Alcoa to develop world's lowest-cost aluminum complex in S Arabia news

Alcoa, the largest aluminum company in the US and Saudi Arabia's mining company Ma'aden yesterday agreed to invest $10.8-billion joint venture to develop the world's lowest cost aluminium complex in Saudi Arabia.

Alcoa and its partners will own 40 per cent of the joint venture, while Ma'aden will hold 60 per cent and bring the stalled project back on rails.
The project had stalled in 2008 after Rio Tinto's Canadian aluminum subsidiary; Rio Tinto Alcan, holding a 49-per cent stake had pulled out of the project for lack of financing due to the global credit crisis.
Of its 40 per cent, Alcoa will hold 20 per cent and its partners the rest. Each of Alcoa and the partners will invest $900 million over a four-year period and will be responsible for their pro rata share of the project financing, in addition to specific completion commitments.
The Pittsburgh-based aluminum maker said its share of the project is $2.2 billion.
The joint venture will set up a 1.8 million ton-per-year refinery, a 740,000 ton-per-year smelter, a bauxite mine with an annual capacity of 4 million tons and a rolling mill with a capacity of up to 460,000 tons.
http://www.domain-b.com/industry/Aluminium/20091222_alcoa.html

Scrappers charged with stealing aluminum cable near Joliet

A citizen's tip led Will County sheriff's police to take two would-be scrappers into custody last week for swiping 50 feet of aluminum cable from a ComEd site just outside Joliet, police said.

Brian W. Sniegowski, 38, of the 1800 block of Nicholson Street, Crest Hill, and Gordon N. Neitzel, 46, of the 24700 block of East Street, Plainfield, are charged with misdemeanor theft, police said.

Deputies said they tracked Sniegowski to a metal recycling facility in Joliet as he was transporting cable in Neitzel's sport-utility vehicle. Neitzel, who had been barred from the facility, was waiting at a nearby fast-food restaurant when deputies took him into custody, police said.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/southsouthwest/chi-stolen-cable-blotter-sw-25dec25,0,2765368.story

Century Aluminum Company Announces Successful Completion of Consent Solicitation Related to Its 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2024

Century Aluminum Company (the "Company") (NASDAQ: CENX) today announced that it has successfully completed its solicitation of consents to amend the indenture governing its 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2024, CUSIP Nos. 156431AE8 and 156431AD0 (the "2024 Notes"), to modify certain events of default relating to certain bankruptcies and insolvencies. The Company has been advised by the information and tabulation agent for the consent solicitation that approximately 90% of holders of the 2024 Notes consented to the proposed amendments.
Century Aluminum Company owns primary aluminum capacity in the United States and Iceland. Century's corporate offices are located in Monterey, California.
Cautionary Statement
This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws. The company has based its forward-looking statements on current expectations and projections about the future; however, these statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, any of which could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed in its forward-looking statements. More information about these risks, uncertainties and assumptions can be found in the risk factors and forward-looking statements cautionary language contained in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date such forward-looking statements are made.
Certified Advisors for the First North market of the OMX Nordic Exchange Iceland hf. for Global Depositary Receipts in Iceland:
Atli B. Gudmundsson, Senior Manager - Corporate Finance, NBI hf.
Steingrimur Helgason, Director - Corporate Finance, NBI hf.

Contacts:
Media
Mike Dildine
831-642-9364
Investors
Shelly Lair

831-642-9357

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/0559251.htm

Chinese aluminum output may increase by 9pct in 2010

Bloomberg reported that China's aluminum production may gain 9% to 14.5 million tonnes in 2010 as capacity idled because of the financial crisis is restarted after prices rebounded.

Mr Peter Deneen an industry consultant with New Jersey based River Edge said that "Chinese aluminum production has come roaring back and is likely to reach 13.3 million tonnes 2009."

The China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association has said that output of 2008 was 13.2 million tonnes.

Aluminum output in China, the world's biggest consumer and producer has gained after CNY 4 trillion government stimulus plan boosted demand and prices. Smelters had reduced output of the metal used in aircraft and cars after aluminum prices plunged 36% in 2008.

Mr Wang Feihong analyst at a unit of China Minmetals Corporation said that aluminum production in 2009 might be flat to even higher than 2008's 13.2 million tonnes because smelters have been bringing back idled capacity since the Q2 at a faster speed than the market had anticipated.

Mr Huang Zichao president at the consultancy Guangzhou KCTH Trading Company said that the effect of the financial crisis will likely cut output of primary aluminum to 12.75 million tonnes 2009.

According to the statistics bureau, China posted an 8% increase in output of the metal in September compared with the previous month to 1.2 million tonnes. Aluminum Corporation of China Limited posted its first profit in Q4 on increased demand and prices.

Mr Deneen who was attending a conference in Hong Kong said that as with aluminum production, China's alumina output will be flat at 24 million tonnes 2009 before rising to 28 million tonnes 2010 leaving little scope for alumina imports. 2 tonnes of alumina is needed to produce one ton of aluminum. He said that China will rely on bauxite to feed its growing alumina production capacity, which is forecast to rise 11.1% to 40 million tonnes in 2010.

Mr Paul Messenger CEO at Cape Alumina Limited said that "China has achieved self sufficiency in aluminum and effectively in alumina but has been unable to do so in bauxite."
http://steelguru.com/news/index/2009/11/05/MTE5MDM5/Chinese_aluminum_output_may_increase_by_9pct_in_2010.html

Experts: Aluminum bats no more dangerous than wood bats

A decision made by a Montana jury could change the face of baseball in America. Jurors are listening to evidence in a case about the death of an 18-year-old pitcher. In 2003, Brandon Patch was hit in the temple from a hard line drive. He died 5 hours after the impact due to a blood clot. Patch's family is suing Hillerich & Bradsby, makers of the aluminum bat, arguing the bat is "unreasonably dangerous.”
The parent company of the Louisville Slugger has been making wooden bats for more than 100 years and aluminum bats since 1970. In this case, the Montana jury is looking into whether aluminum bats are safe for baseball players to use. In court, the attorney representing Hillerich & Bradsby said aluminum bats are not any more dangerous than wooden bats.
University of Louisville head baseball coach Dan McDonnell is not involved in the Montana case, but spoke with WAVE 3 about the differences between wooden versus aluminum bats. McDonnell said injuries can happen regardless of the bat being used.
"We have pitchers that get hit. Just throughout this fall, we've had 5 or 6 pitchers that have gotten hit with a ball coming off a bat," said McDonnell, whose team uses aluminum bats.
Like any other contact sport, McDonnell said baseball can be dangerous and injuries can happen.
"Whether it's a wooden bat, an aluminum bat, any bat - it's just the pitchers are always at risk because they are so close to the plate," McDonnell said. "The last thing anybody wants is for somebody to get hurt, but it happens."
McDonnell said bat companies are doing a good job of following regulations. "Knowing Louisville Slugger and the type of people they are and the family-owned business, I know they're doing everything in their power. [They are doing everything] in compliance with college baseball, high school baseball -whatever the rules are and the standards."
McDonnell wants to keep the standards the same. He said aluminum bats are a good fit for high school and college players and the wooden bats should be left for the pros. McDonnell said when it comes to speed it has to do with hitting the ball with the "sweet spot" of the bat and aluminum bats give players a better chance to do that.
"For it to come off with any velocity, you're going to have to hit it on the sweet spot whether it’s an aluminum bat or a wooden bat," he said.
Coach McDonnell said a batter swinging with a wooden bat can also hit a pitcher.
Meanwhile, “The Don't Take My Bat Away Coalition” supports players choosing what bats they want to use for a game. Coalition representative Mike May said it doesn't matter if a ball is hit using an aluminum or wooden bat, the speed is the same. May did say that with aluminum bats, "you do get a few more well hit balls, but they are not harder hit balls."
In regards to the Montana case, while May said Brandon Patch's death was a tragedy, he doesn't think you can blame everything on the bat. According to May, just because the batter was using an aluminum bat, it’s a bigger deal. “The immediate criticism is negative and they start blaming the bat and that's not accurate and that's not fair."
Also in court, the attorney representing the Patch's family said Brandon did not have enough time to get his glove in place after the pitch to protect himself. Experts clocked the ball hit by the aluminum bat at 99.8 mph.
http://www.wave3.com/Global/story.asp?S=11370259

Comex delists aluminum, ponders future product

After 10 years of spotty trading and incessant illiquidity, CME Group's aluminum futures contract has expired with more of a whimper than a bang. But that hasn't stopped the exchange from considering taking a fresh stab at the market.
"I can't say people were upset about (the contract's demise)," according to Bob Levin, managing director for energy and metals research and development at CME Group, which operated the contract after its 2008 takeover of the New York Mercantile Exchange (Nymex). "I'm not aware of anybody voicing anything very negative at all, except perhaps some disappointment that it hadn't worked as successfully as we all would have liked. If they had wanted it that much, they would have been trading it more."
CME Group announced in June the decision to delist the futures contract upon the expiration of the September 2009 contract month and the options contract at the end of August. The contract launched in May 1999 against the backdrop of a roaring aluminum product on the London Metal Exchange but struggled to attract volumes from the start.
Traders of the light metal told AMM that the decision to delist didn't come as a surprise, and, if anything, came too late. "They could have done that a long time ago. It's definitely been obsolete for some time," one trader said.
A second trader agreed. "I think that contract just hasn't been used for so long it's just irrelevant. What it became was just like a joke," he said, noting that his trading company hadn't held positions on the...
http://www.amm.com/login/denied_empty/2009-10-06__15-42-11.html/Comex+delists+aluminum+ponders+future+product

Newport introduces aluminum breadboards

ewport, a lasers and photonics manufacturer, has introduced the Labasix SA2 series of low-cost aluminum breadboards for basic photonic research and OEM optical assemblies.
The new, solid aluminum breadboards, machined from 0.5in 6061 aluminum, provide a stable yet lightweight platform for optical components and sub-assemblies.

The LABasix SA2 aluminum breadboard provide a stable yet lightweight platform for optical components and sub-assemblies

The durable SA2 Series incorporates several unique design features that improve the flexibility and ease-of-use compared to traditional aluminum breadboards.
The standard grid of tapped holes extends to within 0.5in of the plate edges, providing more mounting surface than competitive products.
Newport's SA2 also features 'in-grid' counter-bored holes and deep edge chamfers for easier lifting, aligning, and integration of the SA2 onto standard optical tables.
The SA2 Series is offered in the most popular standard sizes with custom sizes and shapes also available.
The imperial standard models feature 1/4 - 20 tapped holes on a 1-inch grid.
Metric models feature M6 tapped holes on a 25mm grid.
Both imperial and metric versions are anodized deep black to minimise surface reflections, with other surface finishes available upon request.
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/mcr/mcr178.html

Century Aluminum sells stake in joint venture

Century Aluminum Co. said Tuesday that the company completed the divestment of its stake in certain bauxite and alumina assets.

Century Aluminum ( CENX - news - people ) sold its half of Louisiana-based Gramercy Alumina LLC and Jamaica-based St. Ann Bauxite Ltd. to privately held Noranda Aluminum Holding Corp. The two companies jointly acquired Gramercy and St. Ann from Kaiser Aluminum ( KALU - news - people ) and Chemical Corp. in 2004. Noranda, based in Franklin, Tenn., now is the sole owner of Gramercy and St. Ann. Bauxite is the primary ore of aluminum.

In August, Century Aluminum said the transaction will increase its focus on the company's core aluminum smelting business and growth projects.

Gramercy owns and operates a 1.2 million metric ton per year alumina annual capacity alumina refinery located in Louisiana and St. Ann owns and operates a 4.8 million metric ton per year annual capacity bauxite mining operation in Jamaica. As a result of the economic downturn, Century Aluminum said that Gramercy and St. Ann have been producing at about 50 percent and 40 percent of their rated capacities since early 2009.

Last month, Noranda said Century had agreed to purchase alumina---the key ingredient in aluminum-- from Gramercy in 2009 and 2010.

Noranda CEO Layle K. Smith said in a statement the deal is "consistent with our vertical integration strategy and our continuing desire to have a secure strategic supply of alumina. We also believe owning 100 percent of these two operations represents an opportunity to enhance profitability as market pricing improves."

Shares of Monterey, Calif.-based Century Aluminum dropped 18 cents to $10.05 in morning trading.

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/09/01/business-materials-us-century-aluminum-sale_6836916.html

Century Aluminum takes USD 73 million Q2 charge

Reuters reported that Century Aluminum Company which already reported a Q2 loss is taking a USD 73.2 million charge that will increase that loss.

The charge relates to the recently agreed transfer of the company's 50% ownership interests in Gramercy Alumina LLC in Louisiana and Jamaica's St. Ann Bauxite Limited.

The non cash charge for equity investment impairment will be reflected in Q2 financial statements on Form 10-Q expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange on August 10th 2009.

California based company reported a Q2 net loss of USD 33.9 million or 46 cents per share. A spokesman said that those results were only "provisional" and that the impairment charge although incurred in the Q3 would be included in the Q2 results filed with the SEC next week.

Century Aluminum said that it will transfer its stakes in the 2 companies to subsidiaries of privately held Noranda Aluminum Holding Corporation.
http://steelguru.com/news/index/2009/08/17/MTA3NDQw/
Century_Aluminum_takes_USD_73_million_Q2_charge.html

Martin introduce carriage house doors in aluminum

Martin carriage house doors in aluminum offer almost all of the features of wood, without any of the heavy maintenance or the safety liabilities.

The aluminum doors feature Martin's patented FingerShield joint design as well as over 30 safety and quality items that are standard with each Martin Door.

"This door is the best in its class.

In fact, the Carriage House Collection Aluminum Doors are in a class all their own," David Martin, chairman of MDM, said of the door.

The doors will come in over 70 powder coat colors and include 1/4" thick antique hinges and handles in black or silver.

The doors are only available with a powder coat finish.

The door is almost maintenance free, according to Martin, because of the aluminum and powder coating.

The door comes with a lifetime warranty with few limitations.

Even the door's hardware lasts long on the super strong door because of its lightweight aluminum, according to Martin.

The door features a true 3-D design, he added.

The benefits of the new carriage house look to traditional wood doors are obvious.

"Experience has shown that wood warps, cracks and splits," Martin said.

"Wood has a short warranty and does not last long.

Steel also does not last as long as aluminum.

Hardware usually wears out faster on heavier doors".

The new aluminum door is also environmentally friendly, because it offers the charm and appeal of a carriage house look, without cutting down any trees.

http://www.buildingtalk.com/news/amw/amw100.html

Alcoa posts loss on sharply lower aluminum prices

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) - Alcoa Inc. said Wednesday it swung to a second-quarter loss as aluminum prices plunged from a year ago and as top customers continued to grapple with the persistent economic recession. See full story.
Hasbro hitches bigger sales to Transformers sequel

The toy maker is revving up for bigger sales thanks to the blockbuster Transformers sequel, with merchandise sales topping the 2007 product line by up to 25%, analysts say. See full story.
Oil slumps 4%, falling for sixth day

Crude-oil futures tumble more than 4% to a seven-week low, falling for the sixth straight session, as government data shows demand for petroleum products remains weak and as U.S. inventories rise. See full story.
NRG Energy rejects Exelon offer, shares rise

NRG Energy shares rise as the wholesale-power generator rejects a sweetened $7.45 billion all-stock buyout offer from Exelon -- but leaves the door open to considering a higher bid. See full story.
Treasurys jump after 'best' 10-year note auction

Treasury prices jump, pushing 10-year yields to the lowest in about seven weeks, after the U.S. government garnered record demand for $19 billion in the benchmark securities, the third of four major auctions this week. See full story.
MARKETWATCH COMMENTARY

Dell Inc. is paving the way for possible large acquisitions, but as analysts and the press pontificate on potential targets, it becomes increasingly clear that no one really knows what direction the company should take. See full story.
MARKETWATCH PERSONAL FINANCE

Think about when you fall in love: You feel great. You look at the world differently. You’re ready to take on any challenge. Wouldn’t you love to stay in that state forever?
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/alcoa-posts-loss-on-sharply-lower-aluminum-prices-20097817040

Couplings with aluminum hubs have low inertia

Couplings with aluminum hubs have low weight and low inertia making them an excellent choice for servo motor and other precision motion control applications.

Zero-Max CD couplings with aluminum hubs have low weight and low inertia making them an excellent choice for servo motor and other precision motion control applications.

Available in single and double disc pack models, these couplings have high torsional stiffness and zero-backlash.

These aluminum hub CD couplings provide the same torque as the steel hub versions along with a 15 to 20% increase in the couplings rev/min rating for most models.

Both single and double disc pack models combine the best features found in steel disc and elastomeric couplings through the use of a patented open arm disc design made of rugged composite material.

This unique design provides the high misalignment capacity found in many elastomeric couplings but with higher torsional stiffness.

Compared to steel disc couplings, CD couplings with aluminum hubs offer superior damping and isolation of shock and vibrating loads, including elimination of fretting corrosion and dramatic reduction of stress fractures at the bolt hole locations.

The CD coupling also provides excellent chemical and moisture resistance in hostile environments that prove difficult or impossible for elastomeric or steel disc couplings.

The aluminum hub CD Single Flex models are available in either clamp style or keyway with set screw style hubs from 1.85in to 6.00in diameters.

They handle speeds from 5,200 to 17,000 rev/min and have torsional stiffness of 1,800 to 41,485 in.lb/deg depending on size.

The aluminum hub CD Double Flex models are available in either clamp style or keyway with set screw style hubs from 1.85in to 6.00in diameters.

They handle speeds from 4,400 to 17,000 rev/min and have torsional stiffness of 850 to 20,196 in.lb/deg depending on size.

CD couplings are also available with custom designed disc packs for virtually any type or style of application.
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/zer/zer107.html

Aluminum Heads for Biggest Weekly Gain in 21 Years in London

Aluminum rose in London, heading for the biggest weekly gain in 21 years, as inventory figures signaled a possible strengthening in demand.

Aluminum earmarked for shipment from warehouses registered with the London Metal Exchange jumped almost 15 percent to 81,375 metric tons. That was the highest since April 17 and accounted for about 1.9 percent of total inventories.

“Some distributors are showing renewed buying interest on concern that they will not be prepared to meet orders when demand returns,” Deutsche Bank AG analysts Michael Lewis and Joel Crane said today in an e-mailed report.

Aluminum for three-month delivery added $7.25, or 0.5 percent, to $1,571.75 a ton at 5:05 p.m. on the LME. The contract has added 9.1 percent this week, closing in on the largest gain since June 1988, after sliding for three weeks.

Industries from packaging to aerospace use aluminum, which has risen 2 percent this year in London, the least among the LME’s six main metals. Copper has soared 63 percent and lead is up 66 percent.

Aluminum futures open interest, or the number of contracts outstanding, rose to a record 829,336 lots as of yesterday. The increase suggested investors were making purchases, which may represent new bets on higher prices, Deutsche Bank’s Lewis and Crane said.

Still, LME-monitored aluminum stockpiles have almost quadrupled in a year. Supply will exceed demand by 380,000 tons this year, less than last year’s 1.29 million-ton surplus, according to the analysts.

‘Significant Improvement’

United Co. Rusal, the world’s largest producer, said June 3 it expects a “significant improvement” in prices from the third quarter as the global economy rebounds.

Copper for three-month delivery dropped $32, or 0.6 percent, to $4,993 a ton on the LME, after earlier advancing as much as 2 percent. Copper for July delivery fell 0.9 percent to $2.2805 a pound on the New York Mercantile Exchange’s Comex division.

U.S. employers cut 345,000 workers from payrolls in May, the smallest drop in eight months, the Labor Department said today in Washington. Other figures released this week showed that fewer Americans filed claims for jobless benefits and sales of previously owned homes advanced.

Copper stockpiles monitored by the LME dropped 3,225 tons to 299,975 tons. Inventories tracked by the Shanghai Futures Exchange have jumped 15,263 tons, or almost 51 percent, to 45,480 tons this week. Including Comex stockpiles, inventories totaled 396,999 tons, up 1 percent for the week.

Economic Rebound

Optimism about an economic rebound has helped to drive copper and other metals higher this year. Tobias Merath, head of commodity research at Credit Suisse Group AG in Zurich, said today by phone he has yet to see any signs of improved demand and Western economies remain in recession.

“As demand continues to be weak, metals can’t rally indefinitely,” he said.

Among other LME metals for three-month delivery, nickel fell 0.9 percent to $14,575 a ton, and lead lost 0.2 percent to $1,663 a ton. Zinc gained 0.6 percent to $1,565.25 a ton, and tin was unchanged at $14,700 a ton.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=aP8z_WtJWM44&refer=latin_america

Steel faces longer-term threat from auto aluminum

SEOUL (Reuters) - A collapse in steel demand from the ailing auto sector may be foremost on steelmakers' minds at the moment, but rising government fuel standards are the greater cause for alarm as aluminum and magnesium steal market share.

While the auto industry consumes only about 6 percent of the world's crude steel production, mills have long counted on steady growth in car sales to generate new business -- growth that may now be in doubt as aluminum and other super-light materials replace steel to help meet tougher environmental regulations.

The threat became more apparent this week as U.S. President Barack Obama introduced the most aggressive proposal yet to boost U.S. auto fuel economy standards, which would encourage automakers to invest in fuel-saving technology.

Under the new standards, U.S. passenger vehicles and light trucks must raise fuel efficiency by 5 percent yearly to an average 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016. The current law requires a similar gain by 2020.

"To achieve weight-saving and improve fuel efficiency, it's inevitable to replace steel to lighter materials, as steel accounts for around 50-60 percent of total vehicle weight," said Han Do-suck, principal researcher of South Korea's Hyundai Motor's (005380.KS) materials research team.

"We are open to all possibilities and new technologies but any dramatic and immediate change is unlikely, mainly because of cost issues."

The incentives are clear: fuel efficiency usually rises by 5-10 percent for every 10 percent reduction in vehicle weight, and per-vehicle steel consumption is well over 1 tonne.

That can be a big blow to already reeling steelmakers, such as Nippon Steel (5401.T), POSCO (005490.KS) and AK Steel (AKS.N), which count auto firms as a major client and face reduced demand as auto output falls by as much as 20 percent this year.

Already automakers are increasingly stripping off sheets of steel in favor of lighter and more stylish materials, such as aluminum, magnesium, titanium, plastics and carbon fiber.

The Mazda2 subcompact, for example, reduced weight by almost 100 kg from its predecessor by using lightweight and thinner ultra-tensile steel, altering the electrics, suspension and exhaust, and even by changing door speakers to save weight.

Aluminum LEADS, COST STILL CONCERN

The substitution has been led by aluminum, which can halve weight of vehicle body frames, thus dramatically reducing emissions of carbon dioxide blamed for global warming.

A survey by research firm Ducker Worldwide showed that per-vehicle aluminum content in North America would rise to 376 pounds by 2020, or 10.4 percent of total vehicle weight, from an estimated 8.6 percent this year.

Aluminum, which is as stiff as steel but weighs one third as much, has been developed for around two decades for use in autos but its high price and relatively complicated processing structure have prevented its use for the whole auto-body frame.

"Aluminum is some three to four times more expensive than steel per volume, and as a relatively less standardized and commoditized processing tool it costs a lot more to process the metal for auto use," said Kim Hyung-wook, a chief researcher at Korea Institute of Materials Science.
http://www.reuters.com/article/reutersEdge/idUSTRE54L13Y20090522

Martin introduce carriage house doors in aluminum

Martin carriage house doors in aluminum offer almost all of the features of wood, without any of the heavy maintenance or the safety liabilities.

The aluminum doors feature Martin's patented FingerShield joint design as well as over 30 safety and quality items that are standard with each Martin Door.

"This door is the best in its class.

In fact, the Carriage House Collection Aluminum Doors are in a class all their own," David Martin, chairman of MDM, said of the door.

The doors will come in over 70 powder coat colors and include 1/4" thick antique hinges and handles in black or silver.

The doors are only available with a powder coat finish.

The door is almost maintenance free, according to Martin, because of the aluminum and powder coating.

The door comes with a lifetime warranty with few limitations.

Even the door's hardware lasts long on the super strong door because of its lightweight aluminum, according to Martin.

The door features a true 3-D design, he added.

The benefits of the new carriage house look to traditional wood doors are obvious.

"Experience has shown that wood warps, cracks and splits," Martin said.

"Wood has a short warranty and does not last long.

Steel also does not last as long as aluminum.

Hardware usually wears out faster on heavier doors".

The new aluminum door is also environmentally friendly, because it offers the charm and appeal of a carriage house look, without cutting down any trees.

See the website for more details.
http://www.buildingtalk.com/news/amw/amw100.html

Century Aluminum (CENX) NewsBite - One of Today's Top Gainers

Century Aluminum (CENX) leads the list of top gainers so far today and is now at $5.43, up $1.39 (34.41%) on volume of 8,002,474 shares traded. Over the last 52 weeks the stock has ranged from a low of $1.04 to a high of $80.52. Century Aluminum stock has been showing support around $3.73 and resistance in the $4.31 range. Technical indicators for the stock are neutral and S&P does not currently have a STARS rating for CENX. If you are looking for a hedged play on CENX the stock seems like it could be a candidate for a September covered call above the 5 range. [ABR-Seven Summits Strategic Investments NewsBite]
http://www.marketintelligencecenter.com/articles/846576

Alcoa Transportation Products Wins 2009 Automotive News PACE Award

CLEVELAND, Apr 22, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) Alcoa Transportation Products was awarded a 2009 Automotive News PACE Award. The prestigious award recognizes automotive suppliers for superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance.

Transportation Products was recognized for its Alcoa Vacuum Die Casting (AVDC) for Lightweight Door Assemblies developed as an integrated casting alloy, process and equipment "systems solution" which provides vehicle manufacturers within the passenger auto and commercial transportation market segments the opportunity to maximize weight savings (30-35%), consolidate parts (60-70% BOM/parts reduction) and reduce system costs of lightweight door systems.

The patented AVDC process integrates dimensionally stable high strength and high ductility casting alloys and large die part size capability to expand the lightweight options for door inner panels beyond multiple piece stamped aluminum or steel sheet stampings. The innovation has been utilized by leading auto manufacturers, including most recently with Nissan on its high performance GT-R sports sedan.

During his acceptance speech, Kevin Kramer, President - Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products stated, "We are honored to be recognized as a winner for this prestigious award. AVDC is our second win in the last three years and this is a big deal. The Automotive News PACE Award reinforces Alcoa's commitment that innovation is our past and our future."

The 15th annual PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence) Award was presented by Automotive News, Ernst & Young LLP and the Transportation Research Center Inc. The competition was open to suppliers who contribute products, processes, materials or services directly to the manufacture of cars or trucks. The award is accepted around the world as the industry symbol of innovation. Alcoa Transportation Products was awarded in the Manufacturing Process and Capital Equipment category following an extensive review by an independent panel of judges including a comprehensive written application and a site visit.

Alcoa most recently was awarded an Automotive News PACE award for Dura-Bright(R) technology for forged aluminum wheels in 2007. This latest win is Alcoa's second award in as many attempts. For complete details of the Automotive News PACE Award, visit www.automotivenews.com/pace.

About Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products

Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, serves the commercial vehicle, automotive, and defense markets with products used in a range of applications including cast and forged aluminum wheels, aluminum space frames, specialized vacuum die cast products, niche products such as Dura-Bright(R) and Dura-Flange(R) wheels and M-Series(TM) medium truck wheels, as well as a variety of other aluminum components for these markets. AWTP is composed of three divisions: Transportation Products, Commercial Vehicle Wheels, and Automotive Wheels. It employs 2,800 people at 30 locations worldwide.

About Alcoa

Alcoa (NYSE:AA) is the world leader in the production and management of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina combined, through its active and growing participation in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components including flat-rolled products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, Alcoa also markets Alcoa(R) wheels, fastening systems, precision and investment castings, and building systems. The Company has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and has been a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for seven consecutive years. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com.

http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/2284925/

Mg content in 380/A380 aluminium alloys changed

The North American Die Casting Association has revised specifications by increasing the magnesium content to 0.30% from 0.10% for aluminum alloys 380 and A380.

The North American Die Casting Association (NADCA) has announced revised specifications increasing the magnesium content to 0.30% from 0.10% for aluminum alloys 380 and A380.

The increased level of magnesium will have a positive environmental effect by reducing the amount of chlorine used to control the magnesium level, while also slightly reducing the production cost for alloy producers.

Increased magnesium content in the alloy also improves the ability to machine cast parts.

"This change will provide significant environmental benefits while having no negative impact on properties or the ability of die casters to cast the alloys and a positive impact on the ability to machine alloys," said NADCA's president Daniel L Twarog.

"It will also make our standard consistent with those in some of the world's largest aluminum producing markets, which is an important consideration in today's global economy." Magnesium limits of 0.30% require approximately 40 to 50% less chlorine than alloys with 0.10% magnesium, depending upon the raw material being used.

Less chlorine, combined with less land-filling of magnesium chloride, could bring the cost of production down by one-quarter cent per pound.

While this is not a significant reduction in overall cost, it is an incremental step to lower costs for products made in the USA, improving domestic competitiveness with other countries.

Countries including Japan, China, Russia, Germany and the United Kingdom have had higher magnesium limits on their aluminum alloys for years.

The change in the specification was approved by the responsible NADCA technical committee and is widely supported by NADCA members.

The association is now working with the Aluminum Association to get it changed in the AA/ANSI standard and will subsequently work to get it changed in the ASTM specification.

* About NADCA - based in Wheeling, Illinois, the North American Die Casting Association (NADCA) represents the world's most effective die casters creating the world's best cast products.

Working with a North American die caster guarantees innovation, integrity, accessibility and reliability.

http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/noi/noi100.html

Alcoa posts quarterly loss on aluminum slump

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Aluminum producer Alcoa Inc (AA.N) reported a second consecutive quarterly loss on Tuesday, as metal prices and the autos industry slumped and global demand fell in the economic downturn.

In response to the tough times, Alcoa -- the first member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average .DJI to report -- has cut thousands of jobs, slashed its dividend, trimmed spending and raised $1.3 billion to help it through the slowdown.

"There's no doubt in my mind that we are in for a really nasty earnings season," said Keith Wirtz, president and chief investment officer of Fifth Third Asset Management. "Alcoa's second consecutive quarterly loss is testament to that. We are in the worse phase of this recession right now."

But on a conference call with Wall Street analysts, Alcoa Chief Executive Officer Klaus Kleinfeld was more upbeat, despite weakness in demand from industries it supplies.

"In the U.S., we are seeing the first signs of markets stabilizing at lower levels," he said.

Auto industry demand is down 18 percent globally and is worse in the United States, he said, "but the U.S. residential (construction) market might see some signs of bottoming out."

But Kleinfeld repeated his forecast that global aluminum consumption will decline 7 percent this year, although he is hopeful government stimulus action will revive metal demand.

Alcoa's first-quarter net loss was $497 million, or 61 cents per share, compared with a profit of $303 million, or 37 cents, in the 2008 quarter, the Pittsburgh-based company said. The loss from continuing operations was 59 cents per share.

Revenue fell 36 percent to $4.1 billion from $6.5 billion a year earlier after excluding divested businesses.

According to Reuters Estimates, the company actually lost 60 cents per share, excluding a write-off and gain from two transactions in the quarter. That missed analysts' estimate for a loss of 55 cents, Reuters Estimates said.

TRIMMING THEIR SAILS

Kleinfeld said in a press statement the steps the company has taken so far to cut costs should significantly improve its profitability and cash flow in 2009 and beyond.

"We also see both near-term and long-term catalysts that should improve the prospects for the aluminum industry," he said. "Current stimulus programs that target infrastructure and energy efficiency will create a demand for ... aluminum.

But Alcoa expects second-quarter alumina production to drop slightly as it cuts refinery production to meet smelter demand. Alumina, refined from bauxite, is smelted into aluminum.

The company also sees continued end market weakness for its flat-rolled products in the aerospace, construction and global transportation sectors in the second quarter.
http://www.reuters.com/article/ousiv/idUSTRE53649Y20090408

Martin introduce carriage house doors in aluminum

Martin carriage house doors in aluminum offer almost all of the features of wood, without any of the heavy maintenance or the safety liabilities.

The aluminum doors feature Martin's patented FingerShield joint design as well as over 30 safety and quality items that are standard with each Martin Door.

"This door is the best in its class.

In fact, the Carriage House Collection Aluminum Doors are in a class all their own," David Martin, chairman of MDM, said of the door.

The doors will come in over 70 powder coat colors and include 1/4" thick antique hinges and handles in black or silver.

The doors are only available with a powder coat finish.

The door is almost maintenance free, according to Martin, because of the aluminum and powder coating.

The door comes with a lifetime warranty with few limitations.

Even the door's hardware lasts long on the super strong door because of its lightweight aluminum, according to Martin.

The door features a true 3-D design, he added.

The benefits of the new carriage house look to traditional wood doors are obvious.

"Experience has shown that wood warps, cracks and splits," Martin said.

"Wood has a short warranty and does not last long.

Steel also does not last as long as aluminum.

Hardware usually wears out faster on heavier doors".

The new aluminum door is also environmentally friendly, because it offers the charm and appeal of a carriage house look, without cutting down any trees.
http://www.buildingtalk.com/news/amw/amw100.html

Aluminum recycling furnace dust collection system

An aluminum can recycling plant turned to Ceco Environmental for a new furnace dust collector system using Kirk and Blum ducts, producing a 5-10% productivity improvement and cleaner plant air

Dust collection from melt and holding furnaces had been an issue for a major beverage can recycling plant.

But the air inside the facility is now crystal clear after the installation of a Ceco-aire Fabric Dust Collector System from Ceco Environmental, a leader in large-scale dust and mist collection systems.

The 176,000 ACFM system with four-module baghouse was designed, fabricated and installed as a turnkey project by the Kirk and Blum and Ceco Filters units of Ceco Environmental, in only four months.

The new system comfortably meets the required performance standard, 4 milligrams per cubic meter of plant air.

The mid south recycling facility is the world's largest dedicated used beverage can (UBC) recycling operation.

The plant will melt 14 billion UBCs, or close to 200,000 tons this year, representing almost 25 percent of the total UBCs recycled annually in the USA.

The UBCs form the melt stock for over 250,000 tons of aluminum ingots the plant will cast this year, most of it shipped to a nearby mill co-owned by the customer, to be rolled again into canstock for beer and soft drinks.

The 500,000 sq ft facility was built in 1989 with a capacity of 120,000 tons of ingot, and expansions, the most recent in 2001, have more than doubled that output.

Despite the expansions, however, the original dust collection system with two baghouses, installed when the plant opened, had not been upgraded, according to their engineering and maintenance manager: "Our existing collection system was overmatched for dust collection at the main doors and charge wells on our four melt furnaces and two holding furnaces," he explained.

Dust originates after the UBCs are shredded and processed to remove paint and lacquer.

The shredded metal, heated to well above 200F.

from the processing, is then charged into the 100-ton capacity melt furnaces, but some remaining paint and lacquer generates ash, oxide and particulates.

"That's where our dust problem originated", he confirmed.

In addition, air pollution codes required no control measures for the furnace stacks, though some opacity at the stacks was visible.

"We felt the opacity was unacceptable from an environmental standpoint, so we decided to take in stack emissions while we were upgrading the furnace collection system".

Their requirements for the system, developed by an engineering consulting firm, included extracting a volume of 156,000 ACFM at 360F, the installation of four furnace hoods, and connecting the stack emissions into the system.

And all to be done on an accelerated construction schedule.

TIGHT TIMESCALE.

The biggest challenge facing Kirk and Blum was a very tight four-month timeframe for design, fabrication and installation, said Fred Pergram, sales engineer at the Kirk and Blum Lexington plant: "Annual furnace maintenance was scheduled for the two weeks before Christmas, so that was the only window we had to get the system tied-in, because for the rest of the year the plant runs 24/7.

We had to have the baghouse in place and ready to connect during that two week span.

Coordinating the installation also was a delicate issue, because three other contractors were working in the plant with cranes and lifts at the same time we were," Pergram explained.

Ceco Filters and Kirk and Blum were chosen for the project, the engineering and maintenance manager said, because they were the only ones that could complete the system in the short timeframe.

"When we put this out for bid with four companies, it was a case of 'can anybody meet this schedule?' The other bidders told us they couldn't have a system installed before February.

Kirk and Blum showed a lot of flexibility getting this project done".

The four module baghouse with a 36' x 100' footprint, the largest ever fabricated at the Kirk and Blum Lexington plant, is designed with more than 2,500 Arimid fiber filter bags and is insulated with 3'' of mineral wool to prevent condensation on the inside walls.

In the design phase, Ceco Filters suggested that the system volume could be raised to 176,000 ACFM, and run cooler at 260F, with the addition of a dilution air damper, allowing less expensive polyester filter bags to be used.

"The customer said to raise it to 176,000 ACFM but keep the 360F as specified, so instead we turned to Arimid fiber filter bags, which worked out well," said Dale Arvin, Ceco Filters manager specialising in dry fabric filters: "The system is running cool.

The dilution damper is closed so it's running at around 150F to 160F right now".

Arvin explained that the airstream, dust-laden from the furnaces, enters the baghouse modules through a baffled inlet.

The baffle causes heavier particles to fall into the hopper while the lighter particles are evenly distributed through the collector.

As the air passes through the filter bags, the dust is collected on the outside while the clean air travels up through the inside of the bags to the clean air plenum before exiting the collector.

When the filter bags are pulsed with compressed air, the dust falls into a screw conveyor, is carried to rotary discharge valves and falls into collection bags.

The dust generated by two melt furnaces and both holding furnaces is collected in the new baghouse while the other two melt furnaces are each collected in one of the older baghouses.

"The amount of dust being collected from the furnaces is much higher than the customer had anticipated," Arvin continued: "The bags under the dust collector are filling up in only a couple of days".

That's fine with the engineering and maintenance manager, who said, "One of the best sights I see at this plant are those full collection bags going to the dumpster twice a week".

Filter replacement will not be required for three years and the change-over will require about two days for all four modules, Arvin said.

The individual modules can be isolated for filter replacement so the entire system need not be shut down.

The system uses 120 linear feet of 3/16'' mild steel ductwork, fabricated at Kirk and Blum in Lexington, which is comprised of 84'' diameter round duct from all collection points to the baghouse and 52.75'' x 80.625'' square duct from baghouse to the stack.

All the preparatory work for the baghouse, including excavation, concrete, electrical systems, piping, air compression systems and insulation, was carried out by Kirk and Blum as part of the total turnkey package, Pergram said.

The two furnace hoods in use since the plant opened were replaced by four new hoods, designed jointly by the customer and Kirk and Blum, and installed by the customer's personnel.

Before the upgrade, only one of the hoods could be used at a time, which meant only one furnace at a time could be cleaned and skimmed.

"The new installation allows them to do both simultaneously, basically doubling the volume of the hoods, and has resulted in a five to 10 percent productivity improvement," Pergram noted.

Though Kirk and Blum did not install the original dust collector system in this plant, the company has enjoyed a long relationship with the facility, performing repair and maintenance projects since the facility was built.

"This is an old and valued customer," Pergram said, "and we were glad we had the opportunity to carry out a project of this size for them, to show them how quickly we can get the job done".

The customer's reaction to the system? "We're very pleased with it.

http://www.processingtalk.com/news/kir/kir101.html

Martin introduce carriage house doors in aluminum

Martin carriage house doors in aluminum offer almost all of the features of wood, without any of the heavy maintenance or the safety liabilities.

The aluminum doors feature Martin's patented FingerShield joint design as well as over 30 safety and quality items that are standard with each Martin Door.

"This door is the best in its class.

In fact, the Carriage House Collection Aluminum Doors are in a class all their own," David Martin, chairman of MDM, said of the door.

The doors will come in over 70 powder coat colors and include 1/4" thick antique hinges and handles in black or silver.

The doors are only available with a powder coat finish.

The door is almost maintenance free, according to Martin, because of the aluminum and powder coating.

The door comes with a lifetime warranty with few limitations.

Even the door's hardware lasts long on the super strong door because of its lightweight aluminum, according to Martin.

The door features a true 3-D design, he added.

The benefits of the new carriage house look to traditional wood doors are obvious.

"Experience has shown that wood warps, cracks and splits," Martin said.

"Wood has a short warranty and does not last long.

Steel also does not last as long as aluminum.

Hardware usually wears out faster on heavier doors".

The new aluminum door is also environmentally friendly, because it offers the charm and appeal of a carriage house look, without cutting down any trees.

See the website for more details.
http://www.buildingtalk.com/news/amw/amw100.html

Asia Aluminum Bondholders to Reject Buyback Offer, Analyst Says

Investors in Asia Aluminum Holdings Ltd.’s 8 percent bonds agreed to reject the company’s offer to buy back the notes at about a quarter of face value, said an analyst who joined a conference call on the matter.

“All of the participants agreed not to tender” their holdings at the offer price, Bondcritic.com analyst Warut Promboon said in a note to clients today, without naming investors who were on the call. While a “successful tender will shut the door for the Chinese high-yield market, a fight by investors will warn other issuers not to follow suit,” he said.

Aberdeen Asset Management Plc joined emerging market trade association EMTA to host the call yesterday, according to Esther Chan, a London-based emerging market manager with Aberdeen. The goal was a united response to Hong Kong-based Asia Aluminum’s “bondholder unfriendly” offer that would keep Asia’s high- yield bond market “viable,” she said in an interview.

Officials at Asia Aluminum didn’t immediately return calls seeking comment today.

Standard & Poor’s cut Asia Aluminum’s credit rating by five grades to CC on Feb. 16 after the region’s biggest maker of extruded aluminum said bondholders have until May 18 to accept its offer of 27.5 cents on the dollar for the $450 million in 8 percent notes due 2011. The buyback is part of a restructure that’s “crucial” to keep the company operating, it said.

Chinese prices for aluminum slumped 41 percent in the past year as the global recession cut demand for the metal from builders and carmakers.

“I believe a failure to tender at 27.5 cents will bring in a default which, in my view, could draw recovery of not more than 20 cents,” Promboon said today. Since the notes are being quoted by traders at about 15 cents, “a 7.5 price point loss could be worth the fight for the restructuring of Asia Aluminum or a better concession price.”
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a4gfB7LOlurs&refer=home

Reports: China names aluminum boss to Cabinet

The general manager of China's biggest aluminum producer has been named to a Cabinet post, news reports said Wednesday, a week after his company helped secure access to foreign resources with a $19.5 billion investment in miner Rio Tinto Group.

The reported appointment of Xiao Yaqing of Aluminum Corp. of China as the Cabinet deputy secretary-general reflects the close ties between the communist government and the country's major companies. It comes amid a wave of foreign acquisitions by China's state-owned metals suppliers.

Xiao's appointment was reported by the Shanghai Securities News, which is published by the state Xinhua News Agency, and other newspapers. The Cabinet press office did not immediately respond to requests by phone and fax to confirm the report.

The reports gave no explanation of why Xiao, 49, who has no known government experience, was picked for such a prominent post. Bosses of Chinese banks, oil producers and other state-owned companies routinely alternate between corporate and government jobs.

Aluminum Corp. of China, also known as Chinalco, and other metals producers surged to prominence as China's demand for raw materials boosted imports and set off a scramble to secure foreign supplies. Flush with cash from the commodities boom, they have continued to pursue acquisitions amid the global economic turmoil.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/02/18/business/AS-China-Chinalco-Cabinet.php

Copper, Aluminum, Nickel Fall as Reduced Use Boosts Inventories

Copper, aluminum and nickel declined in London as the global economic slowdown reduced demand for industrial metals used in buildings and cars.

Copper stockpiles in warehouses monitored by the London Metal Exchange rose 1.3 percent to the highest since November 2003, aluminum inventories are at a record and nickel inventories are the highest since July 1995. Copper rose to a two-month high yesterday on speculation that government spending in the U.S. and China would revive demand.

“The market is recognizing realities rather than speculating on spending from stimulative packages and perceived Chinese buying,” said Herwig Schmidt, a trader at Triland Metals Ltd. in London.

Copper for delivery in three months fell $48, or 1.3 percent, to $3,532 a metric ton as of 9:39 a.m. on the LME, eroding this year’s gain to 15 percent. Nickel dropped $111, or 1 percent, to $11,389 a ton and aluminum declined $17.75, or 1.2 percent, to $1,427.25 a ton. Nickel is used to make stainless steel and aluminum and copper are used in cars and homes.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange Comex division, copper futures for March delivery declined 2.05 cents, or 1.3 percent, to $1.5925 a pound. Futures are up 13 percent this year.

Hulamin Ltd., Africa’s largest aluminum processor, said today that customers in the auto, transportation and construction industries are paring inventories. LME stockpiles rose 0.5 percent to 2.9 million tons, the most since the aluminum contract started in 1978.

Still, investors are “cautiously” returning to the industrial metals markets in anticipation of supply shortages as companies cut output, Barclays Capital analyst Kevin Norrish said yesterday.

“The supply side has adjusted much more quickly than in the past,” he said. “We’re still in a commodity bull market.”

Nickel inventories jumped 582 tons to 87,288 tons and copper stockpiles climbed 6,650 tons to 514,425 tons.

The dollar rose on optimism U.S. President Barack Obama’s stimulus and bank-rescue packages will spur growth in the world’s largest economy. Obama yesterday said the U.S. economy faces a “full-blown crisis.”

Lead declined $25 to $1,174 a ton and tin gained $20 to $11,250 a ton. Zinc fell $13 to $1,182 a ton.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=aaGDiS5D1pFQ&refer=latin_america

Gordon Aluminum Order Post Extrusion Die Cleaning System

Kredit Automation & Controls, Inc., a Rockwell Automation Systems Integrator Partner, announced today that it has been awarded a contract for its unique DieKlean 360™ post extrusion die cleaning system by Gordon Aluminum Industries, Inc. of Schofield, Wisconsin.

Kredit Automation's Latest Aluminum Extrusion Die Cleaning System

The DieKlean 360-2E1TN is designed to chemically remove aluminum from extrusion dies that are up 17" in diameter at a rate of 112 dies per day. Efficient removal of aluminum from dies is critical to preparing the extrusion dies for re-use. Unlike the process used throughout most of the industry, the Kredit Automation DieKlean 360™ is specifically designed to minimize employee exposure to hot, high pH, caustic liquids, reduce chemical consumption, and speed cleaning time. The fully automated system controls the cleaning (etching) process and automatically neutralizes the waste. In addition to significantly increased safety for the Gordon Aluminum die shop employees, attention to process control results in a high performance die cleaning system that offers up to a 50% reduction in sodium hydroxide consumption and up to a 50% reduction in cleaning time over conventional systems.

Kredit Automation & Controls has installed similar aluminum removal systems in various facilities at Hydro Aluminum, Kaiser Aluminum, and Indalex Aluminum Solutions.

http://www.azom.com/news.asp?newsID=15483

Aluminum is a Great Material for Railings

Aluminum has been used for a number of years in construction and for other uses when a lightweight but strong solution was sought. Alloys manufactured from aluminum are used in aircraft, furniture, clothing and many other items. Aluminum's strength to weight ratio is what makes it so attractive for so many uses. Steel is stronger, but is much heavier and so steel of the same weight or thickness of aluminum does not offer the same strength. Aluminum also lasts a long time because it does not easily corrode.

Aluminum as a material for railings can be used in many ways.

Anodized aluminum: Corrosion of aluminum is even further delayed by putting a thin coating on the surface of the aluminum. This prevents the aluminum from oxidizing, preventing corrosion. Strengthened: Aluminum can be further strengthened by the insertion of wood blocks into the aluminum at critical points, so that the aluminum is even stronger. Coated: A powder coating can be applied to aluminum by means of new painting techniques. Through the addition of these powder coatings, plain old silver aluminum can now be available in beautiful, bright new colors. PVC: PVC can be attached to fully formed aluminum after it is manufactured. This can serve two purposes. It can further protect the aluminum and it can add a new dimension to the design and color of the aluminum.

Aluminum is one of the easiest of materials to work with and install, so it is no surprise that manufacturers have started developing uses for aluminum in railings. Vertical aluminum posts are easily fixed into the bottom posts of a railing, allowing for speed of installation. Even the homeowner do-it-yourselfer is happy to be able to save time with an easy method such as this. Posts of other materials such as PVC or CPVC can also be fixed into the aluminum bottom posts. In addition to aluminum, aluminum alloys are being used more and more in railings because of the extra longevity they give to the railings. These alloy processes give aluminum an even greater strength to weight ratio and protect it further against corrosion.

Andrew Caxton contributes adding long articles on deck and balcony for http://www.deck-porch-railings.com. Find more publications about aluminum railings at his website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Caxton

Artistry in aluminum

Alumagrips offers artistry in aluminum to create a truly custom, serviceable, and affordable grip for your 191] pistol. They combine the durability and good looks of light weight metal finished to perfection. The manufacturing process is so exacting that grips in any style offered will add a unique, high quality look to any 1911 pistol, full size, compact, ambidextrous, mug-well, or both. Besides the pleasing aesthetics, the high grade aluminum is finished to perfection for appearance and fit and will stand up to heavy duty use fur years to come. Visit USA made Alumagrips at: www.alumagrips.com.