Aluminium International Today Issue
Jan/Feb 2021

Virtual Insanity
Jamiroquai’s predictions were right...it’s a crazy world we’re all living in!
Thankfully this virtual reality we find ourselves in can have some benefits and still being able to hold a version of the Future Aluminium Forum in December was one of them.
Of course, it was not the same as being able to network in person and holding face-to-face meetings, but with more than 400 registered attendees over the two days, we were really encouraged by the interaction and opportunities it offered during these travel restricted times!
If you weren’t able to join, this issue includes a full review of the event and also features a number of papers from speakers who presented during the online conference. We had so many great speakers join and discussions were held on topics such as building digital supply chains, environmental technologies, intelligent manufacturing solutions and lots more.
Overall, it was certainly a very different way to host an event and I can confirm that conducting a Keynote Q&A session over Zoom is even more nerve-wracking when you are relying on your home WIFI and not being interrupted by an Amazon delivery!
This issue continues on the digitalisation theme, with a dedicated look at smart manufacturing investments (page 28).
We also focus on the impact of additive manufacturing across the sector and how technology is advancing here.
I hope you enjoy this issue and wish you a good start to 2021.
Nadine Bloxsome, Editor
nadinebloxsome@quartzltd.com
Cover courtesy of Granco Clark
Issue Highlights
LEADER
NEWS
FAF REVIEW
Virtually a success!
Digitalization and CO2 - Free Aluminium - The Hurdles and the Pitfalls
The Internet of Metals (IoM)
Smart smelters and digital twins
Collaboration, the first step towards success
Staying ahead in the era of perpetual change
The Planning Superhero
Is Southern Africa ready for digital transformation?
DIGITALISATION
Smart manufacturing investments
Smart factories are the future
Does analytics have a role to play in Aluminium?
PRIMARY
UK Smelter at the heart of green aluminium
MODERN METAL MANAGEMENT
Modernising metals management with MES
MAINTENANCE
Storvik Pneumatic Tube Cleaning Machine
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
Innovative aluminium SC reinforced solution for additive manufacturing
Advances in additive manufacturing held back by old powder
AUSTRALIAN UPDATE
Focus on: Australian Aluminium
CONSTRUCTION
Combatting construction’s carbon footprint
ROLLING
Improving cold rolling mill performance
Inspection solutions to support surface quality in aluminium cold rolling
REFRACTORIES
Fontes remains key player