On April 16, at the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Industry Conference & Aluminum Industry Expo - Main Forum , hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd. (SMM), SMM Metal Exchange Center, and Shandong Aisi Information Technology Co., Ltd., and co-organized by Zhongyifeng Jinyi (Suzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. and Lezhi County Qianrun Investment Promotion Service Co., Ltd., Luo Yu, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Lezhi County People's Government Committee and Deputy County Magistrate, shared the planning and development of Lezhi County's aluminum industry. Where is Lezhi? The First Stop East of Chengdu · The Golden Section Point of Chengdu-Chongqing ► County Overview Lezhi County is located in the central part of the Chengdu-Chongqing region and is the hometown of Marshal Chen Yi, a founding father of the People's Republic of China. ►Location: Gateway to Chengdu's Eastward Expansion, Hub Connecting Chengdu and Chongqing In terms of location, Lezhi's relationship with Chengdu and Chongqing is similar to Kunshan's with Shanghai and Suzhou, or Dongguan's with Guangdong and Shenzhen. ► Position: Driving High-Quality Integrated Development in the Central Chengdu-Chongqing Region ►Position: A Place Where Multiple National and Provincial Strategies Overlap Lezhi is located at the golden section point of the straight-line distance between Chengdu and Chongqing, and is at the intersection of the Chengdu-Chongqing Twin-City Economic Circle, the Chengdu Metropolitan Area, and the Chengdu Plain Economic Zone, known as the "three-circle overlap." ►Transportation Advantages: A Three-Dimensional Transportation Network Integrating Highways, Railways, and Air Travel Highways: Railways: Lezhi is the only county-level city in China where two high-speed railways with a designed speed of 350 km/h intersect and share a station in a crossover configuration. Aviation: Distances from Lezhi County to nearby airports: 50 km to Tianfu International Airport, 105 km to Shuangliu International Airport, 169 km to Jiangbei International Airport, and 138 km to the newly planned Bishan International Airport. It is at an important node of the main corridor connecting the international airports of Chengdu and Chongqing, offering convenient direct flights nationwide and global connectivity. ►Surrounding Industrial Landscape What does Lezhi do? Concentrating the county's efforts on developing the aluminum-based materials industry ►Focusing on the Development of the Aluminum-Based Materials Industry The overall scale of the domestic aluminum semis market is expanding, with sustained growth in market demand. From a national perspective: In 2024, China's aluminum semis production reached 67.831 million mt, showing continuous growth over the past five years. From a provincial perspective: In 2024, Sichuan Province's aluminum semis production reached 2.5105 million mt, up 20.5% YoY, ranking 9th nationwide. From a demand perspective: The proportion of industrial aluminum extrusion continues to rise, with production reaching 11.49 million mt in 2024, accounting for approximately 44%. The Sichuan and Chongqing region is a key aluminum production area and aluminum processing production site in China. The processed products mainly include aluminum extrusions, aluminum plate/sheet and strip, aluminum rods and wires, and aluminum castings. Benefiting from a relatively complete industrial system, the region also boasts strong end-use consumption capacity for aluminum. However, compared to the capacity and production of aluminum processing, the capacity and production of aluminum in the Sichuan and Chongqing region are insufficient. Taking 2023 as a reference, the region's aluminum processing production was approximately 4.09 million mt, accounting for 8.7% of the national total, while the total aluminum production was only about 1.5 million mt, accounting for 3.53% of the domestic total, making it a net aluminum-importing region. In February 2023, Sichuan and Chongqing jointly formulated and issued the "Work Plan for the Collaborative Development of the Sichuan-Chongqing Aluminum Industry Chain." The plan proposes that by 2025, the output value of the Sichuan-Chongqing aluminum industry should reach 400 billion yuan, a group of leading enterprises and specialized and innovative enterprises should be cultivated, and a top-tier high-end aluminum material manufacturing base in the country should be established, aiming to create the strongest high-end aluminum material manufacturing base nationwide. The two regions will jointly promote the supporting of the industry chain, facilitate green and low-carbon development, build an industrial service system, and collaborate in seven aspects to form an "internal circulation" of aluminum industry enterprises in Sichuan and Chongqing, promoting the coordinated and rapid development of the aluminum industry in the region. In terms of market demand, the Sichuan and Chongqing regions regard the development of the aluminum industry as an important support for building two trillion-yuan industrial clusters in electronic information and automotive industries. ♦Automotive Industry •In recent years, 45 well-known automobile manufacturers, including FAW, Toyota, Changan, Great Wall Motors, Seres, Hyundai, and Lifan, have established operations in Sichuan and Chongqing. •In 2024, the annual automobile production in Sichuan and Chongqing reached 3.43 million units, up 4.1% YoY, accounting for 10.9% of the national total, with an output value exceeding 600 billion yuan. •The automobile ownership in Chengdu and Chongqing both exceeded 6 million units, ranking first and third in the country, respectively. This indicates a robust demand for lightweight aluminum extrusions and other parts in the automotive industry in Sichuan and Chongqing. ♦3C Electronics Industry •As one of the world's largest electronic information manufacturing clusters, the Chengdu-Chongqing region has gathered a large number of upstream and downstream enterprises in the electronic information industry chain. In 2023, the cluster's over 2,000 enterprises above designated size achieved a revenue of 17.1 trillion yuan, accounting for 11.3% of the national total. Two-thirds of the world's iPads, 50% of laptops, 10% of smartphones, and 15% of smart projectors are manufactured in the Chengdu-Chongqing region. This demonstrates that the rapid development of the 3C electronics industry inevitably leads to a huge demand for aluminum heat sinks, aluminum frames, and casings. On July 19, 2024, Lezhi County held the Eighth Plenary Session of the 15th County Party Committee, clarifying that it would rely on the rapidly growing market prospects of NEVs and consumer electronics to focus on developing lightweight aluminum extrusions for automobiles and aluminum extrusion components for 3C electronics, forming automotive parts and electronic information industry clusters, and building a distinctive aluminum-based material industry hub in central Sichuan and Chongqing. ► Fen'an Aluminum's Southwest Base Top 5 Aluminum Extrusion Manufacturers in China Top 10 Leading Aluminum Extrusion Brands in China Top 20 Industrial Aluminum Extrusion Manufacturers in China China Manufacturing Champion Enterprise One of the Largest Aluminum Extrusion Product R&D and Manufacturing Enterprises in China 110 patents, including 46 invention patents The Lezhi Base has an annual production capacity of 200,000 mt of new-type high-end aluminum alloy extrusions Representative Products: What Does Lezhi Offer? We are fully committed to supporting enterprises in investing, establishing businesses, and growing in Lezhi ►Park Platform Approved as a provincial-level economic development zone by the Sichuan Provincial Government in January 2019 Park Overview: Planned area of 11.38 sq km, built-up area of 7.81 sq km, encompassing two parks (Xijiao and Wenfeng), with 230 existing industrial enterprises ►Industrial System 1. Aluminum-Based Materials Industry: Focuses on the finished aluminum semis industry, with a priority on attracting enterprises specializing in lightweight automotive aluminum extrusions and 3C electronic aluminum components. 2. Electronic Information Industry: Primarily attracts electronic information enterprises specializing in electronic components, intelligent terminals, camera modules, and aluminum structural components for 3C electronic products. 3. Smart Logistics Industry: Centered around Shanghai Yunda, focuses on attracting logistics supporting projects such as express delivery, e-commerce logistics, urban and rural distribution, and cold chain warehousing. ►Investment Policies Eight Supportive Policies for the Aluminum-Based Materials Industry 1. Support for Building Industrial Ecosystems and Strengthening Industrial Chains: 20% subsidy for fixed asset investments 2. Support for Public Service Platform Construction: 1 million yuan subsidy 3. Support for Enterprises in Attracting Talent and Maintaining Employment Stability 4. Support for Trade Entity Operations 5. Encouragement of Technological Innovation by Enterprises: Maximum reward of 5 million yuan 6. Support for Enterprise Brand Creation 7. Strengthening Financial Service Support 8. Support for Enterprises in Expanding Markets ►Cost Advantages Costs of Water, Electricity, and Gas Resources ►Cost Advantages ►Service Mechanism We sincerely invite: You to invest and establish businesses in Lezhi, become partners in Lezhi's urban development, and experience the "Lezhi Service" and "Lezhi Efficiency" to achieve optimal development and maximum profits. We solemnly promise: To "be present when needed, not interfere when not, act promptly, and ensure tasks are completed effectively," fully guaranteeing project construction and supporting enterprise development. 》Click to view the special report on the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Industry Conference & Aluminum Industry Expo

On April 18th, at the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Industry Conference & Aluminum Industry Expo - Global Secondary Aluminum Industry Development Forum , hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd. (SMM), SMM Metal Exchange Center, and Shandong Aisi Information Technology Co., Ltd., and co-organized by Zhongyifeng Jinyi (Suzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. and Lezhi County Qianrun Investment Promotion Service Co., Ltd., WENCESLAO MANZANO HERNANDEZ, President of DIMEXA HOLDINGS PTE. LTD., provided an interpretation of Mexico's export policies for secondary metals. Mexico: A Key Trading Partner Mexico is a crucial participant in the global economy, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $1.79 trillion, making it the world's 12th largest economy. In 2024, Mexico's total trade volume with the US reached $843 billion, becoming the largest trading partner of the US, surpassing Canada and China. In the same year, Mexico's total trade volume with China reached $100 billion. Mexico has the largest number of free trade agreements, with 13 agreements covering at least 50 countries. Main Products Exported by Mexico Automobiles and automotive parts, electronics and electrical equipment, machinery and industrial equipment, mineral fuels and oil, and agricultural products, among others. US-Mexico Trade Relations In 2018, the US imposed tariffs under "Section 232" on steel (with a 25% tariff) and aluminum (with a 10% tariff) imported from multiple countries, including Mexico. ・This raised concerns about damage to the integrated supply chain, particularly in the automotive industry. ・In 2019, the US agreed to remove the "Section 232" tariffs on steel and aluminum imported from Mexico and Canada. ・Part of the purpose of this decision was to facilitate the ratification of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Aluminum Scrap Market ・Mexico exports aluminum scrap to multiple destinations worldwide. ・Single-alloy scrap is mainly exported to the US, Brazil, and Europe. For example, scrap of grades 5052, 6,016, 5,081, 3003, etc. ・Most casting alloys are consumed within Mexico's domestic automotive industry, with only a small amount exported. For example, casting alloys of grades A380, AC12, etc. ・Some other mixed-grade aluminum scrap is exported to Asia. For example, Taint Tabor, aluminum radiators. Copper Scrap Market ・China is by far the largest consumer of copper scrap. ・There is also domestic demand in the US for some higher-grade copper scrap. ・Mexico does not import copper scrap from the US; if copper scrap is imported from the US to Mexico, a 16% VAT is required. Opportunities for Mexico in the Non-Ferrous Metals Market ・Production Growth and Rising Demand. Mexico's expanding manufacturing sector (automotive, electronics) drives production and demand for recycled non-ferrous metals. ・Proximity to the US: Close trade ties with the US facilitate scrap metal trade. ・Increased Recycling Awareness: Growing concerns over environmental issues drive recycling efforts. ・Investment in Advanced Recycling Technologies: In Mexico, there is a growing demand and opportunity to invest in modern technologies for sorting, processing, and refining non-ferrous metal scrap. ・Development of Specialized Recycling Processes: With the growth of industries such as electronics and renewable energy in Mexico, there are opportunities to develop specialized recycling processes for specific non-ferrous metals. For example, recycling of batteries and electronic waste. Challenges for Mexico in the Non-Ferrous Metals Market ・Market Volatility: Similar to global commodities, prices of non-ferrous metals can be volatile, affecting profitability. The Mexican market is guided by the London Metal Exchange but is also influenced by the Chicago Metal Exchange and Midwest Premium in the US. ・Logistics and Infrastructure: Mexico's domestic infrastructure varies, and there are logistical bottlenecks that complicate the collection, processing, and transportation of scrap. ・Regulatory Issues: Evolving or unclear regulations regarding scrap handling, import/export, and environmental compliance can create uncertainty and increase operational costs. ・Quality and Sorting: Ensuring scrap quality and proper sorting is challenging, especially in finding qualified labor. ・Competition: The market may face competition from both domestic and overseas participants, including established recycling companies and the informal sector. ・Economic Uncertainty: Mexico's overall economic conditions, including currency fluctuations and potential economic slowdowns, may affect demand and investment in the industry. ・Safety Concerns: In some regions, safety issues and organized crime may pose risks to companies involved in the collection and transportation of valuable non-ferrous metals. Importance of Establishing Partnerships ・Navigating Regulations and Bureaucracy: Mexico's regulatory environment is complex. Local partners are often more familiar with the rules, licensing requirements, and procedures, which can help streamline business operations and ensure compliance. • Establishing a Local Network: Building partnerships can provide connections to existing networks of suppliers, buyers, and other industry participants. This is crucial for sourcing scrap, selling processed metals, and establishing solid business relationships. DIMEXA Dimexa is a leading company in Mexico specializing in the management of industrial and post-consumer non-ferrous metal scrap. With 40 years of experience in the market, Dimexa currently sells 300,000 mt of non-ferrous metal scrap annually. • Scrap Metal Management: Dimexa offers comprehensive services, including the collection, processing, and sale of scrap. • National Presence: Dimexa operates 17 scrap recycling yards across Mexico. • Logistics Capabilities: Dimexa has a large fleet of vehicles and containers for efficient collection and delivery of materials. It currently handles an average of 1,000 containers per month. • Focus on Compliance: The company emphasizes adherence to environmental regulations and holds all necessary permits to operate across Mexico. • Market Reach: Dimexa has over 35 years of experience selling to the Chinese market and other international markets. 》Click to view the special report on AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Conference & Aluminum Industry Expo

On April 18, at the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Industry Conference & Aluminum Industry Expo - Industrial Aluminum Extrusion Forum , hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd. (SMM), SMM Metal Trading Center, and Shandong Aisi Information Technology Co., Ltd., and co-organized by Zhongyifeng Jinyi (Suzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. and Lezhi County Qianrun Investment Promotion Service Co., Ltd., Professor and Doctoral Supervisor GENG Lin from the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Harbin Institute of Technology shared the current status of preparation, processing, and application of aluminum matrix composites. Research Background of Aluminum Matrix Composites National Significant Demand for Metal Matrix Composites Aerospace: Large aircraft, heavy helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, carrier-based aircraft, hypersonic vehicles, near-space vehicles, and strategic transport aircraft. Space: Heavy-lift launch vehicles, manned lunar missions, lunar bases, Mars sampling, small celestial body exploration, Jupiter system exploration, and satellites. Other Fields: Robotics, rail transit, new energy vehicles (NEVs), deep-sea/deep-earth/polar exploration equipment, 3C electronics, etc. Metal matrix composites have taken the first step towards large-scale engineering applications in China's aerospace, defense, electronics, construction machinery, and other fields, becoming one of the irreplaceable basic raw materials for major national projects. He introduced the development history of aluminum matrix composites and pointed out that China ranks among the top internationally in terms of the total number of papers and the number of highly cited papers on aluminum matrix composites. ►Current Status of R&D on Aluminum Matrix Composites in China: Mainly concentrated in high-end manufacturing fields such as aerospace and defense. Aluminum matrix composites have achieved widespread application in high-end manufacturing fields such as aerospace and defense, meeting the demands for small-batch, multi-variety, and customized production. ►One of the Bottleneck Issues in Widespread Application: The strong-toughness inversion problem, where stiffness and strength increase while plasticity decreases. Nature-inspired configuration-based composite strengthening and toughening design has become the main trend in the development of aluminum matrix composites in recent years. In terms of preparation technology, the influencing factors of composite systems are complex: High-quality preparation technologies that match different composite systems need to be selected to meet the demands of complex multi-field coupling applications. In terms of forming and processing technology, the mechanism of microstructure evolution during the forming process is complex: Suitable forming and processing technologies need to be developed to meet the demands for precise shape and property control of complex thin-walled components. Preparation Technology of Aluminum Matrix Composites The preparation of discontinuously reinforced aluminum matrix composites involves various complex processes. Developing suitable preparation technologies is the key to obtaining high-performance composites. II. Preparation Technology of Aluminum Matrix Composites - Solid Phase Method (Powder Metallurgy) The solid phase method refers to the process of preparing metal matrix composites with the matrix in a solid state. Advantages: Lower preparation temperature, easily controlled interfacial reactions, fine microstructure, and high composite performance. It provides analyses of relevant cases, including aluminum matrix composites reinforced with uniformly configured ceramic particles based on traditional ball milling processes, CNT/Al composites with a brick-and-mortar configuration based on flake powder metallurgy, multimodal aluminum matrix composites based on multi-step ball milling, and aluminum matrix composites reinforced with phase change materials. II. Preparation Technology of Aluminum Matrix Composites - Solid Phase Method (Hot Isostatic Pressing) The hot isostatic pressing process involves placing the product in a sealed container, applying isotropic pressure to the product while simultaneously applying high temperature. Under the combined effects of high temperature and pressure, the product undergoes sintering and densification. Most production-scale hot isostatic presses have a maximum operating temperature of approximately 1400°C, with maximum pressures ranging from 100 to 200 MPa. The total tonnage of the largest modern hot isostatic press is approximately 400,000 kN (40,000 tons-force). Example: During the hot isostatic pressing preparation of high volume fraction SiCp/Al composites, the matrix aluminum alloy exists in a solid-liquid two-phase region, facilitating easier densification of the composite under high temperature and pressure conditions. II. Preparation Technology of Aluminum Matrix Composites - Liquid Phase Method (Squeeze Casting) Preform Preparation: Preparing uniformly porous preforms through physical sedimentation; preparing biomimetic configured preforms using methods such as freeze casting and 3D printing. Composite Preparation: Infiltrating molten aluminum into the pores of the preform through mechanical pressurization to achieve the preparation of high-performance composites. It discusses relevant cases, including aluminum matrix composites reinforced with uniformly configured particles, aluminum matrix composites reinforced with uniformly configured whiskers, and biomimetic configured aluminum matrix composites. II. Preparation Technology of Aluminum Matrix Composites - Liquid Phase Method (Vacuum Pressure Infiltration) Vacuum pressure infiltration is similar to squeeze casting, primarily involving the preparation of ceramic porous preforms first, followed by the combination of a vacuum environment and gas pressure pressurization conditions to enable the aluminum alloy melt to fill the micropores of the preform and solidify, thereby preparing aluminum matrix composites. It introduces relevant cases of low-expansion, high-volume fraction particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composites and biomimetic configured aluminum matrix composites. II. Preparation Technology of Aluminum Matrix Composites - Liquid Phase Method (Stir Casting) Basic Principle: Directly adding particles into the semi-solid melt of the matrix metal to increase the shear stress during stirring, enabling uniform dispersion of the particles in the metal melt. Subsequently, rapidly heating to the liquid state to improve the casting liquidity, and finally casting into ingots, castings, etc. Key technologies: Improvement of wettability between the melt and the reinforcement phase, uniform dispersion of the reinforcement phase, and control of oxidation and gas absorption in the metal melt. Technological advantages: Suitable for industrial-scale production; simple process and low manufacturing costs. Preparation capacity: The production scale of stir casting typically ranges from a few kilograms in the laboratory to several dozen tons in industrial production. It elaborates on cases such as the stir casting preparation technology for SiC particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composites, graphite particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composites, and in-situ TiB₂-reinforced aluminum matrix composites. The fluoride salt method mainly involves the reaction of two salts, generating fluoride salt by-products; the master alloy method produces no by-products but has high requirements for raw materials; the in-situ reaction-generated TiB₂ particle composite casting ingot can currently reach a maximum of 11t, providing ingots for subsequent plastic processing to prepare large components. TiB₂ particles exhibit a network-like distribution. Their size can be controlled within the nanometer to submicron range, with regular particle shapes and no significant agglomeration; the in-situ reaction-generated TiB₂ particles have a good interface bonding with the aluminum matrix and are in a coherent relationship, making them ideal reinforcing ceramic particles. TiB₂ particles are excellent grain refiners. In the molten metal, TiB₂ particles act as the core for heterogeneous nucleation, providing more nucleation sites during metal crystallization, ultimately resulting in finer and more uniform grains; a large number of dislocation tangles exist near TiB₂ particles as the second phase particles, effectively hindering dislocation movement during deformation, thereby enhancing the material's strength. Compared to the matrix alloy, the HCF ultimate strength of TiB₂ particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composites is increased by 22% to 44%, reaching up to 730MPa; fine TiB₂ particles can inhibit fatigue crack initiation, avoiding the tendency for premature fatigue crack initiation due to particle-interface debonding and particle fracture. Preparation Technology of Aluminum Matrix Composites - Additive Manufacturing Method Based on additive manufacturing technology, it enables the net-shape forming of complex structural metal components with integrated material-structure, providing a new technological approach for the design and manufacture of high-performance components in aerospace, mainly divided into laser additive manufacturing, arc additive manufacturing, friction stir manufacturing, etc. Preparation Technology of Aluminum Matrix Composites - Additive Manufacturing Method (Laser Additive) Under the action of a laser beam, metal powder is melted and rapidly solidified to form a new layer of material. This process is carried out layer by layer until a complete three-dimensional object is constructed; based on the specified reinforcement particles and Al matrix that have been added, induced grain refinement can be achieved.The lower interatomic mismatch between the α-Al matrix and TiB₂ leads to a decrease in the critical nucleation undercooling ΔT, which can repair crack formation in alloys prone to cracking during the L-PBF process. The addition of second-phase hard particles can significantly refine the microstructure, resulting in higher yield strength due to grain boundary strengthening, as verified in TiB₂-reinforced AlSi10Mg alloys and TiC/TiH₂-reinforced Al2024 alloys. In addition to grain boundary strengthening, the yield strength of the L-PBF TiB₂/AlSi10Mg alloy is increased to approximately 362-407 MPa due to the enhanced resistance to dislocation motion caused by the hard particles. II. Fabrication Technologies for Aluminum Matrix Composites - Additive Manufacturing (Friction Stir) Friction stir additive manufacturing (FSAM) involves local plastic deformation of metal materials using a high-speed rotating stirring tool, followed by layer-by-layer accumulation under pressure to achieve the fabrication of highly dense metal structures. The advantages of FSAM include low-temperature processing, energy conservation and environmental protection, applicability to difficult-to-weld materials, and low residual stress. It is mainly used for the compounding of dissimilar materials and the repair of high-value components, suitable for the efficient large-scale forming of materials such as aluminum alloys and magnesium alloys. The NiTip/Al interface prepared by friction stir additive manufacturing exhibits good bonding without the formation of harmful reaction products. The addition of NiTip forms a fine-grained microstructure with good dispersion, accelerating dynamic recovery by increasing the matrix deformation and promoting dynamic recrystallization through particle-stimulated nucleation. The unique fine-grained microstructure, uniformly dispersed NiTip, and well-bonded NiTip/Al interface significantly enhance strength without adversely affecting ductility. II. Fabrication Technologies for Aluminum Matrix Composites - Additive Manufacturing (Arc Additive) Arc additive manufacturing is a directed energy deposition (DED) 3D printing technology based on arc welding principles, constructing parts by depositing metal materials layer by layer. The grain size of the TiN/Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy is refined from 459.3 μm to 104.6 μm, attributed to the formation of Al₃Ti particles acting as nucleating agents, resulting in increased tensile strength in both the horizontal and vertical directions. In the horizontal direction, the tensile strength increases from 207 MPa to 284 MPa. Forming and Processing of Aluminum Matrix Composites III. Forming and Processing of Aluminum Matrix Composites - Hot Extrusion Hot extrusion enables the production of complex cross-sectional profiles, with only compressive and shear stresses applied during the forming process, resulting in good surface finish of the produced parts. Computer simulation can assist process engineers in understanding the metal flow patterns during profile extrusion, predicting defects in advance, optimizing die design, and improving profile quality. III. Forming and Processing of Aluminum Matrix Composites - Forging Based on the simulation of material flow behavior, potential deformation defects can be predicted, providing a theoretical basis for formulating process measures to prevent crack formation. By establishing a hot working map based on the dynamic material model, the optimal processing conditions for the material can be accurately predicted. A multi-scale thermo-mechanical coupling model for composites was established to simulate the deformation process and microstructure. As a result, SiC/Al forgings with diameters ranging from 1760 to 2500mm were successfully developed in one attempt. Numerical simulations of the isothermal forging process for blades/housings were conducted using finite element software to obtain strain distribution and load data. Reasonable forging process parameters were then formulated, ultimately resulting in forgings with ideal microstructure and properties. By combining finite element simulation with hot compression experiments, the influence of deformation process parameters on the damage field, stress-strain field, and temperature field during the forging process of SiCp/Al composites was investigated. The issue of cracking in heterogeneous and difficult-to-deform composite forging blanks was addressed through a combination of upset forging with a can and two-way forging processes. Large annular forgings of aluminum matrix composites were successfully trial-produced using isothermal precision die forging, with excellent forming quality and significantly refined shape and dimensions. Forming and Processing of Aluminum Matrix Composites - Rolling By simulating the residual stress distribution during the rolling process, rolling process parameters can be optimized to reduce residual stress generation, thereby improving the quality and precision of rolled products. During the rolling process, there exists a mechanism of small-sized phase fragmentation and phase transformation, as well as a refinement mechanism where large-sized phases are broken down into smaller ones. After rolling, the material forms a fibrous microstructure with grains aligned along the rolling direction, resulting in an elongated grain structure. Rolling can be divided into cold rolling and hot rolling. Cold rolling significantly increases strength and hardness due to work hardening effects, but reduces plasticity. Hot rolling results in a more uniform microstructure with lower internal stresses, but lower strength. By optimizing rolling parameters and process routes, profiles suitable for automotive or aerospace applications can be prepared. III. Forming and Processing of Aluminum Matrix Composites - Welding On an A356 aluminum alloy substrate, a gradient structure composite can be manufactured using a brazing layer of SiCp/Al composite with varying contents. The welding area is defect-free, continuous, and free of cracks and pores, with good bonding at the gradient structure interface. III. Forming and Processing of Aluminum Matrix Composites - Machining Particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composites: The main parameters affecting the grinding process include grinding wheel speed (vs), table speed (vw), grinding depth (ap), and maximum undeformed chip thickness (hmax). Among these, grinding at high grinding wheel speeds (vs) results in composites with higher surface quality and more ductile deposition zones. Reducing the undeformed chip thickness (hmax) will decrease the number of effective abrasive grains involved in grinding, thereby controlling the pore size on the composite surface and the thickness of the damaged layer, which is beneficial for reducing the formation of subsurface microcracks and pores. The main parameters affecting the turning process include spindle speed (n), feed rate (f), nose radius (r0), cutting depth, etc. Low spindle speed and feed rate are conducive to reducing stress concentration in composites, minimizing the collapse, pull-out, and pitting of SiCp. Whisker-reinforced aluminum matrix composites: The reinforcement phase consists of whiskers with a large aspect ratio, exhibiting anisotropy, making the cutting process more complex. Applications of Aluminum Matrix Composites IV. Applications of Aluminum Matrix Composites - Overseas It introduces the overseas applications of aluminum matrix composites and points out that the development of overseas discontinuous aluminum matrix composites is driven by demand and technological innovation, closely integrating the optimization of preparation processes with multi-domain requirements. Aerospace: The development of lightweight, high-strength, and high-modulus aluminum matrix composites has made it possible to manufacture lightweight, flexible, and high-performance aircraft and satellites in the modern aerospace industry. Weaponry: Discontinuous reinforced aluminum matrix composites possess characteristics such as lightweight, high strength, high-temperature resistance, and impact resistance in the weaponry field, significantly enhancing equipment mobility, battlefield survivability, and service life. 3C Electronics: Aluminum matrix composites, particularly SiC-reinforced aluminum matrix composites, are suitable for manufacturing electronic device liners, heat sinks, and other electronic components due to their advantages of low thermal expansion coefficient, low density, and good thermal conductivity. Click to view the special report on AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Industry Conference & Aluminum Industry Expo

On April 16, at the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Industry Conference & Aluminum Industry Expo - Main Forum , hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd. (SMM), SMM Metal Exchange Center, and Shandong AIS Information Technology Co., Ltd., and co-organized by Zhongyifeng Jinyi (Suzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. and Lezhi County Qianrun Investment Promotion Service Co., Ltd., Inga Simonenko, Head of Marketing and Low-Carbon Solutions at Rusal, discussed "Exploring Growth Opportunities in a Challenging International Aluminum Market." Topics of great interest in the aluminum industry include the uncertainty in demand recovery due to a new round of trade tensions, the reshaping of supply chains by deglobalization, the challenge posed by the US to the decarbonization agenda, the implementation of carbon taxes, the growth of low-carbon demand, and competition with data centers for low-carbon energy. Global trade and geopolitical tensions have suppressed demand, increased logistics costs, and raised carbon footprints. Meanwhile, China's market share in aluminum semis and aluminum products in developing countries continues to grow. From the perspectives of product categories and trading partners, she introduced China's exports of aluminum products and aluminum wheels. In 2024, the construction sector remained a weak link in the growth of aluminum demand. The recovery of construction activities in regions such as Southeast Asia has become one of the opportunities for demand growth. Key influencing factors: In many developed economies, declining interest rates and persistent housing shortages will drive growth in construction activities. Infrastructure investment is shifting from transportation to utilities. To achieve climate goals, there is a renewed focus on decarbonizing the power grid. Emerging Asia will be the fastest-growing region. Strong demographic trends, significant foreign investment, and government policies will ensure that Southeast Asia has the fastest-growing construction market. Increased geopolitical uncertainty may drive up construction costs. In 2025, the power and automotive sectors will be the two key drivers of aluminum demand growth. Electric vehicles (EVs) play a significant role in driving aluminum demand growth in the automotive industry, while the growth trend in vehicle production is difficult to sustain, posing further challenges. Five major components driving aluminum usage per vehicle: electric drive housing, battery pack housing, large/mega castings, protective components, and battery cooling plates. Primary aluminum demand in developed countries has started to recover from a low base compared to the peak in 2018. As China seeks new growth points, demand in the rest of the world is accelerating. The global market will shift from balance in 2024 to shortage in 2025. The implementation of US import tariffs in 2025 has emerged as a major challenge for regional trade flows, potentially curbing the growth of aluminum demand. Additionally, Trump's reduction in funding for the decarbonization agenda will increase the cost of the US's low-carbon transition. This has hindered the net-zero transition and the growth of low-carbon aluminum demand in the US and globally. Enterprises with ESG principles are adjusting their decarbonization goals—only a minority of aluminum end-users are practicing them. It lists the revisions and progress of decarbonization goals of some well-known enterprises. Meanwhile, the establishment of regional premiums for low-carbon aluminum underscores the sustained growth in demand for low-carbon aluminum. In the foreseeable future, primary aluminum will remain the primary metal source, while the share of secondary aluminum will increase. The ceiling on China's primary aluminum capacity is accelerating the advancement of new smelting projects overseas. Aluminum smelter projects relying on high-carbon energy pose challenges to green development. At the same time, China has introduced policies to promote the low-carbon development of the aluminum industry. By 2030, the electricity required by data centers will exceed the total consumption of all aluminum smelters by 50%, and the aluminum demand for infrastructure will also increase significantly. It introduces: Data centers, like aluminum producers, require a reliable source of electricity. Led by changes in US trade and ESG policies, the aluminum industry is facing new challenges. Revisions to US trade and ESG policies: Posing challenges to overall aluminum demand, reviewing global ESG issues, reshaping supply chains, reviewing global carbon pricing, cost inflation pressures, and posing challenges to low-carbon aluminum demand. Finally, it introduces Rusal: Committed to sustainable and low-carbon aluminum development (LCA). 》Click to view the special report on the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Conference & Aluminum Industry Expo

On April 17, at the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Industry Conference & Aluminum Industry Expo - Aluminum Industry Chain Sustainable Development Forum , hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd. (SMM), SMM Metal Trading Center, and Shandong Aisi Information Technology Co., Ltd., and co-organized by Zhongyifeng Jinyi (Suzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. and Lezhi County Qianrun Investment Promotion Service Co., Ltd., Luo Weijie, the Marketing Manager of Press Metal International Ltd., shared the CYCAL brand of secondary aluminum from Press Metal International. He introduced that Press Metal Aluminium Holding Bhd has an annual production of 1.08 million mt of hydropower aluminum ingots and a capacity of 230,000 mt for aluminum extrusion. Press Metal International: Partner in aluminum extrusion engineering solutions and alloy material R&D. Sustainable Development - Vision Management Certification System He elaborated from the perspectives of quality certification, operation and management certification, product certification, and industry certification. Industry Sectors: Automotive Parts, Energy Systems, Consumer Electronics. Automotive Parts Body-in-white components: Bumper beam systems/sill beams/sunroof guide rails, etc.; power battery components: Housing assemblies/end plate structural parts. Energy Systems Thermal management of energy facilities, ESS industry, industrial systems, etc. When we aim to reduce carbon emissions from the supply chain... 》Click to view the special report on AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Industry Conference & Aluminum Industry Expo

On April 17, at the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminium Conference & Aluminium Industry Expo - Aluminium Industry Chain Sustainable Development Forum , hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd. (SMM), SMM Metal Exchange Center, and Shandong AIS Information Technology Co., Ltd., and co-organized by Zhongyifeng Jinyi (Suzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. and Lezhi County Qianrun Investment Promotion Service Co., Ltd., Guo Qi, ASI Assurance Manager of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI), shared insights on the implementation of global sustainable standards for the aluminium industry chain and the progress in building a sustainable aluminium value chain. The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) is a global non-profit standard-setting and certification organization. Vision, Mission, and Values Vision: Maximize the contribution of aluminium to a sustainable society. Mission: Recognize and collaboratively promote responsible production, sourcing, and stewardship of aluminium. Values: Ensure inclusivity in work and decision-making processes by promoting the participation of all relevant stakeholders. Encourage broad participation across the entire aluminium value chain, from bauxite and alumina to aluminium (from mining to downstream users). Promote shared responsibility for material management throughout the aluminium life cycle, from extraction, production, and use to recycling. The presentation also covered the brief history of ASI, reasons for its establishment, governance structure, global consistency documentation system, membership growth, ASI today, and its core work. Core Work: ASI collaborates with producers, users, and other stakeholders to promote responsible aluminium production, sourcing, and stewardship, driving transformation in the global aluminium value chain through the following means: • Standard Setting and Certification • Auditor Certification • Training and Capacity Building • Multi-Stakeholder Governance • Indigenous Peoples Advisory Forum (IPAF) • Promoting Collaboration through Partnerships and Mutual Recognition • Impact Assessment and Monitoring ♦ Strategic Evolution… ♦ Joining ASI Be part of a global effort to drive positive change. Enhance performance through focused actions and expand progress on key environmental, social, and governance issues. The presentation also elaborated on ASI certification. ♦ ASI and Climate Climate responsibility of the aluminium industry: Accounts for 2% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂ equivalent) and 4% of global CO₂ emissions. ASI requires certified entities to: Develop greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction plans and use ASI-approved methodologies to ensure that the GHG emission reduction pathway aligns with a 1.5-degree Celsius warming scenario. ♦ ASI's GHG Pathway Methodology… Proven Methodology • It is a method for measuring the long-term GHG emission intensity performance of specific entities, in line with the industry's 1.5-degree scenario. • Respect the 1.5-degree scenario carbon budget for the industry • Warn that the slope may/will change if action is delayed • Forward-looking methodology • Not a measurement standard for "low-carbon," "green," or "net-zero" aluminum ♦ Parallel recognition ♦ Value brought Value to members: • Demonstrate leadership and commitment in responsible production, sourcing, and management of aluminum within the industry • Enhance performance in key Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues through collective action, accelerating the sustainable development process • Access specialized learning resources on ASI aluminum sustainability • Advance the ASI certification process for both the enterprise and its suppliers • Participate in ASI's ongoing work projects from a strategic corporate perspective • Join ASI's governance system, including the operation of various specialized working groups • Utilize ready-made sustainability management tools to efficiently address challenges in the aluminum value chain • Gain the right to use the ASI membership logo and a dedicated display page on the official website Value to ASI: • Promote widespread collaboration and the widespread application of ASI standards within the aluminum value chain • Infuse your professional voice and industry influence into our mission • Create a demand boost for ASI-certified products in downstream markets • Enhance industry awareness of sustainable aluminum • Share your valuable experiences in other responsible sourcing projects 》Click to view the special report on the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Conference & Aluminum Industry Expo