NEW YORK (Reuters) - If automakers use more aluminum and less steel in hybrid and electric-powered vehicles, they could cut the cost to consumers by $3,000 per vehicle, an aluminum industry-backed report says.

"As automakers gear up for a new generation of plug-in electric vehicles, the high cost of battery power remains a barrier," said Michael Bull, director of Automotive Technology for aluminum products maker Novelis, Inc.

"By upgrading from traditional steel to an advanced aluminum body structure, the vehicle's stored energy requirements can be cut by about 10 percent, which could save up to $3,000 per vehicle since less power and energy is required to move the lighter vehicle," Bull said in remarks to be given on Tuesday at the Center for Automotive Research's (CAR) "Business of Plugging In" conference in Detroit.

Bull, who was representing the Aluminum Association at the conference, told Reuters in an interview on Monday that currently about 10 percent of a vehicle body is constructed of aluminum, with the rest made of steel. The average weight is between 3,900 and 4,100 pounds.

There was universal acknowledgment, he said, that making cars and trucks lighter would increase their fuel efficiency and cut costs by reducing the battery energy requirements.

"The solution lies in lowering the vehicle's weight with aluminum as part of a holistic approach to also include advanced powertrains and batteries, enhanced thermal management, improved aerodynamics, and reduced rolling resistance," Bull said.

The report, by the Aluminum Association and Ricardo, a technical research consultancy, said making lighter vehicles, with more aluminum, would increase the driving range.

"Reduce the mass of the vehicle 20 percent, go 20 percent farther," it said. "As with conventional vehicles, the lighter vehicles have faster accelerations."

It cited Tesla Motors' Roadster, Fisker Automotive's luxury vehicle and Bright Automotive's van, which all use lightweight aluminum platforms for their vehicles.

"Many of the current hybrid vehicles are progressively adding lower weight components to improve the overall vehicle performance," said the report, financed by aluminum producers Alcoa Inc (AA.N) Hindalco Industries' (HALC.BO) Novelis, Rio Tinto's (RIO.L) Alcan Inc, Kaiser Aluminum Corp (KALU.O) and others.

Aluminum is making "steady penetration" into the auto market, "and if we could get to a point where 10 percent of vehicles are all aluminum we'd be happy," Bull told Reuters.

Expanded Selection of Styles and Configuration Options Provides Machine and Motion System Designers With More Choices Than Ever Before SCHAUMBURG, Ill.--(Business Wire)-- Misumi USA, Inc., a subsidiary of Misumi Corporation, part of Misumi Group, Inc. (Tokyo:9962) announces the expansion of product offerings across two of its mechanical component categories: Timing Pulleys, Belts and Mechanical Locks; and Pulleys for Round and Flat Belts, Idlers and Flat Belts. Timing pulleys, timing belts and related products are essential to the design and assembly of rugged automated machinery and conveyor systems. The new product lines significantly expand Misumi`s wide selection of components for plant automation, providing customers with the broadest range of options in the industry today. By category, Misumi`s new product additions include: Timing Pulleys, Belts and Mechanical Locks * High Torque Timing Pulleys − S14M Type * Non-Backlash Timing Pulleys − S8M Type; feature significantly lower backlash volume than conventional pulleys * Keyless Timing Pulleys − H and L Types, and T5 and T10 Types, all with mechanical lock * Many of S3M, S5M and S8M pulleys now available with inch bores * Keyless High Torque Timing Pulleys − S3M, S5M and S8M Types, all with mechanical lock * Flanged Idlers with Teeth − AT5, AT 10 Types * Timing Belts with Attachments − T5 and T10 Types; attachments are fusion bonded to the backside of the timing belt to enable constant pitch conveyance of various work pieces. Available with 1, 2 holes or without holes. * Long Timing Belts − Joint machining; number of teeth configurable; suitable for long span synchronous conveyance. * Long Timing Belts − Joint machining; number of teeth configurable; low friction canvas upholstered backside type suitable for accumulation conveyance. * Timing Belt Guides − Prevent belts from flexure and wandering during conveyance. * Metal Fittings (Clamps) for Timing Belts Pulleys for Round and Flat Belts, Idlers, Flat Belts * Pulleys for Flat Belts with Urethane − features baked-on urethane surface to provide improved friction resistance over conventional aluminum products * Pulleys for Round Belts − Set Screw and Clamping Types * Pulleys for Flat Belts − Crown, Crosspiece Groove (straight or crown) Types * Idlers for Flat Belts − Straight, Crown and Straight Crosspiece Groove Types More detailed information about all of these new products, including pricing, technical data and delivery times, can be found in the Misumi catalog and on the website. www.misumi-ec.com/eusaen/mech/. About MISUMI USA, Inc. Located in Schaumburg, Illinois, MISUMI USA, Inc. was established in 1988 as a Subsidiary of Misumi Corporation, a part of the Misumi Group (TOKYO: 9962). MISUMI USA, Inc. is a leading supplier of fixed and configurable components such as single-axis actuators, linear shafts, aluminum extrusions, linear guides, XY stages and other components for factory automation and various machine builds. For a complete list of available components, please visit www.misumiusa.com. COMPANY CONTACT Misumi USA, Inc. Patrick J. Esposito, 847-843-9105 Marketing Manager Fax: 847-592-5922 pesposito@misumiusa.com or AGENCY CONTACT Outlook Marketing Services, Inc. Christa Carroll, 630-922-6995 christa@outlookmarketingsrv.com Copyright Business Wire 2009

Aluminum castings have played an integral role in the growth of the aluminum industry since its inception in the late 19th century. The first commercial aluminum products were castings, such as cooking utensils and decorative parts, which exploited the novelty and utility of the new metal. Those early applications rapidly expanded to address the requirements of a wide range of engineering specifications.

Alloy development and characterization of physical and mechanical characteristics provided the basis for new product development through the decades that followed. Casting processes were developed to extend the capabilities of foundries in new commercial and technical applications. The technology of molten metal processing, solidification, and property development has been advanced to assist the foundry man with the means of economical and reliable production of parts that consistently meet specified requirements.

Today, aluminum alloy castings are produced in hundreds of compositions by all commercial casting processes, including green sand, dry sand, composite mold, plaster mold, investment casting, permanent mold, counter-gravity tow-pressure casting, and pressure die casting.

Alloys can also be divided into two groups: those most suitable for gravity casting by any process and those used in pressure die casting. A finer distinction is made between alloys suitable for permanent mold application and those for other gravity processes.

Material constraints that formerly limited the design engineer’s alloy choice once a casting process had been selected are increasingly being blurred by advances in foundry technique. In the same way, process selection is also less restricted today. For example, many alloys thought to be unusable in permanent molds because of casting characteristics are in production by that process.

Melting and Metal Treatment

Aluminum and aluminum alloys can be melted in a variety of ways. Coreless and channel induction furnaces, crucible and open-hearth reverberatory furnaces fired by natural gas or fuel oil, and electric resistance and electric radiation furnaces are all in routine use. The nature of the furnace charge is as varied and important as the choice of furnace type for metal casting operations. The furnace charge may range from prealloyed ingot of high quality to charges made up exclusively from low-grade scrap.

Even under optimum melting and melt-holding conditions, molten aluminum is susceptible to three types of degradation:

• With time at temperature, adsorption of hydrogen results in increased dissolved hydrogen content up to an equilibrium value for the specific composition and temperature
• With time at temperature, oxidation of the melt occurs; in alloys containing magnesium, oxidation losses and the formation of complex oxides may not be self-limiting
• Transient elements characterized by low vapor pressure and high reactivity are reduced as a function of time at temperature; magnesium, sodium, calcium, and strontium, upon which mechanical properties directly or indirectly rely, are examples of elements that display transient characteristics.

Turbulence or agitation of the melt and increased holding temperature significantly increase the rate of hydrogen solution, oxidation, and transient element loss. The mechanical properties of aluminum alloys depend on casting soundness, which is strongly influenced by hydrogen porosity and entrained nonmetallic inclusions.

Hydrogen influence on aluminum

Hydrogen is the only gas that is appreciably soluble in aluminum and its alloys. Its solubility varies directly with temperature and the square root of pressure. During the cooling and solidification of molten aluminum, dissolved hydrogen in excess of the extremely low solid solubility may precipitate in molecular form, resulting in the formation of primary and/or secondary voids.

Drossing fluxes are designed to promote separation of the aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) dross layer that forms on the surface of the melt from the molten metal. Drosses and liquid or solid metal are usually intermingled in the dross layer. The drossing fluxes are designed to react with Al₂O₃ in the slag or dross layer and to recover metal. The fluorides wet and dissolve thin oxide films according to the general reaction.

Hydrogen Sources. There are numerous sources of hydrogen in aluminum. Moisture in the atmosphere dissociates at the molten metal surface, offering a concentration of atomic hydrogen capable of diffusing into the melt. The barrier oxide of aluminum resists hydrogen solution by this mechanism, but disturbances of the melt surface that break the oxide barrier result in rapid hydrogen dissolution. Alloying elements, especially magnesium, may also affect hydrogen absorption by forming oxidation reaction products that offer reduced resistance to the diffusion of hydrogen into the melt and by altering liquid solubility.

Hydrogen Porosity. Two types or forms of hydrogen porosity may occur in cast aluminum. Of greater importance is inter-dendritic porosity, which is encountered when hydrogen contents are sufficiently high that hydrogen rejected at the solidification front results in solution pressures above atmospheric. Secondary (micron-size) porosity occurs when dissolved hydrogen contents are low, and void formation is characteristically subcritical.

Finely distributed hydrogen porosity may not always be undesirable. Hydrogen precipitation may alter the form and distribution of shrinkage porosity in poorly fed parts or part sections. Shrinkage is generally more harmful to casting properties. In isolated cases, hydrogen may actually be intentionally introduced and controlled in specific concentrations compatible with the application requirements of the casting in order to promote superficial soundness.

Hydrogen in Solid Solution. The disposition of hydrogen in a solidified structure depends on the dissolved hydrogen level and the conditions under which solidification occurs. Because the presence of hydrogen porosity is a result of diffusion-controlled nucleation and growth, decreasing the hydrogen concentration and increasing the rate of solidification act to suppress void formation and growth. For this reason, castings made in expendable mold processes are more susceptible to hydrogen-related defects than parts produced by permanent mold or pressure die casting.

Hydrogen Removal. Dissolved hydrogen levels can be reduced by a number of methods, the most important of which is fluxing with dry, chemically pure nitrogen, argon, chlorine, and freon. Compounds such as hexachloroethane are in common use; these compounds dissociate at molten metal temperatures to provide the generation of fluxing gas.

Gas fluxing reduces the dissolved hydrogen content of molten aluminum by partial pressure diffusion. The use of reactive gases such as chlorine improves the rate of degassing by altering the gas/metal interface to improve diffusion kinetics. Holding the melt undisturbed for long periods of time at or near the liquidus also reduces hydrogen content to a level no greater than that defined for the alloy as the temperature-dependent liquid solubility.

* Surcharge Effective on All New Orders for Fabricated Products Beginning July 1

* Commodity Prices for Natural Gas and Diesel Fuel Have Increased 60 Percent over 2007 Averages

* Tools for Customers to Track Surcharge Available on Kaiser Aluminum's Web Site

FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. -- Kaiser Aluminum (NASDAQ:KALU) today announced that beginning July 1 it will incorporate surcharges for all new orders of fabricated aluminum products. The decision is based on an effort to reduce exposure to rising costs for natural gas, electricity and diesel fuel. "These surcharges are essential to mitigate the extraordinary rise in costs related to energy that we have been absorbing for several years," said Jack A. Hockema, president, chairman and CEO of Kaiser Aluminum. "Commodity prices for natural gas and diesel fuel leapt roughly 60 percent in May compared to the 2007 average. These energy prices are spiraling and highly volatile, so we've elected to introduce a surcharge as the most transparent method to recover these costs."

The surcharges are based on a calculation tied to indices provided by the U.S. Department of Energy and will be updated on a monthly basis. Customers can view the formulas for calculating surcharges on the Kaiser Aluminum Web site at www.kaiseraluminum.com. Up-to-date information on how these surcharges impact specific products will also be included on the site.

"We're currently evaluating methods to address the significant increases in the costs of alloying materials, such as magnesium and copper," Hockema added. "We also continue our aggressive pursuit of cost reduction initiatives designed to offset other inflationary cost pressures."

Kaiser Aluminum, headquartered in Foothill Ranch, Calif., is a leading producer of fabricated aluminum products, serving customers worldwide with highly-engineered solutions for aerospace and high-strength, general engineering, and custom automotive and industrial applications. The company's North American facilities annually produce more than 500 million pounds of value-added sheet, plate, extrusions, forgings, rod, bar and tube products, adhering to traditions of quality, innovation and service that have been key components of our culture since the company was founded in 1946. The company's stock is included in the Russell 2000[R] index. For more information, please visit www.kaiseraluminum.com.

F-1097

Certain statements in this release relate to future events and expectations and, as a result, constitute forward-looking statements involving known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be different from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include: (a) the effectiveness of management's strategies and decisions; (b) the ability of the company to effectively recover higher costs; (c) the company's ability to reduce costs to mitigate inflationary pressure; (d) adverse changes in economic or aluminum industry conditions generally; (e) adverse changes in the markets served by the company, including the aerospace, defense, general engineering, automotive, distribution and other markets; (f) the company's ability to leverage its technologies and the Kaiser Production System methodology; and (g) the other risk factors summarized in the company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

COPYRIGHT 2008 Business Wire
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning

Century Aluminum Company (NASDAQ: CENX) announced today an agreement with Glencore to unwind all of its primary aluminum financial forward sales contracts. The contracts have been settled for a total value of $978.4 million in a new class of non-voting convertible preferred stock and $730.2 million in cash. After the payment for the June 2008 volumes (to be made in mid July per the previously existing terms), Century will have no further obligations under the forward contracts.

"We are pleased to have reached this agreement," said Logan W. Kruger, Century's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Entering into the fixed price forward financial sales contracts was the appropriate strategy for Century at the time they were put in place. Today, our plants in Iceland and the U.S. enjoy a strong competitive position. We see favorable fundamentals for the global primary aluminum market and believe our shareholders will benefit from our ability to realize market pricing on our entire production capacity. We have an attractive pipeline of growth opportunities which can be funded with the additional cash flow we will unlock through this transaction. We are very pleased with Glencore's continuing support; by accepting the preferred stock and its terms, they have reaffirmed their position as a long-term shareholder."

Transaction Structure

As consideration for the cancellation of the forward financial sales contracts, which were entered into in November 2004 and June 2005, Century has issued to Glencore 160,000 shares of a new class of convertible preferred stock which pays no dividend unless Century were to pay a dividend on its common stock. The preferred stock is convertible into Century's common stock at a conversion ratio of 1:100, thereby representing 16,000,000 underlying shares of common stock. The preferred stock carries no general voting rights, but in other principal respects shares the rights and features of Century's common stock. As such, the preferred stock will be accounted for as a common stock equivalent in the calculation of diluted shares outstanding. The remaining portion of the transaction consideration has been paid with $225.0 million of Century's cash on hand and through a $505.2 million deferred settlement agreement with Glencore. This deferred settlement agreement carries an interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.50% on outstanding amounts and requires monthly repayments from September 2008 through December 2009, or earlier without penalty at Century's option.

The agreement restricts the sale or transfer of the preferred stock. The preferred stock is generally convertible into common stock only upon Glencore exercising its right to demand that Century register an equivalent number of underlying common shares and conduct, on Glencore's behalf, an underwritten common stock offering. The registration rights are limited by provisions typical in such agreements. The agreement also restricts Glencore's ability to purchase additional shares of Century's common stock or to propose certain corporate transactions for a limited period of time.

Century Aluminum Company owns primary aluminum capacity in the United States and Iceland, as well as an interest in alumina and bauxite assets in the United States and Jamaica. Century's corporate offices are located in Monterey, California.

Century Aluminum will hold a conference call today to discuss this announcement at 10:30 a.m. Eastern. To listen to the conference call and to view related presentation materials, go to http://investor.shareholder.com/cenx/events.cfm and click on the conference call link.

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:

Helga Gunnarsdottir, Director-Corporate Finance, Landsbanki Islands hf.

Olafur Finsen, Senior Legal Advisor-Corporate Finance, Landsbanki Islands hf.

Contacts: Mike Dildine (media) 831-642-9364 Shelly Lair (investors) 831-642-9357

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.

Enough of your old window blinds. Make way for the stylish aluminum Venetian blinds.

If you really want durability in your window coverings, aluminum Venetian blinds is the one that will suit it best. Aluminum blinds will give you the special ambiance you always desire. For having aluminum Venetian blinds in every room, the kitchen, in the receiving area of your home, you can also color coordinate the blinds in every decoration you want.

Aluminum Venetian blinds are manufactured to the fact that people always wanted something that will surely last. In deciding to buy aluminum Venetian blinds, you can choose for different types whether you like vertical or mini blinds. Specifically, aluminum Venetian blinds look good if you put in a formal dining area.

Although aluminum Venetian blinds are more expensive than vinyl blinds, it is much cheaper than wood blinds. If you prefer an aluminum mini blind, you can have it with 1 inch slat or much more with slats 2 to 3 inches wide. If you’re shopping for your aluminum Venetian blinds, there are lots of colors to choose from as well as to a number of different levels of confidentiality.

If you’d preferred to reduce the light coming from the outside, then you can have your aluminum Venetian blinds that will only allow reduced light to enter while in blocking the glow. Certainly, you can have your styled aluminum blinds that can provide you complete privacy when lowered.

Worrying your aluminum Venetian blinds will not fit to some of your specialty cut windows is not a problem anymore. You can now order aluminum blinds to some reputable dealers that will fit your cornered, arched, or even rounded windows. By using the standard cord to lower and raise the aluminum blind, you can opt to have battery operated feature to the blind. In having this kind of wireless feature, installing it is quite easy. Relatively, the motor is silent in operation, yet it’s powerful. The 6 channel control can be operated to at least 6 aluminum blinds as long the distance is within 50 feet.

Also, aluminum blinds can offer energy efficiency. Window blinds with this kind of action can resist every heat loss through the window in time of cold seasons. If you like to cover your large window, aluminum blinds with larger slats are recommended. In keeping you preferred color of the aluminum blinds, there are lines that include metallic, solids, and matte, which can result to low gloss finish.

Installing what you think is the best type of aluminum blind for your home will certainly make the right decoration.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Blinds, please visit blinds.articlekeep.com

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

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

Aluminum weather vanes are made in America and have gained popularity all over the world for their versatility. Use of cast aluminum has been one of the latest additions to materials used to build weather vanes, in order to provide a longer life and enhanced look.

Cast Aluminum weather vanes usually come with lifetime guarantee offers from manufactures. They are becoming popular due to their durability. Rust-free feature of cast Aluminum helps in ensuring its durability and maintaining physical features of these weather vanes. Aluminum weather vanes can be polished and painted to achieve appearance of wrought iron. Since aluminum is rust free, it increases its longevity and resistance to the elements. Customers may choose to customize their preferences and order vanes as per their choice.

A variety of gold, bronze, rust, verdigris and multi-colored paint finishings can be found in these aluminum weather vanes. They are adorned with decorative mounting brackets, gold globes and east-west-north-south directionals apart from indicating arrows. Some models of hand-finished Aluminum weather vanes may be available in two dimensional looks and painted in natural wood colors.

Manufactured by various American Companies, Aluminum weather vanes are shipped all over US and rest of the world. Shipping charges, however, vary according to location within and outside America. Delivery period is also variable depending on these locations and company policies.

Aluminum weather vane collections can be found online. These products are categorized according to their ornamentation types. Actual photographs of the product are accompanied by brief description of each product design and texture details. Queries and information about aluminum weather vanes are satisfied by most online sellers to enhance customer satisfaction. Easy to use installation and assembly guides are also provided with purchase of most weather vanes. Customers may explore the wide range of selection before choosing an appropriate weather vane to decorate their homes. However, it is important to check and compare rates and design of the vanes before making a purchase.

Weather Vanes provides detailed information on Weather Vanes, Copper Weather Vanes, Wrought Iron Weather Vanes, Antique Weather Vanes and more. Weather Vanes is affiliated with How To Make Wind Chimes.

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

Aluminum railings offer many benefits over other materials that are used for railings. You will find that there are many different ways that aluminum can be used for railings and that aluminum can be mixed with other materials, which will give you added benefits.

The Lighter Side Of Aluminum Railings

Aluminum has been used for many years in railings because it is a lightweight metal that is easy to use and work. Aluminum has been used for many other purposed as well, including in the aviation in industry. Aluminum is well known for its resistance to corrosion, which makes it an ideal material choice for many different purposes.

Aluminum Railings

There are many different additions that can be made to aluminum to help make it stronger and more durable. Here are a few:

1. Anodized Aluminum: If you are worried about corrosion, then you will want to get aluminum that is anodized. This thing coating on the aluminum will help prevent oxidation, which is the beginning of aluminum become corroded.

2. Wooden Inserts: To strengthen aluminum, wooden blocks are sometimes put into the opening of the forms of aluminum. This will give strength, but not so much that it is heavy and difficult to work with.

3. Powder Coated Aluminum: To increase visual appeal, a new painting technique is being used called powder coating. This makes the railings look even more beautiful and pleasing to the eye.

4. PVC Coated Aluminum: After the aluminum has been formed into your railings, they can be coating with PVC. This helps the railings to last much longer and it keeps them looking beautiful for a long time.

Easy To Install

Manufacturers keep trying to make it easier to install aluminum railings. Bottom posts are made that allow the vertical aluminum posts to be fixed help to speed up the construction and installation process. Homeowners who enjoy doing home improvement projects will find that this upgrade is very helpful and will help cut your time needed to do this project. This kind of railing is normally found in CPVC, PVC, or other manmade materials.

Manufacturers are also finding that aluminum alloys will help make the railings last longer. This mixing of aluminum with other metals can help increase the resistance to corrosion and can help add to the strength to weight ratio.

Whichever aluminum railing that you choose, you are sure to find that there are many different designs. This will enable you to find the one that best fits your functional needs and your aesthetic needs.

Andrew Caxton is the author and editor of many deck and balcony articles and newsletters published at http://www.deck-porch-railings.com . Find more publications about aluminum railings at his website.

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

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

While training a home inspector I saw an electrical contractor's apprentice look right at a panel wired with single strand aluminum wiring and not even notice it was there.

Why?

He did not think to look for aluminum single strand wire because the home was "too new" to have single strand aluminum wiring. Although he was correct about the age of the home (it was built long after aluminum wiring was commonly used) he missed a major safety defect that is very expensive to cure. Someone must have found an old coil or two around when the addition was added.

What does aluminum wiring look like?
How would most home owner's or Realtors know the home had aluminum wiring?

If the home has BX (metal exterior wiring) it does not have aluminum wiring. I have never seen aluminum wiring in BX and have never heard of it being made. There is a tin coated copper wire in BX that was very common. It is NOT a hazard at all.

If the home has Romex wire (plastic or cloth covered) look at the writing on the wire. If it says CU or copper it is not aluminum. If it says AL or aluminum it is aluminum.

Removing electric panel covers is NOT a job for those who do not know how to do it. There is enough power inside the average electric panel to kill you and a few others. If you are in doubt hire and pay for a professional to determine the type wire in a home, it is well worth it.

Michael Del Greco is President of Accurate Inspections, Inc., a home inspection business.

He has been a home inspector since 1993 and prior to that spent seven years as a construction project manager.

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

1) Aluminum is light and highly robust: The density of aluminum is only 2,6 to 2,8 g/cm3. This is only approx. 1/3rd of the density of steel. Despite its low weight aluminum is very strong.

2) Aluminum is impermeable to moisture: Even under extremely long storage conditions moisture cannot diffuse through the material. Welding allows an aluminum case to be constructed so that it is impermeable to moisture vapour.

3) Aluminum is not sensitive to impact and is very strong: Although the surface may be dented as a result of impact, the impact energy is however absorbed by the deformation.

4) Aluminum is magnetically neutral: Aluminum is free of ferromagnetism. This material characteristic can be of great significance for certain application areas.

5) Aluminum is not even sensitive to extreme temperature fluctuations: In the temperature range -150 to +150 °C the material characteristics remain constant.

6) Aluminum is fully recyclable: Old aluminum can be melted down and reused – a decisive contribution towards relieving pressure on waste disposal and environmental protection.

7) Aluminum is corrosion resistant and protects itself: On contact with oxygen the surface becomes covered with an oxide layer and this layer is immediately renewed if damage occurs.

8) Aluminum is resistant to UV radiation: Long storage periods and usage under exposure to UV-radiation have no influence on this material.

9) Aluminum is hygienic: The smooth surface is easy to clean and odour-neutral. Aluminum cases are outstandingly well suited for areas with demanding specifications in relation to hygiene.

10) Aluminum can be machined in a number of different ways: All the most widely used machining processes – welding, moulding etc. can be used in conjunction with aluminum and can be carried out a great deal more efficiently than is the case with other materials.

11) Aluminum is conductive of electricity: Aluminum is a good conductor of electricity and heat, an advantage e.g. in housings for electronic installations.

Shipping Cases Now is a US distributor of this high quality German made series of shipping containers. Visit their website to learn more about these types of shipping containers.

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

Aluminum is being used since a long time as a lightweight material for all construction and building works. Aluminum alloys are being used in every industry from Aviation industry to zip making. The strength to weight ratio is higher in case of aluminum to steel. The long life comes from the higher corrosion resistance of aluminum.

The Lightweight Solution – Aluminum Railings

Aluminum rails can be used in different ways. These ways that increase the life of aluminum are,

Anodizing of aluminum: The corrosion resistance of aluminum is further increased by a thin coating on aluminum. The anodized surface of aluminum prevents further oxidation of the corrosion of the aluminum.

Strengthen with wooden inserts: Wooden blocks inserted in the cavity of aluminum forms give added strength to aluminum and thus lighter sections can be used for the same work, further reducing the weight of structure.

Powder coating of aluminum: New painting techniques such as the powder coating add to the visual appeal of the railings. The overall effect of created by riot of color combination that are available is just amazing.

PVC coating: Aluminum can be coated after complete fabrication with PVC by various methods. This further increases the life of the aluminum products. It also gives a beauty treatment to the aluminum.

Ease of installation with Aluminum

Many manufacturers are coming up with solution in use of aluminum in railings. The use of the bottom posts in which the aluminum verticals can be fixe, speed up the erection process. The DIY enthusiasts find such solutions very useful since it reduces the time required doing for such work. These posts are made out of PVC, CPVC or such manmade materials.

Aluminum alloys also find increased use in the manufacture of railings and this gives an extended life to railings. The alloying with other metals increases further the already high strength to weight ratio and corrosion resistance.

Adam Peters is a freelance author who contributes adding articles to a website focused exclusively on deck and porch railings, http://www.deck-porch-railings.com. Where you will find further articles on aluminum railing plans and designs.

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

VAN NUYS, Calif. -- Superior Industries International, Inc. (NYSE:SUP) announced today that it will distribute a regular quarterly cash dividend on the common stock of the Corporation in the amount of $0.1550 per share payable April 22, 2005, to shareholders of record as of April 8, 2005.

About Superior Industries

Superior supplies aluminum wheels and other aluminum components to Ford, General Motors, DaimlerChrysler, Audi, BMW, Isuzu, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mazda, MG Rover, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen. For more information, visit Superior's Web site at www.supind.com.

Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains statements that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the company's business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors and risks discussed from time to time in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports. In addition, such statements could be affected by general industry and market conditions and growth rates, and general domestic and international economic conditions. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and the company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

Jammin' Products has just released a new line of graphite and machined-aluminum components for many popular nitro-powered off-road models. Jammin, Jay Halsey, a former ROAR national champion, has been manufacturing graphite and machined-aluminum components on an OEM basis for many well-known R/C manufacturers, and his company now produces hop-up parts that will soon be available at a hobby shop near you.Shown here are some of the components the company offers for the Mugen MBX-4 and the Kyosho MP-5 and MP-6 1/8-scale off-road buggies. Jammin' also offers super-thick shock towers for the Associated RCl OGT and Team Losi NXT. Give Jammin' Products a call at (909) 465-9728 for more information.

Offering stroke lengths of 7 and 10 in., light-duty Model LD mounts to side of conveyor to push lightweight products off at right angle to product flow. Unit features aluminum face and standard mounting for conveyor Models TA, 138 and 190 NSP, 190-LR, and 190-A

Hytrol's LD Pusher is a light duty pusher designed to easily mount to the side of many conveyor models. The LD Pusher provides an economical solution for pushing light-weight products off at a right angle to product flow.

Some Features:

o Available in two stroke lengths - 7" and 10"

o Aluminum Pusher Faceo Standard mounting for many Hytrol models including: TA, 138 & 190 NSP, 190-LR, 190-ACZ.

Alcan Composites USA of Statesville, N.C., introduces Dibond materials, one of many new graphic display substrates. Dibond is a lightweight, yet rigid, aluminum composite material that consists of two sheets of aluminum bonded to a thermoplastic core. It is pre-painted with a polyester finish, and is available in 2-mm, 3-mm and 4-mm thicknesses.Stock sheet sizes are available measuring 48 by 96 inches, 48 by 120 inches and 60 by 120 inches. Dibond Material may be used in large-format digital and electrostatic printing, photo mounting applications and screen-printing.