The latest metals news from your favourite aluminium stockists

As your  expert aluminium supplier there’s always plenty of news about the light yet strong metal that helps build our world. There’s a big push for green steel at the moment, so we take a look at that. And one sculptor has just completed a 3D printed stainless steel sculpture of extraordinary beauty and strength. Here’s the latest news from the amazing world of metals.

Aluminium tipped as an exciting investment opportunity

Aluminium is being tipped as a top class medium-term investment at the moment. It’s all down to soaring global aluminium demand created by energy transition-related sectors like transport and renewables across China, the US and the EU.

With most major economies pushing hard for net-zero carbon emissions and a parallel political drive underway, China’s primary supply is set to slow then plateau. China is being pressurised to cut its CO2 emissions from primary aluminium smelting and there are rumblings about a 45 million tonne cap to its capacity. As a result secondary aluminium capacity will take up the slack.

At the same time Russia’s pans to slam taxes on  aluminium exports are fuelling a surge in spot market costs – the current price of any kind of financial instrument- for buyers and sellers in the EU and USA.

Rio Tinto might re-start their closed NZ potline

Over in New Zealand, record aluminium prices could inspire Rio Tinto to restart potline four at the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter. The potline was shut down in April 2020 in line with covid restrictions.

Storm-resilient European aluminium windows make an impact in Hong Kong

JS Aluminium Window’s bespoke European proprietary window systems are billed as weather-proof, innovative, and aesthetically attractive, and they’re becoming increasingly popular in Hong Kong. It matters because climate change is bringing more extreme subtropical storms and typhoons to Hong Kong, and the increase in their frequency and intensity means great quality, rugged windows are a must.

JS Aluminium is a popular window and façade provider. Their bespoke window systems include a wide range of European systems from the continent’s best-loved and respected brands. They’re the exclusive Hong Kong distributor and carrier of Belgium’s Aliplast Aluminium Systems, Italy’s prestige Astec brand, Germany’s Solarlux bi-folding doors, and Italy’s eco-friendly Secco Sistemi products made using stainless steel, galvanised steel, and brass.

Global comings and goings in the steel sector

Steel work contractor Caunton Engineering is being funded by the US Government to develop its patented steel-concrete walling system. It’s hoped the system will reduce the cost of building US based nuclear power stations. Over here the MOD is finalising a deal for Sheffield Forgemasters which, like the entire UK steel sector, has been struggling to cope with financial problems.

H2 Green Steel has become a member of the cross-industry European CEO Alliance, delivering considerable expertise in hydrogen and carbon free steel to support the EU’s Green Deal. The aim is to cut CO2 emissions 55% by 2030. And in Canada Algoma Steel has received a grant of $420m to help it become the country’s greenest steel producer. They’ll be fitting an electric arc furnace that should be able to cut the company’s CO2 emissions by an impressive 70% or so.

Brewdog’s solid gold cans turn out to be plated

Brewdog’s gold cans promotion has come under fire for passing off brass as gold. The golden cans were billed as being worth an impressive £15,000 each but one winner was disappointed to find it was actually gold plated brass. When Mark Craig from Lisburn, Northern Ireland, bought some cases of beer in the hope of finding a gold version he was thrilled to find one. But when he asked Brewdog for a verification certificate, it turned out the can was merely gold plated.

3D printed tower sculpture graces the South of France

3D printer firm MX3D has been collaborating with the artist Riccardo Ragazzoni on something called The  Tresse project. The result is a stunning fully 3D printed stainless steel sculpture that has been erected in a lovely private garden in the South of France.

Ragazzoni searched long and hard for a creative partner in the project, starting off looking at traditional ways to make his idea come to life.  He explored bronze casting and cut metal but neither method really suited his vision of the finished artwork. The 4m high sculpture was eventually totally 3D printed in stainless steel, then the tips were polished and gold-plated afterwards. You can see a photo of the work here.

Want top quality, fairly-priced metals?

Whatever you need metal for, we’ll make sure you get the right product at the right price. As one of the UK’s premium aluminium suppliers we have all sorts of different aluminium supplies and alloys. We also sell carbon steel, stainless steel, brass, and cast iron.

Contact Metalex about your metal supply requirement.

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