Aluminium News
BMW Landshut is now using new multi-plate die casting technology
The light metal foundry at the BMW components plant in Landshut is using multi-plate die casting technology, which offers function-optimised component design and design of the required sprue positions and flow paths
Megacasting: a chance to rethink body manufacturing
The aluminium die-casting process could revolutionise body construction. Professor Wolfram Volk, the department head for forming technology and casting at the Technical University of Munich, explains the advantages and disadvantages of so-called ‘mega’- or ‘gigacasting’.
Volvo investing $1.1 billion in Gothenburg site to support huge electrification push
In the coming years, Volvo Cars will be investing SEK 10 billion ($1.1 billion) into its manufacturing plant in the Torslanda province of Gothenburg, Sweden, as preparation for the production of the next generation of fully electric cars.
The die is cast for Volvo’s future EV production
One of the key pillars of Volvo’s investment in electric vehicles will be the application of aluminium megacasting to produce large structural parts. Mikael Fermér, solution architect for vehicle platforms at Volvo Cars, explains the significance of this change for EV production.
Novelis invests in aluminium recycling to meet automotive demand
Novelis is investing $365m to construct an advanced aluminium recycling centre for the automotive industry in North America. The new recycling facility will be built adjacent to Novelis’ existing automotive finishing plant in Guthrie, Kentucky.
GM invests in Bedford aluminium casting facility for EV drive unit castings
Upgrades to the Bedford plant are to support production of drive unit castings for new Silverado all-electric pickup. The facility has already launched drive unit castings for GMC Hummer EV pickup and SUV
Aluminium applications
Electric vehicles battery enclosures are increasing overall vehicle weight, with lightweight materials for structural components, such as castings, can offset the rise. Rio Tinto’s Jerome Fourmann tells Nick Holt about new opportunities and production innovations
AMS Lightweighting 2021 – Weighing the options
This edition features insights on how manufacturing engineers and designers are taking new approaches to vehicle architectures and production to integrate lighter, more efficient materials – especially for EVs – to reduce weight and improve sustainability. Featuring Ford, Gestamp, Rio Tinto, ArcelorMittal, Dreistern and more
Ford gambles with supply chains as OEM reportedly doubles production targets for electric F-150 Lightning trucks
Demand for electric vehicles has skyrocketed in recent years amid broader strategy by global institutions towards carbon-neutrality. However, supply chain disruptions relating to semiconductor shortages, the coronavirus pandemic, and material access may prove problematic for attempts to ramp up EV battery production.
Watch: Vehicle lightweighting rises to the top of the agenda for designers and engineers
This livestream investigates how designers and engineers at Ford, Gestamp and key suppliers are using innovative materials and creating lightweight architectures, including for models like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Maverick compact truck.
Power is nothing without control
Chassis components keep the wheels from falling off the EV revolution. Illya Verpraet found out how Gestamp is managing the change with material and quality control innovation
Watch: Strategies for Greener Production (EP.1)
This AMS Livestream Hour episode discusses how automotive manufacturers are making their plants and value chains more sustainable through new processes and technology, with special guests including Scania and ArcelorMittal. Watch and download slides.
AMS Environment and Sustainability 2020 – Greener production, battery recycling, decarbonising materials and more
For the automotive industry environmental sustainability is not just important for the vehicles they produce, it is also a key factor in the production process. This edition of AMS takes a close look at sustainable production, utilising recycled materials and renewable energy sources
Audi introduces closed-loop systems for aluminium, wastewater and plastic
Audi has detailed how it is introducing closed-loop systems to its plants as part of its goal to make all its five plants carbon-neutral by 2025. This includes aluminium, wastewater and a pilot project for chemical recycling of plastics.
Taking shape: Forming aluminium
AMS spoke to two leading press line suppliers to get some insight into process challenges and solutions for this material
Aluminium welding goes digital
Aluminium is an important part of the multi-material mix that will form the body and chassis structures of the next generation of electric vehicles. Nick Holt reports on the welding challenges and technologies
Watch: The latest technology from Coherent solves your most challenging welding tasks in e-mobility battery manufacturing
A major leap in fiber laser welding technology that can significantly improve your productions processes.
Shielding aluminium
With aluminium continuing as the lightweight material of choice, Chemetall explains why a smarter approach to pretreatment of high-share aluminium content vehicle bodies is required
Al around the weld
Joining aluminium parts gives the bodyshop a number of challenges not encountered when welding steel. But a variety of weld techniques are helping OEMs to adapt and extend use of the lighter metal
Drawing attention: aluminium hot form quench
Better known as a niche process for parts with deep-drawn and complex geometries in high-strength aluminium, hot form quench is now being adapted for high volume production