Metal stockists news and views – What’s happening for October 2021?

As trusted brass sheet suppliers and carbon steel suppliers, we’re always on the look-out for relevant news stories. As popular UK metal stockists, it’s always good to see our world slowly, steadily getting ‘greener’, particularly the aluminium sector. Here’s some news from the marvellous world of metals. 

Britvic opens a new aluminium drinks can production line 

Britvic is spending an awesome £26.9 million improving its supply chain thanks to a new canning production line. It will boost the site’s total capacity by 18%, create at least 20 new jobs, improve their green profile and save money. The new line is set to produce recyclable 330ml aluminium cans for the brand’s soft drink range, which includes Tango, Pepsi and 7UP. The first cans should roll off the line in November 2021 and it’ll be production-ready for 2022.

UK-made aluminium coping delights builders 

Builders are loving it. Skyline aluminium coping is made in the UK. It’s fully weatherproof and fixes parapets in a way that doesn’t penetrate the coping but allows good ventilation. It’s simple to install and is made from lightweight, durable aluminium, coated in BBA-approved powder. The aluminium they use is made from recycled material and can easily be recycled again when the coping reaches the end of its life. The expected lifespan is 30 years and maintenance is ‘minimal’.  

Steel wars – Gupta battles hostile US ‘predator’ 

Steel magnate Sanjeev Gupta has launched a tough legal offensive against a North American private equity firm to stop it taking control of an EU aluminium smelter based in Dunkirk, France. Gupta’s  GFG Alliance is busy blocking all attempts by American Industrial Partners to take the smelter over.  

Hard Rock Hotel steel beams ‘grossly under-designed’

In 2019 the Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans tragically collapsed with fatal results. Now the steel beams supporting the building’s 16th floor have been found to be ‘grossly under-designed’, so badly handled that a collapse was an accident ’waiting to happen’. Apparently 81 of the beams fell way short of the expected standard. 

India’s steel sector suffers from high coal prices 

Steel mills in India are paying a fortune for coal thanks to shortages. The country relies on coal for around 70% of the electricity it generates and steel producers are competing with other industries – including the aluminium sector – for supplies. Experts say India’s energy crisis could carry on for at least another six months. 

Net Zero carbon steel from Nucor

The North Caroline producer Nucor is launching a line of net zero carbon steel products called Econiq, and car firm General Motors is set to be their first customer. The new products will be made using 100% renewable electricity, and they’ll also use the carbon offset system to negate CO2 emissions. The company previously announced a reduction in greenhouse gas intensity of 77% and are due to slash scope 1 and scope 2 emissions by 35% by 2030. 

Nucor is determined to invest in recycled steel facilities, as well as looking into carbon capture and storage. They already use recycled scrap-based electric arc furnace tech at 24 mills and operates at ‘70% below the current greenhouse gas emissions intensity for the steel industry’. The contrast with India’s coal-based metals sector couldn’t be more dramatic. 

What is it? 3 aluminium alloys at a glance 

1. 2024 aluminium is easy to machine with good workability, easy to cut and extrude. Weldable via  friction welding, flash, spot, and seam welding, it has good heat treatable properties but is more at risk of corrosion than many aluminium alloys. That’s why it is often galvanized or cladded. We sell 2024 aluminium plate and more
2. 5083 aluminium is used for its exceptional performance in extreme environments, resisting sea water attack and industrial chemicals remarkably well. It’s also very strong after welding, with the best strength of all non-heat treatable alloys. Bear in mind it isn’t suitable in temperatures over 65 °C. We sell 5083 aluminium round bar and more
3. 6061 aluminium is heat treatable. It’s easy to form, weldable, and good at resisting corrosion. Just remember it has reduced strength in the weld zone. It comes with medium fatigue strength, good formability in T 4, and it’s usually extruded. We sell 6061 aluminium round bar and more

Need metals? Walk this way 

We’re always happy to help you with expert insight into the metals you need, their properties, their uses and more. Just get in touch and we’ll make sure you get exactly the right metals for the job, all at fair prices and supported by top class service. 

THE LATEST FROM THE BLOG