and engineering, and will relocate to the US. The Alcoa board voted to name Kay Meggers vice president in a new role that will add to an existing stable of vice presidents. Cape Alumina, the Australian bauxite exploration company, has appointed Graeme Sherlock its new CEO. Aleris International has appointed Steven Faas senior vice president and chief information officer, with responsibility for all information technology activities for the company. Tom Petter Johansen from Hydro will take over as CEO of Qatalum on 1 July. Johansen succeeds Jan Arve Haugan, who is taking on a new position as CEO of Norwegian oil and gas contractor Kvaerner ASA. The annual general meeting approved the new composition of Vimetco’s board of directors, appointing two new members: Marian Nastase, as an executive member of the board and chief financial officer of the company, and Pavel Machitski, as executive member of the board. Frank Mueller’s mandate as a board member and CEO of the company has expired and was not renewed. Vimetco’s board of directors appointed Gheorghe Dobra acting CEO, while Mr Mueller was appointed managing director for production and development of value-added products. Paul May, CEO of Wagstaff Inc., retired in May. Kevin Person, vice president of sales and marketing, has assume the role of CEO and Lee Swartling, area sales manager for Russia, Romania and Ukraine, has become vice president of sales and marketing. Takaaki Takeuchi, managing director of Alucon Public Co. Ltd, has been elected president of the International Organisation of Aluminium Aerosol Container Manufacturers (Aerobal). 61 RESEARCH Investigation of the influence of low cycle bending on the properties of thin sheets M. Hepke1), M. Rodman1), H. von Senden gen. Haverkamp1), J. V. Zilberg2), A. A. Briukhanov3), D. Bormann1), M. Schaper1), Fr.-W. Bach1) 1) 2) Institute for Materials Science, Leibniz-University, Garbsen, Deutschland, National Metallurgical Academy of the Ukraine, 3) Odessa University, Ukraine Low cycle, alternating bending is a common type of forming during the manufacture and processing of thin sheets. This forming occurs during the rolling-up into and rolling-out from coils, whilst passing through rolling equipment during the etching process, washing, coating, straightening, bending and deep drawing. Investigations of the mechanical properties, the microstructure and texture of sheets made of the magnesium alloy AZ31, technically pure aluminium and low carbon steels were carried out following cyclic bending on a 3-roller bending machine and on an 11-roller straightening machine. A significant influence of this type of forming on the sheet’s properties was established, in particular for materials possessing hcp crystal lattice structures. Pronounced anisotropic properties were observed in the latter material which can be explained by the effect of texture softening. This can be attributed to the activation of twin formation mechanisms in the bending direction. During the rolling of thin sheet, the material is subjected to multiple forming by means of alternating bending loads at different stages of the manufacturing process. This occurs during rolling-up into and rolling-out from coils, during the etching, washing, coating and straightening. These processes operate under conditions of single, low deformations and do not lead to geometric changes in the sheet’s dimensions. However, they can influence the sheets properties. Previous investigations have shown that this type of forming can have a decisive influence on the stress-strain curves and the mechanical properties [1, 3]. In the current work, results are presented for investigations of the mechanical properties, the sheet’s microstructure and texture for different materials which possess bcc, fcc and hcp crystal lattices. The corresponding materials include a low carbon steel DC01, a technically pure aluminium Al (99.9%) and a magnesium alloy (AZ31). 62 Fig. 1: Stress-strain diagrams in the rolling (0°) and transverse (90°) directions following 0, 0.5 and 3 bending cycles; a – AZ31, b – Al, c – DC01 EXPERIMENTS The cyclic bending was performed on a pipe bending machine using a bending radius of 25 mm and a fraction of the specimens was deformed on a straightening machine using 11, 25 mm radius rollers of width 100 mm. One bending cycle consisted of bending in one direction, then bending flat to the horizontal position, subsequently bending in the other direction and then bending flat to the horizontal again. The number of cycles using the pipebending machine are varied between 1 and 18, and 5.5 cycles per pass can be realised using the straightening machine. A fraction of the specimens was subjected to cyclic, cruciform straightening where the sheets were rotated through 90° after each pass. Some specimens were annealed after bending. Following the tests, specimens were taken from the sheets for the tensile tests (longitudinal, transverse and at 45°), the metallographic examinations and the textural measurements using pole figures. RESULTS Stress-strain-diagrams: An analysis of the stress-strain diagrams shows that, in the case of the AZ31 magnesium alloy’s deformation, the cyclic bending has a decisive influence on the diagrams’ form. Subsequent to 3 bending cycles, a kink is formed in the curves, which accompanies a reduction in the yield strength within the forming range between 0.5% and 1.0%. This effect can be observed in specimens which were manufactured in the bending direction (see Fig. 1a). Under analogous conditions, the monotonic characteristic of the curves are not changed in the transverse specimens: Although the stress level is elevated. Generally, the level of the flow stresses in the longitudinal specimens is lower than those in the transverse specimens. Materials with fcc and bcc crystal lattices retain the monotonic character of their stress-strain curves following cyclic bending. Here, the stress level for aluminium tested in the longitudinal direction is more strongly elevated than for that tested in the transverse direction whereas for steel, the level is raised equally for both directions (see Fig. 1c). It was generally possible to establish that the stressstrain curves’ character had already stabilised after 3 bending cycles. Investigations of the mechanical properties showed that cyclic bending has the largest influence on the yield point RP0.2, in which the influence significantly differs for both crystal lattices. For the magnesium alloy AZ31, which has a hcp crystal lattice, the work softening effect in the bending direction already attains its maximum after one bending cycle and remained constant in the course of further loading. In comparison to the initial material prior to the bending, the yield point RP0.2 is reduced by 40%, whereas a work hardening of 7% ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 RESEARCH Fig. 2: Changes in the yield point (a, b, c) and tensile strength (b) plotted against bending cycles as a function of the testing direction: a, b – AZ31; c – Al; d – DC01 can be observed in the transverse direction after 3 bending cycles. This effect induces significant isotropy in the sheet’s properties (see Fig. 2a). For the aluminium and the steel, the cyclic bending load leads to an elevation of RP0.2 but the anisotropy is minimal for both the longitudinal as well as for transverse specimens, (see Fig. 2c and d). The severest work hardening can be observed following 0.5 bending cycles in aluminium. In the course of further bending, the work hardening stabilises. In steel, the work hardening linearly rises also after one bending cycle. After 3 bending cycles, the aluminium and steel work harden to approx. 30%. The influence of the cyclic bending is significantly smaller on the tensile strength Rm, which is determined at considerably higher levels of forming than the yield point RP0.2. Whilst, for the magnesium alloy AZ31, a work hardening of 5% to 6% is observed in the transverse direction following 3 bending cycles, this can not be established in the longitudinal direction (see Fig. 2b). A change in the tensile strength Rm of aluminium and steel can not be observed following cyclic bending. The values of the fracture strain A and the uniform strain Agl are isotropic and uniform in the longitudinal and transverse directions following cyclic bending. The largest reduction in the fracture strain A (by 15% to 20%) can be observed for the magnesium alloy AZ31 after 3 cycles. Here, the uniform strain is reduced by 10%. The corresponding reductions of these parameters are 5% and 10% for aluminium and 5% for steel. Texture analysis: The investigations of the texture carried out using the pole figure method showed that the alloy AZ31 exhibits a typical, ideal basal-orientation with a maximum intensity at the centre. Following 3 bending cycles, the pole figure exhibits a scattering (stretching) in the bending direction. In the same direction, the maximum intensity is translated and, in doing so, its amount decreases. Simultaneously, a change in the pole figure can be observed with increasing maximum intensities for the prismatic planes (see Fig. 3a). In these planes, twins are formed in magnesium alloys, for which the required stress is considerably smaller than for deforming in the basal and the pyramidal planes. The formation of twins under cyclic bending conditions obviously has a large influence of the sheet’s properties for the magnesium alloy AZ31. This is reflected in the change of the stress-strain curves’ trajectories, within the range of small levels of forming, and in the level of the mechanical properties. An analysis of the aluminium’s and steel’s pole figures shows almost no influence of the cyclic bending on the texture (see Fig. 3b and c). Metallographic examinations have shown that, following 3 bending cycles, a large number of twins can be observed in the surface layers of the alloy AZ31’s sheet, whereas no twins are established in the region of the sheet’s neutral fibres. For aluminium and steel, no changes can be observed either at the surface or in the deeper layers (see Fig. 4b and c). Results of the performed investigations show cyclic bending exerts the largest influence on the properties of the sheet made of a material which possesses a hcp crystal lattice. Investigations of the 1 mm thick sheets’ texture for the magnesium alloy AZ31 (see Fig. 5) show that the pole figures at the surface and at a depth of 0.25 mm are almost the same (see Fig. 5b and c). Adjacent to the sheet’s neutral fibres, the pole figure exhibits a typical basal texture, such as that in the initial material prior to bending (see Fig. 5a). Forming by means of alternating bending loads activate the system of twin formation which results in a texture with a deviation of the basal pole’s angle of approx. 30 %, (see Fig. 5b and c). The sheets are softened and their properties are anisotropic with respect to both the plane and the thickness. DISCUSSION Fig. 3: Pole figures as a function of the number of bending cycles; a – AZ31; b – Al; c – DC01 ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 The large influence of cyclic bending loads on the sheets made of the magnesium alloy AZ31 can be explained by the limited possibilities for basal slip subject to the conditions of low 63 RESEARCH erties can be observed within the first bending cycles. 3) Materials possessing a hpd lattice structure show strain softening in longitudinal and strain hardening in transversal direction; this induces significant anisotropy in the sheet’s properties. 4) Materials possessing a kfz and krz lattice structure show no significant anisotropy in the sheet’s properties. 5) Cyclic bending has the largest influence on the yield point RP0.2, whereas the tensile strength and the fracture strain show very little change. 6) The strain softening of metals possessing a hdp lattice structure can be explained by the formation of texture, which is caused by formation of twins. Fig. 4: Microstructure longitudinal to the bending direction as a function of the number of bending cycles; a – AZ31; b – Al; c – DC01 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors would like to express their thanks to the Deutsche Forschungs-Gemeinschaft DFG (German Research Foundation) for the support of this projekt. REFERENCES Fig. 5: (002) pole figure (AZ31) for the initial material (a); of the bent sheet (1 bending cycle), on the surface (b) and at a depth of 0.25 mm (c) level cold forming. Here, a significant part of the deformation takes place by means of the mechanism of twin formation. For the sheets of aluminium and steel, the mechanism of twin formation plays a minor role. For this reason, isotropic work hardening with an elevated dislocation density can be observed for these materials subject to the conditions of cyclic bending. The consequences of anisotropic properties can ensue during straightening which in turn affects the quality during the deep drawing process. Special experiments were carried out which demonstrate that the anisotropic prop- erties of sheet material made of magnesium alloy AZ31, which arise due to monotonic forming (5% to 10%) during rolling followed by cruciform straightening, can be minimised by heating the metal from 200 to 250 °C during the final pass and then subsequently annealing [2]. Patentblatt April 2011 Membranelement und Verfahren zum Verkleiden von Flächen, insbesondere von Decken oder Wänden. Greiner, Switbert, Dr., 70771 Leinfelden-Echterdingen, DE; Gutmann, Christofer, Dr., 77855 Achern, DE. (E04B 9/30, PS 50 2008 000 474, EP 2099980, EP-AT: 07.01.2008) Fortsetzung aus ALUMINIUM 6/2011 Lötverfahren für Wärmetauscher und Solarkollektoren. Hydro Aluminium Deutschland GmbH, 53117 Bonn, DE. (B23K 1/00, EPA 2295182, EP-AT: 09.09.2010) Verfahren zur Herstellung von Solarkollektoren. Hydro Aluminium Deutschland GmbH, 53117 Bonn, DE. (B23K 1/00, EPA 2295183, EPAT: 09.09.2010) 64 CONCLUSIONS 1) Cyclic bending has large influence on the materials properties of thin sheest, especiallay for metals possessing a hdp lattice structure. 2) The strongest alternation in materials prop- Verfahren und Sprühvorrichtung zum Aufbringen eines Oberflächenbehandlungsmittels auf eine Formwand einer Gussform. KS Aluminium-Technologie GmbH, 74172 Neckarsulm, DE. (B05D 1/02, PS 10 2009 010 361, AT: 25.02.2009) [1] Bach, Fr.-W.; Rodman, M.; Rossberg, A.: High Quality Magnesium Sheets for Automotive Applications, Proceeding of the International Conference ’Sheet Metal 2005’, Erlangen 5-8 April 2005, pp. 665-672, ISBN 0-87849-972-5. [2] Bach, Fr.-W.; Rodman, M.; Hepke, M.; Bormann, D.: Investigation of the Mechanical Properties of Magnesium Alloy AZ31 Sheets due to a Straightening Process, Proceeding of the 8th International Conference ’Magnesium Alloys and their Application’, 2009, pp. 830-835, 26-29 Oktober 2009, Weimar, ISBN 978-3-527-32732-4. [3] Hepke, M.; Rodman, M.; Bach, Fr.-W.; Zilberg, J. V.: Einfluss einer alternierenden Biegebeanspruchung auf die mechanischen Eigenschaften der Magnesiumlegierung AZ31; ALUMINIUM 5/2010, p. 55-58 Contact: rodman@iw.uni-hannover.de Fenster- oder Türkonstruktion in bevorzugt wärmegedämmter Ausführung. Norsk Hydro ASA, Oslo, NO. (E06B 7/10, GM 20 2010 016 800, AT: 18.12.2010) Fenster- oder Türflügelkonstruktion. Hermann Gutmann Werke AG, 91781 Weißenburg, DE. (E06B 3/56, PS 10 2006 002 820, AT: 19.01.2006) Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Kolbens einer Brennkraftmaschine mittels induktiver Energiezufuhr und Laserbestrahlung. KS Kolben- ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 PAT E N T E schmidt GmbH, 74172 Neckarsulm, DE. (C22F 3/00, OS 10 2009 025 064, AT: 10.06.2009) Gießen von thixotropem halberstarrten Metall. Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Tokyo 107-8556, JP. (B22D 17/32, EPA 2292353 u. EPA 2289650, EPAT: 29.06.2004) Vorrichtung zum Befestigen einer Profilleiste an einer Befestigungsfläche eines Kraftfahrzeuges. WKW Erbslöh Automotive GmbH, 42349 Wuppertal, DE. (B60R 9/058, GM 20 2011 001 619, AT: 17.01.2011) Vorrichtung zum Befestigen einer Träger- oder Zierleiste. WKW Erbslöh Automotive GmbH, 42349 Wuppertal, DE. (B60R 9/04, GM 20 2011 001 621, AT: 17.01.2011) Abstandhalter für Scheiben von Mehrfachisoliergläsern. Erbslöh Aluminium GmbH, 42553 Velbert, DE. (E06B 3/663, EP 1 554 455, WO 2004/038155, EP-AT: 22.10.2003, WO-AT: 22.10.2003) Zylinderkurbelgehäuse für Kraftfahrzeuge. KS Aluminium-Technologie GmbH, 74172 Neckarsulm, DE. (B22D 19/14, PS 50 2006 006 651, EP 1924373, EP-AT: 11.09.2006) Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum waagerechten Gießen und Schneiden von Metallknüppeln. Novelis Inc., Toronto, Ontario M5J 1S9, CA. (B22D 11/126, EPA 2286940, EP-AT: 09.12.2004) Oxidrückhaltung beim gleichzeitigen Gießen von Metallen. Novelis, Inc., Toronto, ON M8Z 1J5, CA. (B22D 7/02, EPA 2288456, WO 2009/140762, EP-AT: 21.05.2009, WO-AT: 21.05.2009) Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Entfernen von Kühlwasser aus Blöcken mittels Wasserstrahlen. Novelis Inc., Toronto, ON M8Z 1J5, CA. (B22D 7/12, EPA 2293892, WO 2009/146527, EP-AT: 28.05.2009, WO-AT: 28.05.2009) Verbundrohre. Novelis Inc., Toronto, ON M8Z 1J5, CA. (B32B 1/08, EPA 2293929, WO 2009/ 146993, EP-AT: 07.05.2009, WO-AT: 07.05. 2009) Gießform mit Gasdrucksteuerung. Nippon Light Metal, Co., Ltd., Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-8628, JP. (B22D 11/041, EPA 2292351, WO 2010/001459, EP-AT: 30.06.2008, WO-AT: 30.06.2008) Verfahren zur Herstellung von Aluminiumtitanatkeramik. 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(B21H 7/00, EPA 2303489, WO 2009/127730, EP-AT: 17.04.2009, WO-AT: 17.04.2009) Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Bildung von Legierungen auf Titan-Aluminium-Basis. Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation, Campbell, Australian Capital Territory 2612, AU. (B01J 19/18, EPA 2296805, WO 2009/129570, EP-AT: 21.04.2009, WO-AT: 21.04.2009) Aluminiumhaltige Wasserglaslösungen. Cognis IP Management GmbH, 40589 Düsseldorf, DE. (C01B 33/32, EPA 2305603, EP-AT: 05.10.2009) Al-Cu-Mg-Legierungen mit Zusätzen von Lithium. Alcoa Inc., Pittsburgh, PA 152125858, US. (C22C 21/16, EPA 2305849, EP-AT: 27.09.2004) Verbessertes Verfahren zur Filterung von geschmolzenem Aluminium und geschmolzenen Al-Legierungen. Porvair PLC, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 2HS, GB. (C22B 21/06, EPA 2304065, WO 2010/005716, EP-AT: 16.06.2009, WO-AT: 16.06.2009) Feuerfestes Chrom-Aluminium-Material. Harbison-Walker Refractories Co., Moon Township, PA 15108, US. (C04B 35/057, EPA 2303795, WO 2010/011516, EP-AT: 13.07.2009, WO-AT: 13.07.2009) Einstückig spritzgegossener AluminiumHarz-Artikel und Verfahren zur Herstellung dieses Artikels. Nippon Light Metal Co., Ltd., Tokyo 140-8628, JP; Polyplastics Co., Ltd., Tokyo 108-8280, JP. (B29C 45/14, EPA 2298525, WO 2009/151099, EP-AT: 11.06.2009, WO-AT: 11.06.2009) Verminderung der Hochtemperatur-HalogenKorrosion in Verbrennungsanlagen durch den Einsatz von Aluminium-Verbindungen in Wirkstoffmischungen. Gellermann, Siegfried T., 55124 Mainz, DE; Külps, Heinz-Jürgen, Dr., 55278 Dalheim, DE; Müller, Martin, Dr., 55578 Wallertheim, DE. (F23G 5/44, PS 101 43 136, AT: 03.09.2001) Korrosionsschutzbeschichtungen, insb. für Aluminium, und Mischungen zu ihrer Herstellung. Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V., 80686 München, DE. (B05D 7/24, OS 10 2009 052 399, AT: 10.11.2009) Verfahren und Systeme zum Vorhersagen von Ermüdungsbeständigkeit in Aluminium-Gussteilen. 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(H01L 33/00, EP 930 957, WO 2007/036163, EP-AT: 29.09.2006, WO-AT: 29.09.2006) Verfahren zur Trennung von schmelzflüssigem Aluminium und festen Einschlüssen. Aleris Switzerland GmbH, Schaffhausen, CH. (C22B 21/06, EP 2 029 785, WO 2007/147587, EP-AT: 20.06.2007, WO-AT: 20.06.2007) Texturgehärtetes alpha-aluminiumbeschichte- 65 PAT E N T E tes Werkzeug. Seco Tools AB (publ), Fagersta, SE. (C23C 14/40, EP 1 953 258, EP-AT: 29.01.2008) (C22C 1/02, EP 1 721 996, WO 2005/080617, EPAT: 21.02.2005, WO-AT: 21.02.2005) Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Hartlötbleches aus einer Aluminiumlegierung und leichte hartgelötete Wärmetauscheranordnungen. Aleris Aluminium Koblenz GmbH, 56070 Koblenz, DE. (B32B 15/01, PS 60 2005 021 902, EP 1802457, EP-AT: 30.09.2005) Verfahren zur Reduktion einer Korrosion zwischen Magnesium und einem weiteren Metall. GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, Mich., US. 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(B23K 20/233, OS 10 2010 013 894, AT: 07.04.2010) Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Wasserstoffeinschlusslegierung auf Basis von Mg-REM-Ni. Japan Metals and Chemicals Co., Ltd., Tokyo, JP. 66 Einbruchsicherung für eine Tür oder ein Fenster. Norsk Hydro ASA, Oslo, NO. (E06B 5/11, OS 10 2009 053 531, AT: 18.11.2009) Verfahren zum Anodisieren von Magnesium und Magnesiumlegierungen und zur Herstellung von leitfähigen Schichten auf einer anodisierten Oberfläche. Alonim Holding Agricultural Cooperative Society Ltd., Alonim, IL. (C22C 1/00, PS 602 36 006, EP 1436435, EP-AT: 25.06.2002, WO-AT: 25.06.2002) Verfahren zur Herstellung von hochbelastbaren Bauteilen aus TiAl-Legierungen. Leistritz Turbinenkomponenten Remscheid GmbH, 42859 Remscheid, DE; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG, 15827 Dahlewitz, DE. (B21J 5/00, PS 101 50 674, AT: 17.10.2001) Verfahren zum Herstellen einer Mg-Legierung durch Strangpressen und Verwendung der stranggepressten Halbzeuge und Bauteile. Volkswagen AG, 38440 Wolfsburg, DE. (C22C 23/00, EP 1 295 957, EP-AT: 03.04.2000) Aluminiumlegierungsstreifen für gelötete Wärmetauscherrohre. Alcan International Ltd., Montreal, Quebec H3A 3G2, CA. (B23K 35/02, EPA 2296844, WO 2009/156607, EP-AT: 28.05.2009, WO-AT: 28.05.2009) Kriechbeständige Magnesiumlegierung. GKSSForschungszentrum Geesthacht GmbH, 21502 Geesthacht, DE. (C22C 23/02, PS 10 2008 039 683, AT: 26.08.2008) Verpackung mit durch ein Deckelorgan verschließbarem Verpackungsbehälter. Alcan Technology & Management AG, Neuhausen am Rheinfall, CH. (B65D 77/20, GM 20 2008 001 867, AT: 05.02.2008) Verfahren zum Bilden eines beschichteten Gegenstandes, welcher eine Magnesiumlegierung umfasst. GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, Mich., US. (C22C 23/00, OS 10 2010 018 004, AT: 23.04.2010) Element aus anodisierter Magnesiumlegierung, Verfahren zu seiner Herstellung und Transporter daraus. Yamaha Hatsudoki K.K., Iwata-shi, Shizuoka-ken, JP. (C22B 26/22, PS 60 2008 001 079, EP 2003218, EP-AT: 11.06.2008) Implantat aus einer biologisch abbaubaren Magnesiumlegierung. Biotronik VI Patent AG, Baar, CH. (C22C 23/06, EP 2 169 090, EP-AT: 30.09.2008) Erholungswärmebehandlung zum Verbessern der Formbarkeit von Magnesiumlegierungen. GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, Mich., US. (C22F 1/06, OS 10 2009 034 570, AT: 24.07.2009) Hochduktile und hochfeste Magnesiumlegierungen. GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, Mich., US. (C22C 23/04, OS 10 2009 048 450, AT: 07.10.2009) Bilden von Magnesiumlegierungen mit verbesserter Duktilität. GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, Mich., US. (C22C 23/00, OS 11 2008 001 968, WO-AT: 30.05.2008) Reibrührschweißverfahren von unterschiedlich metallischen Bauteilen mit einem doppelt wirkenden drehenden Werkzeug zum Füllen des vom Stift erzeugten Loches. Sumitomo Light Metal Industries, Ltd., Tokyo, JP. (B23K 20/12, PS 60 2006 013 968, EP 1884308, EP-AT: 04.08.2006) ALUMINIUM veröffentlicht unter dieser Rubrik regelmäßig einen Überblick über wichtige, den Werkstoff Aluminium betreffende Patente. Die ausführlichen Patentblätter und auch weiterführende Informationen dazu stehen der Redaktion nicht zur Verfügung. Interessenten können diese beziehen oder einsehen bei der Mitteldeutschen Informations-, Patent-, Online-Service GmbH (mipo), Julius-Ebeling-Str. 6, D-06112 Halle an der Saale, Tel. 0345/29398-0 Fax 0345/29398-40, www.mipo.de Die Gesellschaft bietet darüber hinaus weitere Patent-Dienstleistungen an. ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 PAT E N T E Aluminiumlegierungsprodukt mit verbesserten Eigenschaftskombinationen. Alcoa Inc., Pittsburgh, PA 15212-5858, US. (C22C 21/10, EPA 2309011, EP-AT: 17.11.2003) Metallbleche und Metallplatten mit reibungsmindernden, strukturierten Oberflächen und Herstellungsverfahren dafür. Alcoa Inc., Pittsburgh, PA 15212-5858, US. (F15D 1/12, EPA 2307740, WO 2010/017289, EP-AT: 05.08.2009, WO-AT: 05.08.2009) Selbstreinigende Substrate und Verfahren zu dessen Herstellung. Alcoa Inc., Pittsburgh, PA 15212-5858, US. (C23C 26/00, EPA 2302100, EP-AT: 29.09.2010) Verfahren zur Metallreinigung und Abtrennung von gereinigtem Metall aus einer Metallmutterflüssigkeit wie Aluminiumschmelze. Aleris Switzerland GmbH, Schaffhausen, CH. (C22B 21/06, EP 2 047 002, WO 2008/003505, EP-AT: 05.07.2007, WO-AT: 05.07.2007) Korrosionsbeständiger Aluminiumverbundwerkstoff für eine Fahrzeugkarosserie. Hydro Aluminium Deutschland GmbH, 51149 Köln, DE. (C22C 21/06, EPA 2302086, EP-AT: 15.09.2009) Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Positionieren beim Ersatz von Anoden in einer Elektrolysezelle. Norsk Hydro ASA, Oslo, NO. (C25C 3/06, PS 60 2004 027 070, EP 1689914, EP-AT: 15.11.2004) Befestigungssystem eines Paneels aus zerbrechlichem Material, wie etwa Glas, auf einem feststehenden Rahmenwerk in der Fassade eines Gebäudes. Norsk Hydro ASA, Oslo, NO; SaintGobain Glass France, Courbevoie, FR. (E04B 2/96, EP 2 053 174, EP-AT: 24.10.2008) Wetterschutzschiene sowie Tür bzw. Fenster. Gutmann AG, 91781 Weißenburg, DE. (E06B 1/34, GM 20 2008 008 486, AT: 26.06.2008) Verbundmaterial auf Aluminiumbasis und Verfahren zu dessen Herstellung. Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Tokyo, JP. (C22C 1/10, PS 11 2005 003 373, WO 2006/075431, AT: 26.10.2005, WOAT: 26.10.2005) Verfahren zum Gießen und Gießvorrichtung. Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Tokyo, JP; The Japan Steel Works, Ltd., Tokyo, JP. (B22D 27/08, PS 60 2006 014 101, EP 1859879, EP-AT: 15.03.2006) Kolben, insbesondere Kühlkanalkolben, mit drei Reibschweißzonen. KS Kolbenschmidt GmbH, 74172 Neckarsulm. (F02F 3/00, PS 50 2005 009 435, EP 1926902, EP-AT: 17.09.2005) Kolben für einen Verbrennungsmotor und Verfahren zu seiner Herstellung. Mahle International GmbH, 70376 Stuttgart, DE. (F02F 3/16, PS 50 2006 006 954, EP 1977102, EP-AT: 15.12.2006) Homogenisierung und Wärmebehandlung von Gussmetallen. Novelis Inc., Toronto, ON M8Z 1J5, CA. (B22D 7/00, EPA 2305397, EPAT: 27.10.2006) ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 Regenschutzschiene. Gutmann AG, 91781 Weißenburg, DE. (E06B 1/34, GM 20 2008 014 277, AT: 27.10.2008) nagement, 8212 Neuhausen am Rheinfall, CH. (B23K 9/173, EPA 2318171, WO 2010/003595, EP-AT: 03.07.2009, WO-AT: 03.07.2009) Fensterbankhalter. Gutmann AG, 91781 Weißenburg, DE. (E06B 1/70, OS 10 2008 059 103, AT: 26.11.2008) Funktionsverfahren einer Wärmeausrüstung, die von Komponenten auf Aluminium- und Titanbasis versorgt wird, um das Rosten und die Verschmutzung bei hohen Temperaturen zu reduzieren. GE Energy Products France SNC, 90000 Belfort, FR. (C10L 1/12, EPA 2316911, EPAT: 08.09.2009) Sequenzielles Gießen von Metallen mit ähnlichem Gefrierbereich. Novelis, Inc., Toronto, ON M8Z 1J5, CA. (B22D 7/021, EPA 2303490, WO 2010/012099, EP-AT: 30.07.2009, WO-AT: 30.07.2009) Horizontalstranggießen von Metallen. Novelis, Inc., Toronto, Ontario, CA. (B22D 11/045, PS 60 2004 026 923, EP 1704004, EP-AT: 10.12.2004) Mit Antihaftpolymer beschichtete Aluminiumfolie. Reynolds Foil Inc., Richmond, Va., US. (B05D 5/08, PS 601 42 058, EP 1318874, EP-AT: 24.05.2001) Verfahren zur Herstellung eines teilchenförmigen ¡-Aluminiumoxids. Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Osaka, JP. (C01F 7/30, OS 10 2004 010 208, AT: 02.03.2004) Verfahren zum Erwärmen von Gießformen. Metal Casting Technology, Inc., Milford, N.H., US. (B22C 9/02, PS 603 32 373, EP 1551578, EP-AT: 06.08.2003) Gliederheizkessel aus Gusseisen oder Aluminium. Robert Bosch GmbH, 70442 Stuttgart, DE. (F24H 1/32, EPA 2313698, WO 2010/018187, EP-AT: 12.08.2009, WO-AT: 12.08.2009 Verfahren zur Herstellung von Aluminium in einer Elektrolysezelle. Rio Tinto Alcan International Ltd., Montréal, QC H3A 3G2, CA. (C25C 3/20, EPA 2315863. WO 2009/152975, EP-AT: 05.06.2009, WO-AT: 05.06.2009) Aluminiumverbund-Technologie zum Verbinden von Kunststoff- mit Aluminiumprofilen zu Komplettprofilen für die Fertigung von Aluminiumfenstern und -türen. Meyer, Christian, 29416 Pretzier, DE. (E06B 3/263, EPA 2314816, EP-AT: 17.10.2009), Patentblatt Juni 2011 Alkaliresistenter Erdalkali-Aluminium-Wärmedämmstoff, Verfahren zu seiner Herstellung und seine Verwendung. Calsitherm Verwaltungs GmbH, 33175 Bad Lippspringe, DE. (C04B 40/02, OS 10 2009 055 723, AT: 26.11.2009) Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Platte aus AlMg-Si-Legierung. Showa Denko K.K., Tokyo, JP. (C22F 1/05, EP 1 482 065, WO 2003/074750, EP-AT: 28.02.2003, WO-AT: 28.02.2003) Bilden von komplexen Formen in Al- und MgLegierungswerkstücken. GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, Mich., US. (B23P 17/ 00, OS 10 2010 035 136, AT: 23.08.2010) Verschmolzene Körner aus Oxiden mit Al, Ti und Mg sowie Keramikprodukte mit solchen Körnern. Saint-Gobain Centre de Recherches et D’Etudes Europeen SAS, 92400 Courbevoie, FR. (C04B 35/478, EPA 2310338, WO 2010/001064, EP-AT: 02.07.2009, WO-AT: 02.07.2009) Finnen-Kühlkörper aus Aluminium-Kupfer-Verbundwerkstoff mit integriertem Wärmeleitrohr zur Kühlung von wärmeabgebenden elektrischen und elektronischen Bauteilen. Richard Wöhr GmbH, 75339 Höfen, DE. (H05K 7/20, GM 20 2005 003 502, AT: 04.03.2005) Verfahren zur Steuerung von Variationen einer Al-Ti-B-Legierungs-Granverfeinerungskapazität durch Steuerung des Kompressionsverhältnisses. Sun Xing Chemical & Metallurgical Materials (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, CN. (C22F 1/04, EPA 2314731, WO 2011/022984, EP-AT: 10.05.2010, WO-AT: 10.05.2010) Schutzverkleidung für Holzfenster in Edelstahl und/oder Aluminium. Gröner, Wolfgang, 89555 Steinheim, DE. (E06B 3/30, GM 20 2010 014 578, AT: 21.10.2010) Zn-Al-Mg-Si-legiertes und geplättetes Stahlprodukt mit exzellenten Anti-Korrosions-Eigenschaften. Nippon Steel & Sumikin Coated Sheet Corp., Tokyo, JP; Nippon Steel Corp., Tokyo, JP. (C23C 2/12, EP 1 225 246, WO 2001/011100, EP-AT: 09.08.2000, WO-AT: 09.08.2000) Vorbereitungsverfahren vor dem Schweißen von Produkten aus Lithium-Aluminium-Legierung. Alcan Rhenalu, 92400 Courbevoie, FR. (C21D 1/68, EPA 2321436, WO 2010/004132, EP-AT: 03.07.2009, WO-AT: 03.07.2009 ) Schmelzschweißverfahren zur Verbindung von Aluminium und Titan. Alcan Technology & Ma- Passivierendes Gleitschleifen, insb. für Aluminium, Magnesium und Zink. Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, 40589 Düsseldorf, DE. (C23C 22/73, EP 2 217 742, WO 2009/068366, EP-AT: 16.10.2008, WO-AT: 16.10.2008) Verfahren zum Vollformgießen von Aluminium mit beschichtetem Modell. General Motors LLC, Detroit, Mich., US. (B22C 3/00, PS 698 18 379, EP 0899038, AT: 31.07.1998, EP-AT: 31.07.1998) Oberflächenbehandeltes Stahlprodukt, versehen mit einer auf Zinn oder Aluminium basierenden Plattierung. Nippon Steel Corp., Tokyo, JP. (C23C 2/08, PS 600 44 434, EP 1184478, EP-AT: 17.03.2000) Fortsetzung in ALUMINIUM 9/2011 67 LIEFERVERZEICHNIS 1 Smelting technology Hüttentechnik 1.1 Raw materials 1.2 Storage facilities for smelting 1.3 Anode production 1.4 Anode rodding 1.4.1 Anode baking 1.4.2 Anode clearing 1.4.3 Fixing of new anodes to the anodes bars 1.5 Casthouse (foundry) 1.6 Casting machines 1.7 Current supply 1.8 Electrolysis cell (pot) 1.9 Potroom 1.10 Laboratory 1.11 Emptying the cathode shell 1.12 Cathode repair shop 1.13 Second-hand plant 1.14 Aluminium alloys 1.15 Storage and transport 1.16 Smelting manufactures 1.1 Rohstoffe 1.2 Lagermöglichkeiten in der Hütte 1.3 Anodenherstellung 1.4 Anodenschlägerei 1.4.1 Anodenbrennen 1.4.2 Anodenschlägerei 1.4.3 Befestigen von neuen Anoden an der Anodenstange 1.5 Gießerei 1.6 Gießmaschinen 1.7 Stromversorgung 1.8 Elektrolyseofen 1.9 Elektrolysehalle 1.10 Labor 1.11 Ofenwannenentleeren 1.12 Kathodenreparaturwerkstatt 1.13 Gebrauchtanlagen 1.14 Aluminiumlegierungen 1.15 Lager und Transport 1.16 Hüttenerzeugnisse 1.2 Storage facilities for smelting Unloading/Loading equipment Lagermöglichkeiten i.d. Hütte FLSmidth MÖLLER GmbH www.flsmidthmoeller.com see Storage facilities for smelting 1.2 FLSmidth MÖLLER GmbH Haderslebener Straße 7 D-25421 Pinneberg Telefon: 04101 788-0 Telefax: 04101 788-115 E-Mail: moeller@flsmidth.com Internet: www.flsmidthmoeller.com Kontakt: Herr Dipl.-Ing. Timo Letz Entlade-/Beladeeinrichtungen ALUMINA AND PET COKE SHIPUNLOADERS Contact: Andreas Haeuser, ha@neuero.de Auto firing systems Automatische Feuerungssysteme RIEDHAMMER GmbH D-90411 Nürnberg Phone: +49 (0) 911 5218 0, Fax: -5218 231 E-Mail: thomas.janousch@riedhammer.de Internet: www.riedhammer.de 1.3 Anode production Anodenherstellung Outotec GmbH Albin-Köbis-Str. 8, D-51147 Köln Phone: +49 (0) 2203 / 9921-0 E-mail: aluminium@outotec.com www.outotec.com Herstellung von Anoden see Storage facilities for smelting 1.2 Bulk materials Handling from Ship to Cell Solios Carbone – France www.fivesgroup.com Bulk materials Handling from Ship to Cell www.coperion.com mailto: info.cc-mh@coperion.com Conveying systems bulk materials Förderanlagen für Schüttgüter (Hüttenaluminiumherstellung) FLSmidth MÖLLER GmbH Internet: www.flsmidthmoeller.com see Storage facilities for smelting 1.2 68 Hydraulic presses for prebaked anodes / Hydraulische Pressen zur Storvik AS Industriveien 13 6600 SUNNDALSØRA/NORWAY Tel.: +47 71 69 95 00 | Fax: +47 71 69 95 55 www.storvik.no | storvik@storvik.no LAEIS GmbH Am Scheerleck 7, L-6868 Wecker, Luxembourg Phone: +352 27612 0 Fax: +352 27612 109 E-Mail: info@laeis-gmbh.com Internet: www.laeis-gmbh.com Contact: Dr. Alfred Kaiser Anode Technology & Mixing Equipment Buss ChemTech AG, Switzerland Phone: +4161 825 64 62 E-Mail: info@buss-ct.com Internet: www.buss-ct.com ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 SUPPLIERS DIRECTORY Mixing Technology for Anode pastes Mischtechnologie für Anodenmassen 1.4.2 Anode clear ing Anodenschlägerei Separation of spent anodes from the anode bars Trennen von den Anodenstangen Buss AG CH-4133 Pratteln Phone: +41 61 825 66 00 E-Mail: info@busscorp.com Internet: www.busscorp.com Open top and closed type baking furnaces Offene und geschlossene Ringöfen SERMAS INDUSTRIE E-Mail: sermas@sermas.com see Casting Machines 1.6 1.4.3 Fixing of new anodes to the anodes bars Befestigen von neuen Anoden a. d. Anodenstange Fixing the nipples to the anodes by casting in Befestigen der Nippel mit der Anode durch Eingießen RIEDHAMMER GmbH D-90411 Nürnberg Phone: +49 (0) 911 5218 0, Fax: -5218 231 E-Mail: thomas.janousch@riedhammer.de Internet: www.riedhammer.de SERMAS INDUSTRIE E-Mail: sermas@sermas.com see Casting Machines 1.6 Anodenanschlägerei Entgasung, Filtern, Kornfeinung Drache Umwelttechnik GmbH Werner-v.-Siemens-Straße 9/24-26 D 65582 Diez/Lahn Telefon 06432/607-0 Telefax 06432/607-52 Internet: www.drache-gmbh.de Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 Dross skimming of liquid metal Abkrätzen des Flüssigmetalls GLAMA Maschinenbau GmbH see Anode rodding 1.4 Dross skimming of the melt Abkrätzen der Schmelze 1.5 Casthouse (foundry) Gießerei 1.4 Anode rodding Degassing, filtration and grain refinement Hampshire House, High Street, Kingswinford, West Midlands DY6 8AW, UK Tel.: +44 (0) 1384 279132 Fax: +44 (0) 1384 291211 E-Mail: sales@mechatherm.co.uk www.mechatherm.com E-Mail: sermas@sermas.com see Casting machines 1.6 Furnace charging with molten metal Ofenbeschickung mit Flüssigmetall GLAMA Maschinenbau GmbH see Anode rodding 1.4 see Storage facilities for smelting 1.2 Melting/holding/casting furnaces Removal of bath residues from the surface of spent anodes Entfernen der Badreste von der Oberfläche der verbrauchten Anoden GLAMA Maschinenbau GmbH Hornstraße 19 D-45964 Gladbeck Telefon 02043 / 9738-0 Telefax 02043 / 9738-50 HERTWICH ENGINEERING GmbH Maschinen und Industrieanlagen Weinbergerstraße 6, A-5280 Braunau am Inn Phone +437722/806-0 Fax +437722/806-122 E-Mail: info@hertwich.com Internet: www.hertwich.com INOTHERM INDUSTRIEOFENUND WÄRMETECHNIK GMBH Konstantinstraße 1a D 41238 Mönchengladbach Telefon +49 (02166) 987990 Telefax +49 (02166) 987996 E-Mail: info@inotherm-gmbh.de Internet: www.inotherm-gmbh.de 1.4.1 Anode baking Anodenbrennen Anode charging/Anodenchargieren SERMAS INDUSTRIE E-Mail: sermas@sermas.com see Casting Machines 1.6 Anode storage/Anodenlager SERMAS INDUSTRIE E-Mail: sermas@sermas.com see Casting Machines 1.6 ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 see Equipment and accessories 3.1 Stopinc AG Bösch 83 a CH-6331 Hünenberg Tel. +41/41-785 75 00 Fax +41/41-785 75 01 E-Mail: interstop@stopinc.ch Internet: www.stopinc.ch Schmelz-/Halte- und Gießöfen Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 Solios Thermal UK www.fivesgroup.com HERTWICH ENGINEERING GmbH see Casthouse (foundry) 1.5 Sistem Teknik Ltd. Sti. DES San. Sit. 102 SOK No: 6/8 Y.Dudullu, TR-34775 Istanbul/Turkey Tel.: +90 216 420 86 24 Fax: +90 216 420 23 22 E-Mail: info@sistemteknik.com Internet: www.sistemteknik.com Metal treatment in the holding furnace Metallbehandlung in Halteöfen Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 69 LIEFERVERZEICHNIS Transfer to the casting furnace Überführung in Gießofen GLAMA Maschinenbau GmbH see Anode rodding 1.4 Drache Umwelttechnik GmbH Werner-v.-Siemens-Straße 9/24-26 D 65582 Diez/Lahn Telefon 06432/607-0 Telefax 06432/607-52 Internet: www.drache-gmbh.de Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 Pig casting machines (sow casters) Masselgießmaschine (Sowcaster) Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 Transport v. Flüssigmetall in Gießereien GLAMA Maschinenbau GmbH see Anode rodding 1.4 see Casthouse (foundry) 1.5 see Storage facilities for smelting 1.2 see Billet Heating Furnaces 1.5 Rolling and extrusion ingot and T-bars Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 see Casthouse (foundry) 1.5 Horizontal continuous casting Horizontales Stranggießen Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 Wagstaff, Inc. 3910 N. Flora Rd. Spokane, WA 99216 USA +1 509 922 1404 phone +1 509 924 0241 fax E-Mail: info@wagstaff.com Internet: www.wagstaff.com Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 1.8 Electrolysis cell (pot) Behandlung der Gießereiabgase Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 Vertical semi-continuous DC casting / Vertikales Stranggießen HERTWICH ENGINEERING GmbH MARX GmbH & Co. KG www.marx-gmbh.de see Melt operations 4.13 Treatment of casthouse off gases Formatebehandlung (homogenisieren) Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 HERTWICH ENGINEERING GmbH Formatgießerei (Walzbarren oder Pressbolzen oder T-Barren) Transport of liquid metal to the casthouse Heat treatment of extrusion ingot (homogenisation) HERTWICH ENGINEERING GmbH see Casthouse (foundry) 1.5 Elektrolyseofen Bulk materials Handling from Ship to Cell Bulk materials Handling from Ship to Cell Solios Carbone – France www.solios.com Scales / Waagen Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 1.6 Casting machines Gießmaschinen www.coperion.com mailto: info.cc-mh@coperion.com HERTWICH ENGINEERING GmbH see Casthouse (foundry) 1.5 Calcium silicate boards Calciumsilikatplatten Sawing / Sägen GAPCast TM: the Swiss casting solution see Casting machines and equipment 4.7 Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 Promat GmbH – Techn. Wärmedämmung Scheifenkamp 16, D-40878 Ratingen Tel. +49 (0) 2102 / 493-0, Fax -493 115 verkauf3@promat.de, www.promat.de Exhaust gas treatment HERTWICH ENGINEERING GmbH www.mechatherm.com see Smelting technology 1.5 RIHS ENGINEERING SA see Casting machines and equipment 4.7 70 see Casthouse (foundry) 1.5 343 Chemin du Stade 38210 Saint Quentin sur Isère Tel. +33 (0) 476 074 242 Fax +33 (0) 476 936 776 E-Mail: sermas@sermas.com Internet: www.sermas.com Abgasbehandlung Solios Environnement www.fivesgroup.com Pot feeding systems Beschickungseinrichtungen für Elektrolysezellen FLSmidth MÖLLER GmbH www.flsmidthmoeller.com see Storage facilities for smelting 1.2 ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 SUPPLIERS DIRECTORY 1.9 Potroom Elektrolysehalle T.T. Tomorrow Technology S.p.A. Via dell’Artigianato 18 Due Carrare, Padova 35020, Italy Telefon +39 049 912 8800 Telefax +39 049 912 8888 E-Mail: gmagarotto@tomorrowtechnology.it Contact: Giovanni Magarotto Anode changing machine Dry absorption units for electrolysis exhaust gases Trockenabsorptionsanlage für Elektrolyseofenabgase 1.14 Aluminium Alloys Aluminiumlegierungen Solios Environnement www.fivesgroup.com Tapping vehicles/Schöpffahrzeuge GLAMA Maschinenbau GmbH see Anode rodding 1.4 Anodenwechselmaschine GLAMA Maschinenbau GmbH see Anode rodding 1.4 RHEINFELDEN ALLOYS GmbH & Co. KG A member of ALUMINIUM RHEINFELDEN Group Postfach 1703, 79607 Rheinfelden Tel.: +49 7623 93-490 Fax: +49 7623 93-546 E-Mail: alloys@rheinfelden-alloys.eu Internet: www.rheinfelden-alloys.eu 1.11 Emptying the cathode shell Anode transport equipment Anoden Transporteinrichtungen GLAMA Maschinenbau GmbH see Anode rodding 1.4 Crustbreakers / Krustenbrecher GLAMA Maschinenbau GmbH see Anode rodding 1.4 2 Ofenwannenentleeren Cathode bar casting units Kathodenbarreneingießanlage 1.15 Storage and transport Lager und Transport E-Mail: sermas@sermas.com see Casting machines 1.6 SMS Siemag AG see Rolling mill technology 3.0 Extrusion Strangpressen 2.1 Extrusion billet preparation 2.1.1 Extrusion billet production 2.2 Extrusion equipment 2.3 Section handling 2.4 Heat treatment 2.5 Measurement and control equipment 2.6 Die preparation and care 2.7 Second-hand extrusion plant 2.8 Consultancy, expert opinion 2.9 Surface finishing of sections 2.10 Machining of sections 2.11 Equipment and accessories 2.12 Services 2.1 Pressbolzenbereitstellung 2.1.1 Pressbolzenherstellung 2.2 Strangpresseinrichtungen 2.3 Profilhandling 2.4 Wärmebehandlung 2.5 Mess- und Regeleinrichtungen 2.6 Werkzeugbereitstellung und -pflege 2.7 Gebrauchte Strangpressanlagen 2.8 Beratung, Gutachten 2.9 Oberflächenveredlung von Profilen 2.10 Profilbearbeitung 2.11 Ausrüstungen und Hilfsmittel 2.12 Dienstleistungen 2.1.1 Extrusion billet production 2.1 Extrusion billet preparation Pressbolzenbereitstellung Pressbolzenherstellung Billet heating furnaces Öfen zur Bolzenerwärmung MARX GmbH & Co. KG www.marx-gmbh.de see Melt operations 4.13 Am großen Teich 16+27 D-58640 Iserlohn Tel. +49 (0) 2371 / 4346-0 Fax +49 (0) 2371 / 4346-43 E-Mail: verkauf@ias-gmbh.de Internet: www.ias-gmbh.de www.alu-web.de ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 www.mechatherm.com see Smelting technology 1.5 Billet transport and storage equipment Bolzen-Transport- u. Lagereinricht. Sistem Teknik Ltd. Sti. DES San. Sit. 102 SOK No: 6/8 Y. Dudullu, TR-34775 Istanbul/Turkey Tel.: +90 216 420 86 24 Fax: +90 216 420 23 22 E-Mail: info@sistemteknik.com Internet: www.sistemteknik.com SERMAS INDUSTRIE E-Mail: sermas@sermas.com See Casting Machines 1.6 www.alu-web.de 71 LIEFERVERZEICHNIS 2.2 Extrusion equipment Strangpresseinrichtungen 2.3 Section handling Profilhandling Packaging equipment Verpackungseinrichtungen Section transport equipment Profiltransporteinrichtungen SMS Meer GmbH see Extrusion equipment 2.2 www.mechatherm.com see Smelting technology 1.5 Oilgear Towler GmbH Im Gotthelf 8 D 65795 Hattersheim Tel. +49 (0) 6145 3770 Fax +49 (0) 6145 30770 E-Mail: info@oilgear.de Internet: www.oilgear.de CTI Systems S.A. Z.I. Eselborn – Lentzweiler 12, op der Sang L-9779 Lentzweiler Tel.: +352 2685 2000 Fax: +356 2685 3000 E-Mail: cti@ctisystems.com Internet: www.ctisystems.com SMS Meer GmbH Schloemann Extrusion Ohlerkirchweg 66 41069 Mönchengladbach, Germany Tel. +49 (0) 2161 350-0 Fax +49 (0) 2161 350-1667 E-Mail: info@sms-meer.com Internet: www.sms-meer.com Containers / Rezipienten Stackers / Destackers Stapler / Entstapler SMS Meer GmbH see Extrusion equipment 2.2 Vollert Anlagenbau GmbH Stadtseestraße 12 D-74189 Weinsberg Tel. +49 (0) 7134 / 52-220 Fax +49 (0) 7134 / 52-222 E-Mail intralogistik@vollert.de Internet www.vollert.de SMS Meer GmbH see Extrusion equipment 2.2 Nijverheidsweg 3 NL-7071 CH Ulft Netherlands Tel.: +31 315 641352 Fax: +31 315 641852 E-Mail: info@unifour.nl Internet: www.unifour.nl Sales Contact: Paul Overmans Puller equipment Stretching equipment Reckeinrichtungen SMS Meer GmbH see Extrusion equipment 2.2 Ausziehvorrichtungen/Puller Press control systems Pressensteuersysteme Oilgear Towler GmbH see Extrusion Equipment 2.2 SMS Meer GmbH see Extrusion equipment 2.2 Section cooling Transport equipment for extruded sections Transporteinrichtungen für Profilabschnitte Profilkühlung SMS Meer GmbH SMS Meer GmbH see Extrusion equipment 2.2 see Extrusion equipment 2.2 Vollert Anlagenbau GmbH see Packaging equipment 2.3 Section saws Temperature measurement Temperaturmessung SMS Meer GmbH Profilsägen SMS Meer GmbH see Extrusion equipment 2.2 see Extrusion equipment 2.2 Section store equipment Heating and control equipment for intelligent billet containers Heizungs- und Kontrollausrüstung für intelligente Blockaufnehmer MARX GmbH & Co. KG www.marx-gmbh.de see Melt operations 4.13 72 Profil-Lagereinrichtungen KASTO Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG Industriestr. 14, D-77855 Achern Tel.: +49 (0) 7841 61-0 / Fax: +49 (0) 7841 61 300 kasto@kasto.de / www.kasto.de Hersteller von Band- und Kreissägemaschinen sowie Langgut- und Blechlagersystemen Vollert Anlagenbau GmbH see Packaging equipment 2.3 Hier könnte Ihr BezugsquellenEintrag stehen. Rufen Sie an: Tel. 0821 / 31 98 80-34 Dennis Ross ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 SUPPLIERS DIRECTORY 2.4 Heat treatment Wärmebehandlung 2.5 Measurement and control equipment Mess- und Regeleinrichtungen Extrusion plant control systems Presswerkssteuerungen SMS Meer GmbH 2.11 Equipment and accessories Ausrüstungen und Hilfsmittel Inductiv heating equipment Induktiv beheizte Erwärmungseinrichtungen see Extrusion equipment 2.2 BSN Thermprozesstechnik GmbH Kammerbruchstraße 64 D-52152 Simmerath Tel. 02473-9277-0 · Fax: 02473-9277-111 info@bsn-therm.de · www.bsn-therm.de Ofenanlagen zum Wärmebehandeln von Aluminiumlegierungen, Buntmetallen und Stählen 2.6 Die preparation and care Werkzeugbereitstellung und -pflege Die heating furnaces Am großen Teich 16+27 D-58640 Iserlohn Tel. +49 (0) 2371 / 4346-0 Fax +49 (0) 2371 / 4346-43 E-Mail: verkauf@ias-gmbh.de Internet: www.ias-gmbh.de Werkzeuganwärmöfen see Equipment and accessories 3.1 MARX GmbH & Co. KG www.marx-gmbh.de see Melt operations 4.13 Could not find your www.mechatherm.com see Smelting technology 1.5 „keywords“? Please ask for Heat treatment furnaces our complete Wärmebehandlungsöfen INOTHERM INDUSTRIEOFENUND WÄRMETECHNIK GMBH see Casthouse (foundry) 1.5 „Supply sources for the Sistem Teknik Ltd. Sti. see Billet Heating Furnaces 2.1 aluminium industry“. E-Mail: anzeigen@giesel.de see Billet Heating Furnaces 2.1 Homogenising furnaces Homogenisieröfen HERTWICH ENGINEERING GmbH Nijverheidsweg 3 NL-7071 CH Ulft Netherlands Tel.: +31 315 641352 Fax: +31 315 641852 E-Mail: info@unifour.nl Internet: www.unifour.nl Sales Contact: Paul Overmans Ageing furnace for extrusions Auslagerungsöfen für Strangpressprofile see Casthouse (foundry) 1.5 Hier könnte Ihr see Billet Heating Furnaces 2.1 Bezugsquellen-Eintrag stehen. Rufen Sie an: Tel. 0821 / 31 98 80-34 Dennis Ross see Billet Heating Furnaces 2.1 ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 Nijverheidsweg 3 NL-7071 CH Ulft Netherlands Tel.: +31 315 641352 Fax: +31 315 641852 E-Mail: info@unifour.nl Internet: www.unifour.nl Sales Contact: Paul Overmans 73 LIEFERVERZEICHNIS 3 Rolling mill technology Walzwerktechnik 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.18 Casting equipment Rolling bar machining Rolling bar furnaces Hot rolling equipment Strip casting units and accessories Cold rolling equipment Thin strip / foil rolling plant Auxiliary equipment Adjustment devices Process technology / Automation technology Coolant / lubricant preparation Air extraction systems Fire extinguishing units Storage and dispatch Second-hand rolling equipment Coil storage systems Strip Processing Lines Productions Management Systems 3.0 Rolling mill technology Walzwerktechnik see Cold rolling units / complete plants 3.6 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.18 Gießanlagen Walzbarrenbearbeitung Walzbarrenvorbereitung Warmwalzanlagen Bandgießanlagen und Zubehör Kaltwalzanlagen Feinband-/Folienwalzwerke Nebeneinrichtungen Adjustageeinrichtungen Prozesstechnik / Automatisierungstechnik Kühl-/Schmiermittel-Aufbereitung Abluftsysteme Feuerlöschanlagen Lagerung und Versand Gebrauchtanlagen Coil storage systems Bandprozesslinien Produktions Management Systeme 3.1 Casting equipment Gießanlagen www.mechatherm.com see Smelting technology 1.5 Electromagnetic Stirrer Elektromagnetische Rührer Solios Thermal UK www.fivesgroup.com SMS Siemag Aktiengesellschaft Eduard-Schloemann-Straße 4 40237 Düsseldorf, Germany Telefon: +49 (0) 211 881-0 Telefax: +49 (0) 211 881-4902 E-Mail: communications@sms-siemag.com Internet: www.sms-siemag.com Geschäftsbereiche: Warmflach- und Kaltwalzwerke Wiesenstraße 30 57271 Hilchenbach-Dahlbruch, Germany Telefon: +49 (0) 2733 29-0 Telefax: +49 (0) 2733 29-2852 Bandanlagen Walder Straße 51-53 40724 Hilden, Germany Telefon: +49 (0) 211 881-5100 Telefax: +49 (0) 211 881-5200 Elektrik + Automation Ivo-Beucker-Straße 43 40237 Düsseldorf, Germany Telefon: +49 (0) 211 881-5895 Telefax: +49 (0) 211 881-775895 Graf-Recke-Straße 82 40239 Düsseldorf, Germany Telefon: +49 (0) 211 881-0 Telefax: +49 (0) 211 881-4902 74 LOI Thermprocess GmbH Am Lichtbogen 29 D-45141 Essen Germany Telefon +49 (0) 201 / 18 91-1 Telefax +49 (0) 201 / 18 91-321 E-Mail: info@loi-italimpianti.de Internet: www.loi-italimpianti.com Solios Thermal UK www.fivesgroup.com Melt purification units Filling level indicators and controls Füllstandsanzeiger und -regler Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 Schmelzereinigungsanlagen Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 Metal filters / Metallfilter Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 Wagstaff, Inc. see Casting machines 1.6 Metal pumps / Metallpumpen Melting and holding furnaces Solios Carbone – France www.solios.com Schmelz- und Warmhalteöfen Gautschi Engineering GmbH Konstanzer Straße 37 CH 8274 Tägerwilen Telefon +41 71 666 66 66 Telefax +41 71 666 66 77 E-Mail: info@gautschi.cc Internet: www.gautschi.cc Kontakt: Sales Departement 3.2 Rolling bar machining Walzbarrenbearbeitung Band saws / Bandsägen SMS Meer GmbH see Extrusion equipment 2.2 ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 SUPPLIERS DIRECTORY Slab milling machines Barrenfräsmaschinen SMS Meer GmbH see Extrusion equipment 2.2 Roller tracks Rollengänge Hot rolling units / complete plants Warmwalzanlagen/Komplettanlagen Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 SMS Siemag AG see Rolling mill technology 3.0 3.3 Rolling bar furnaces Walzbarrenvorbereitung BSN Thermprozesstechnik GmbH see Heat Treatment 2.4 3.4 Hot rolling equipment Warmwalzanlagen 3.6 Cold rolling equipment Kaltwalzanlagen Annealing furnaces Glühöfen EBNER Industrieofenbau Ges.m.b.H. Ruflinger Str. 111, 4060 Leonding/Austria Tel. +43 / 732 / 6868 E-Mail: sales@ebner.cc Internet: www.ebner.cc Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 Achenbach Buschhütten GmbH Siegener Str. 152, D-57223 Kreuztal Tel. +49 (0) 2732/7990, info@achenbach.de Internet: www.achenbach.de see Cold rolling units / complete plants 3.6 Coil transport systems Bundtransportsysteme Achenbach Buschhütten GmbH Siegener Str. 152, D-57223 Kreuztal Tel. +49 (0) 2732/7990, info@achenbach.de Internet: www.achenbach.de BSN Thermprozesstechnik GmbH see Heat Treatment 2.4 Coil annealing furnaces Bundglühöfen Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 see Equipment and accessories 3.1 schwartz GmbH see Heat treatment 2.4 Solios Thermal UK www.fivesgroup.com Bar heating furnaces Barrenanwärmanlagen see Equipment and accessories 3.1 CTI Systems S.A. Z.I. Eselborn – Lentzweiler 12, op der Sang L-9779 Lentzweiler Tel.: +352 2685 2000 Fax: +356 2685 3000 E-Mail: cti@ctisystems.com Internet: www.ctisystems.com EBNER Industrieofenbau Ges.m.b.H. see Annealing furnaces 3.3 Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 Coil transport systems Vollert Anlagenbau GmbH see Packaging equipment 2.3 Homogenising furnaces Homogenisieröfen Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 Drive systems / Antriebe Bundtransportsysteme Vollert Anlagenbau GmbH see Packaging equipment 2.3 SMS Siemag AG see Rolling mill technology 3.0 HERTWICH ENGINEERING GmbH see Casthouse (foundry) 1.5 Rolling mill modernisation Walzwerksmodernisierung SMS Siemag AG see Rolling mill technology 3.0 Spools / Haspel Solios Thermal UK www.fivesgroup.com ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 SMS Siemag AG see Rolling mill technology 3.0 CTI Systems S.A. Z.I. Eselborn – Lentzweiler 12, op der Sang L-9779 Lentzweiler Tel.: +352 2685 2000 Fax: +356 2685 3000 E-Mail: cti@ctisystems.com Internet: www.ctisystems.com 75 LIEFERVERZEICHNIS Cold rolling units / complete plants Slitting lines-CTL Längs- und Querteilanlagen Kaltwalzanlagen/Komplettanlagen see Cold rolling units / complete plants 3.6 Strip shears/Bandscheren Thin strip / foil rolling mills / complete plant Feinband- / Folienwalzwerke / Komplettanlagen SMS Siemag AG see Rolling mill technology 3.0 SMS Siemag AG see Rolling mill technology 3.0 Drive systems / Antriebe SMS Siemag AG see Cold rolling units / complete plants 3.6 Rolling mill modernization Walzwerkmodernisierung SMS Siemag AG see Rolling mill technology 3.0 see Rolling mill technology 3.0 Heating furnaces / Anwärmöfen Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 Trimming equipment Besäumeinrichtungen Achenbach Buschhütten GmbH Siegener Str. 152, D-57223 Kreuztal Tel. +49 (0) 2732/7990, info@achenbach.de Internet: www.achenbach.de see Cold rolling units / complete plants 3.6 3.9 Adjustment devices SMS Siemag AG see Rolling mill technology 3.0 Adjustageeinrichtungen Sheet and plate stretchers Blech- und Plattenstrecker 3.7 Thin strip / foil rolling plant Process optimisation systems Process simulation Prozesssimulation Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 see Extrusion equipment 2.2 Feinband-/Folienwalzwerke Cable sheathing presses Prozessoptimierungssysteme Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 SMS Meer GmbH Kabelummantelungspressen Achenbach Buschhütten GmbH Siegener Str. 152, D-57223 Kreuztal Tel. +49 (0) 2732/7990, info@achenbach.de Internet: www.achenbach.de SMS Meer GmbH see Extrusion equipment 2.2 Cable undulating machines Kabelwellmaschinen see Cold rolling units / complete plants 3.6 SMS Meer GmbH see Extrusion equipment 2.2 SMS Siemag AG see Rolling mill technology 3.0 Roll exchange equipment Walzenwechseleinrichtungen SMS Siemag AG Coil annealing furnaces Bundglühöfen Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 see Rolling mill technology 3.0 Vollert Anlagenbau GmbH see Packaging equipment 2.3 Rolling mill modernization see Equipment and accessories 3.1 schwartz GmbH see Cold colling equipment 3.6 Heating furnaces Anwärmöfen see Cold rolling units / complete plants 3.6 76 Querteilanlagen SERMAS INDUSTRIE E-Mail: sermas@sermas.com See Casting Machines 1.6 3.10 Process technology / Automation technology Prozesstechnik / Automatisierungstechnik Process control technology Walzwerkmodernisierung Achenbach Buschhütten GmbH Siegener Str. 152, D-57223 Kreuztal Tel. +49 (0) 2732/7990, info@achenbach.de Internet: www.achenbach.de Transverse cutting units Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 INOTHERM INDUSTRIEOFENUND WÄRMETECHNIK GMBH see Casthouse (foundry) 1.5 Prozessleittechnik SMS Siemag AG see Rolling mill technology 3.0 Wagstaff, Inc. see Casting machines 1.6 ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 SUPPLIERS DIRECTORY Strip flatness measurement and control equipment Roll Force Measurement equipment Walzkraftmesseinrichtungen Bandplanheitsmess- und -regeleinrichtungen 3.12 Air extraction systems Abluft-Systeme see Cold rolling units / complete plants 3.6 ABB Automation Force Measurement S-72159 Västeras, Sweden Phone: +46 21 325 000 Fax: +46 21 340 005 E-Mail: pressductor@se.abb.com Internet: www.abb.com/pressductor ABB Automation Force Measurement S-72159 Västeras, Sweden Phone: +46 21 325 000 Fax: +46 21 340 005 E-Mail: pressductor@se.abb.com Internet: www.abb.com/pressductor Strip Width & Position Measurement equipment Bandbreiten- und Bandlaufmesseinrichtungen see Rolling mill technology 3.0 Strip thickness measurement and control equipment Banddickenmess- und -regeleinrichtungen Abluft-Reinigungssysteme (aktiv) Achenbach Buschhütten GmbH Siegener Str. 152, D-57223 Kreuztal Tel. +49 (0) 2732/7990, info@achenbach.de Internet: www.achenbach.de SMS Siemag AG Achenbach Buschhütten GmbH Siegener Str. 152, D-57223 Kreuztal Tel. +49 (0) 2732/7990, info@achenbach.de Internet: www.achenbach.de SMS Siemag AG Exhaust air purification systems (active) see Rolling mill technology 3.0 ABB Automation Force Measurement S-72159 Västeras, Sweden Phone: +46 21 325 000 Fax: +46 21 340 005 E-Mail: pressductor@se.abb.com Internet: www.abb.com/pressductor 3.11 Coolant / lubricant preparation 3.14 Storage and dispatch Lagerung und Versand SMS Siemag AG see Rolling mill technology 3.0 3.16 Coil storage systems Bundlagersysteme Kühl-/SchmiermittelAufbereitung ABB Automation Force Measurement S-72159 Västeras, Sweden Phone: +46 21 325 000 Fax: +46 21 340 005 E-Mail: pressductor@se.abb.com Internet: www.abb.com/pressductor see Cold rolling units / complete plants 3.6 Rolling oil recovery and treatment units Walzöl-Wiederaufbereitungsanlagen SMS Siemag AG see Rolling mill technology 3.0 Filter for rolling oils and emulsions Achenbach Buschhütten GmbH Siegener Str. 152, D-57223 Kreuztal Tel. +49 (0) 2732/7990, info@achenbach.de Internet: www.achenbach.de SMS Siemag AG see Rolling mill technology 3.0 Strip Tension Measurement equipment Bandzugmesseinrichtungen CTI Systems S.A. Z.I. Eselborn – Lentzweiler 12, op der Sang L-9779 Lentzweiler Tel.: +352 2685 2000 Fax: +356 2685 3000 E-Mail: cti@ctisystems.com Internet: www.ctisystems.com Filter für Walzöle und Emulsionen SMS Siemag AG see Rolling mill technology 3.0 Achenbach Buschhütten GmbH Siegener Str. 152, D-57223 Kreuztal Tel. +49 (0) 2732/7990, info@achenbach.de Internet: www.achenbach.de Vollert Anlagenbau GmbH see Packaging equipment 2.3 Rolling oil rectification units Walzölrektifikationsanlagen 3.17 Strip Processing Lines Bandprozesslinien Lithographic Sheet Lines ABB Automation Force Measurement S-72159 Västeras, Sweden Phone: +46 21 325 000 Fax: +46 21 340 005 E-Mail: pressductor@se.abb.com Internet: www.abb.com/pressductor ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 Achenbach Buschhütten GmbH Siegener Str. 152, D-57223 Kreuztal Tel. +49 (0) 2732/7990, info@achenbach.de Internet: www.achenbach.de SMS Siemag AG see Rolling mill technology 3.0 Lithografielinien www.bwg-online.com see Strip Processing Lines 3.17 see Cold rolling units / complete plants 3.6 77 LIEFERVERZEICHNIS Colour Coating Lines Strip Annealing Lines Bandlackierlinien www.bwg-online.com see Strip Processing Lines 3.17 Stretch Levelling Lines Bandglühlinien www.bwg-online.com see Strip Processing Lines 3.17 Produktions Management Systeme Strip Processing Lines Bandprozesslinien Streckrichtanlagen www.bwg-online.com see Strip Processing Lines 3.17 3.18 Production Management systems BWG Bergwerk- und WalzwerkMaschinenbau GmbH Mercatorstraße 74 – 78 D-47051 Duisburg Tel.: +49 (0) 203-9929-0 Fax: +49 (0) 203-9929-400 E-Mail: bwg@bwg-online.de Internet: www.bwg-online.com PSI Metals Non Ferrous GmbH Software Excellence in Metals Carlo-Schmid-Str. 12, D-52146 Würselen Tel.: +49 (0) 2405 4135-0 info@psimetals.de, www.psimetals.com 4 Foundry Gießerei 4.1 Work protection and ergonomics 4.2 Heat-resistant technology 4.3 Conveyor and storage technology 4.4 Mould and core production 4.5 Mould accessories and accessory materials 4.6 Foundry equipment 4.7 Casting machines and equipment 4.8 Handling technology 4.9 Construction and design 4.10 Measurement technology and materials testing 4.11 Metallic charge materials 4.12 Finshing of raw castings 4.13 Melt operations 4.14 Melt preparation 4.15 Melt treatment devices 4.16 Control and regulation technology 4.17 Environment protection and disposal 4.18 Dross recovery 4.19 Gussteile 4.2 Heat-resistent technology Feuerfesttechnik Refractories / Feuerfeststoffe 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 4.15 4.16 4.17 4.18 4.19 Arbeitsschutz und Ergonomie Feuerfesttechnik Förder- und Lagertechnik Form- und Kernherstellung Formzubehör, Hilfsmittel Gießereianlagen Gießmaschinen und Gießeinrichtungen Handhabungstechnik Konstruktion und Design Messtechnik und Materialprüfung Metallische Einsatzstoffe Rohgussnachbehandlung Schmelzbetrieb Schmelzvorbereitung Schmelzebehandlungseinrichtungen Steuerungs- und Regelungstechnik Umweltschutz und Entsorgung Schlackenrückgewinnung Cast parts 4.3 Conveyor and storage technology Förder- und Lagertechnik Förder- und Lagertechnik Vollert Anlagenbau GmbH see Packaging equipment 2.3 78 Formzubehör, Hilfmittel Fluxes Promat GmbH – Techn. Wärmedämmung Scheifenkamp 16, D-40878 Ratingen Tel. +49 (0) 2102 / 493-0, Fax -493 115 verkauf3@promat.de, www.promat.de 4.3 Conveyor and storage technology 4.5 Mold accessories and accessory materials Flussmittel CTI Systems S.A. Z.I. Eselborn – Lentzweiler 12, op der Sang L-9779 Lentzweiler Tel.: +352 2685 2000 Fax: +356 2685 3000 E-Mail: cti@ctisystems.com Internet: www.ctisystems.com Solvay Fluor GmbH Hans-Böckler-Allee 20 D-30173 Hannover Telefon +49 (0) 511 / 857-0 Telefax +49 (0) 511 / 857-2146 Internet: www.solvay-fluor.de ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 SUPPLIERS DIRECTORY Manipulators 4.6 Foundry equipment Manipulatoren Gießereianlagen www.mechatherm.com see Smelting technology 1.5 Competence in EMC and ASC casting RIHS ENGINEERING SA Tel.: +41 27 455 54 41 E-Mail: info@maschko.ch Internet: www.maschko.ch Casting machines Gießmaschinen Aluminium alloys see Casting machines 1.6 see Equipment and accessories 3.1 see Casthouse (foundry) 1.5 4.11 Metallic charge materials Metallische Einsatzstoffe Wagstaff, Inc. HERTWICH ENGINEERING GmbH SERMAS INDUSTRIE E-Mail: sermas@sermas.com See Casting Machines 1.6 Continuous ingot casting lines and aluminium rod lines Kokillengieß- und Aluminiumdraht-Anlagen Aluminiumlegierungen METALLHANDELSGESELLSCHAFT SCHOOF & HASLACHER MBH & CO. KG Postfach 600714, D 81207 München Telefon 089/829133-0 Telefax 089/8201154 E-Mail: info@metallhandelsgesellschaft.de Internet: www.metallhandelsgesellschaft.de Heat treatment furnaces Wärmebehandlungsöfen Pre alloys / Vorlegierungen METALLHANDELSGESELLSCHAFT SCHOOF & HASLACHER MBH & CO. KG Postfach 600714, D 81207 München Telefon 089/829133-0 Telefax 089/8201154 E-Mail: info@metallhandelsgesellschaft.de Internet: www.metallhandelsgesellschaft.de ELPO GmbH Kuchengrund 18 71522 Backnang Telefon 07191 9572-0 Telefax 07191 9572-29 E-Mail: info@elpo.de Internet: www.elpo.de Mould parting agents Kokillentrennmittel see Billet Heating Furnaces 2.1 4.7 Casting machines and equipment Gießereimaschinen und Gießeinrichtungen Schröder KG Schmierstofftechnik Postfach 1170 D-57251 Freudenberg Tel. 02734/7071 Fax 02734/20784 Recycling / Recycling Chr. Otto Pape GmbH Aluminiumgranulate Berliner Allee 34 D-30855 Langenhagen Tel:+49(0)511 786 32-0 Fax: -32 Internet: www.papemetals.com E-Mail: info@papemetals.com www.schroeder-schmierstoffe.de 4.13 Melt operations 4.8 Handling technology Schmelzbetrieb Handhabungstechnik GAPCast TM: the Swiss casting solution Casting Technology / Automation Tel.: +41 27 455 57 14 E-Mail: info@gap-engineering.ch Internet: www.gap-engineering.ch www.mechatherm.com see Smelting technology 1.5 CTI Systems S.A. Z.I. Eselborn – Lentzweiler 12, op der Sang L-9779 Lentzweiler Tel.: +352 2685 2000 Fax: +356 2685 3000 E-Mail: cti@ctisystems.com Internet: www.ctisystems.com ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 Heat treatment furnaces Wärmebehandlungsanlagen Molten Metall Level Control Ostra Hamnen 7 SE-430 91 Hono / Schweden Tel.: +46 31 764 5520, Fax: +46 31 764 5529 E-Mail: info@precimeter.com Internet: www.precimeter.com Sales contact: Jan Strömbeck www.mechatherm.com see Smelting technology 1.5 Vollert Anlagenbau GmbH see Packaging equipment 2.3 see Billet Heating Furnaces 2.1 79 LIEFERVERZEICHNIS Melting furnaces Schmelzöfen 4.14 Melt preparation 4.15 Melt treatment devices Schmelzvorbereitung Schmelzbehandlungseinrichtungen Degassing, filtration Büttgenbachstraße 14 D-40549 Düsseldorf/Germany Tel.: +49 (0) 211 / 5 00 91-43 Fax: +49 (0) 211 / 50 13 97 E-Mail: info@bloomeng.de Internet: www.bloomeng.com Sales Contact: Klaus Rixen Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 HERTWICH ENGINEERING GmbH Entgasung, Filtration Drache Umwelttechnik GmbH Werner-v.-Siemens-Straße 9/24-26 D 65582 Diez/Lahn Telefon 06432/607-0 Telefax 06432/607-52 Internet: http://www.drache-gmbh.de Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 Metaullics Systems Europe B.V. Ebweg 14 NL-2991 LT Barendrecht Tel. +31-180/590890 Fax +31-180/551040 E-Mail: info@metaullics.nl Internet: www.metaullics.com 4.17 Environment protection and disposal Umweltschutz und Entsorgung see Casthouse (foundry) 1.5 Dust removal Entstaubung Melt treatment agents see Equipment and accessories 3.1 Schmelzebehandlungsmittel Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 MARX GmbH & Co. KG Lilienthalstr. 6-18 D-58638 Iserhohn Tel.: +49 (0) 2371 / 2105-0, Fax: -11 E-Mail: info@marx-gmbh.de Internet: www.marx-gmbh.de 5 Materials and Recycling Werkstoffe und Recycling Granulated aluminium Aluminiumgranulate Chr. Otto Pape GmbH Aluminiumgranulate Berliner Allee 34 D-30855 Langenhagen Tel:+49(0)511 786 32-0 Fax: -32 Internet: www.papemetals.com E-Mail: info@papemetals.com Holding furnaces Warmhalteöfen Büttgenbachstraße 14 D-40549 Düsseldorf/Germany Tel.: +49 (0) 211 / 5 00 91-43 Fax: +49 (0) 211 / 50 13 97 E-Mail: info@bloomeng.de Internet: www.bloomeng.com Sales Contact: Klaus Rixen Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 6 Machining and Application Bearbeitung und Anwendung 6.1 Surface treatment processes Prozesse für die Oberflächenbehandlung Henkel AG & Co. KGaA siehe Prozesse für die Oberflächentechnik 6.1 Henkel AG & Co. KGaA Heat treatment furnaces HERTWICH ENGINEERING GmbH Anodising / Anodisation Joining / Fügen see Equipment and accessories 3.1 Wärmebehandlungsanlagen Gautschi Engineering GmbH see Casting equipment 3.1 NEOTECHNIK GmbH Entstaubungsanlagen Postfach 110261, D-33662 Bielefeld Tel. 05205/7503-0, Fax 05205/7503-77 info@neotechnik.com, www.neotechnik.com siehe Prozesse für die Oberflächentechnik 6.1 Henkel AG & Co. KGaA D-40191 Düsseldorf Tel. +49 (0) 211 / 797-30 00 Fax +49 (0) 211 / 798-23 23 Internet: www.henkel-technologies.com Cleaning / Reinigung Henkel AG & Co. KGaA siehe Prozesse für die Oberflächentechnik 6.1 see Casthouse (foundry) 1.5 see Equipment and accessories 3.1 80 Adhesive bonding / Verkleben Pretreatment before coating Henkel AG & Co. KGaA Henkel AG & Co. KGaA siehe Prozesse für die Oberflächentechnik 6.1 Vorbehandlung vor der Beschichtung siehe Prozesse für die Oberflächentechnik 6.1 ALUMINIUM · 7-8/2011 ALLGEMEINES suppliers directory ALLGEMEINES 6.3 Equipmentforforging andimpactextrusion 6.2 Semiproducts Halbzeuge Wires/Drähte drAHtWerk eLISentAL W. erdmann GmbH & co. Werdohler Str. 40, D-58809 neuenrade Postfach 12 60, D-58804 neuenrade Tel. +49(0)2392/697-0, Fax 49(0)2392/62044 E-Mail: info@elisental.de Internet: www.elisental.de www.alu-web.de International ALUMINIUM Journal 87. 87. 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Beiträge unter anderem: We will report on companies and equipment partners of the aluminium foundry industry, with emphasis on new projects and technological developments. • • • • • • • • • • Gießereien wieder auf Wachstumskurs Energieeffiziente Lösungen von Bühler Druckguss Gießprozess-Simulation als strategisches Werkzeug Neue Trennstoffschicht für Druckgussformen Energieeffiziente Herstellung von Magnesiumlegierungen Foundries achieve growth again Energy-efficient solutions from Bühler Druckguss Simulation of the casting process as strategic tool New high performance coating for die cast moulds Energy-saving production of magnesium alloys Weitere Themen Further topics • Globalisierung der Aluminiumindustrie – Wettbewerbsstrategien aufstrebender und fortgeschrittener Ökonomien, Teil 2 • Die bulgarische Aluminiumindustrie • Feuerfestsysteme für die NE-Metallindustrie • The globalising aluminium industry – competitive strategies of emerging and advanced economies, part 2 • The Bulgarian aluminium industry • Refractory systems for the non-ferrous industry Erscheinungstermin: Anzeigenschluss: Redaktionsschluss: 5. 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