Overview

Prof. Antrekowitsch, as Vice-Rector you will be responsible for research and sustainability. Do you see further potential to develop the cooperation between AMAG and MUL?

The aluminium world is in a state of radical change. We are pushing the limits of known alloys and their classes, both to enhance their performance (crossover concept [1-4]) and to create alloys containing high proportions of recycled materials [4-6]. The microstructure is a crucial factor in determining the physical and chemical properties of these specialist products. A fundamental understanding of how the aluminium matrix interacts with added elements in solid solution, primary phases, dispersoids and hardening phases, and how they interact with dislocations, is essential for optimizing manufacturing processes and the properties of finished materials.

In the automotive industry, the importance of welded joints is increasing and directly connected to lightweight design and recyclability. The welding process and the different welding geometries enable the required mechanical and technological properties and the joints’ visual and decorative demands. Out of the wide variety of welding techniques, resistance spot welding (RSW) is the most used method due to its fast processing time, high degree of automation, and the potential for hybrid joints with adhesive. Other advantages are the weight savings if RSW is compared to rivet or bolt joints and the simplification of the material recycling process without joining elements.

The adhesive properties of our products are influenced by many different factors. In addition to influencing characteristics such as texture and surface chemistry, subsequent process steps are also decisive, especially those carried out at our customers. Knowledge and understanding of the relevance of these influencing factors enables the optimization of processes, selection of adhesives or the interpretation of commissioned adhesive tests.

In an earlier edition we had already reported on the adhesive bonding in the automotive industry and the associated challenges regarding the longevity of the bonded joint under corrosive load. Here, the influence of the chemical surface treatment of the final surface was discussed.

AluReport talks to ALMECO Vice President, Tommaso Fiorentini, about the market for bright aluminium products and how ALMECO has evolved from a company focused on the lighting industry to become a leading supplier of bright aluminium products for a wide range of applications.

Daylight is essential to our survival. Not only does it influence our physical health, it also contributes to our emotional and psychological wellbeing. In addition, a plentiful supply of daylight has a positive influence on our visual perception, helps to reduce eye fatigue and tiredness, and improves productivity.

As demand for high-quality and precision processed rolled aluminium products steadily expands, the importance of advanced manufacturing technologies is also rising.

In the world of modern architecture, innovative material technologies, avant-garde design and sustainable strategies come together to create a fascinating symbiosis that constantly redefines the limits of what is possible.

Interview with CEO/COO Dr. Helmut Kaufmann, - You have been preaching the importance of knowledge-based action at AMAG for more than 16 years - and show no signs of stopping. Can you explain why?

As a premium provider with a strong focus on specialist products, excellent strength and forming properties are vital. However, surface quality also plays an important role for almost all our products. This not only determines their visual appearance but also influences their formability, solderability, slip resistance, bonding ability and much more.

AluReport spoke with CEO Dr. Helmut Kaufmann on the occasion of the 50th issue of AluReport to discuss the magazine’s origins, AMAG then and now, and how AluReport can help to counter short-termism. AluReport: Dr. Kaufmann, AluReport is your baby. Tell us how it all began. HK: In 2007, my colleagues and I were appointed to the Management Board: Gerhard Falch as CEO, Gerald Mayer as CFO and myself as COO. At that time, AMAG was still part of the Constantia Group. We conducted a strategic process and determined that we wanted to position AMAG as a premium supplier of flat aluminium products and recycled cast alloys, with specialty products accounting for a significant proportion of our portfolio.