In this episode, Jason Weber and Mark Butterfield reflect on the AEC's 75th anniversary, discussing the organization's impact on the industry and the importance of adapting to change. They outline strategic planning for 2025, upcoming events, and the significance of training and development for members. The conversation also highlights the need for effective communication and member engagement, as well as the challenges posed by trade dynamics. Looking ahead, they emphasize the importance of collaboration and a unified voice within the industry.

Takeaways

• 2024 was a significant year for the AEC, marking its 75th anniversary.
• The AEC has played a crucial role in shaping the industry over the decades.
• Strategic planning for 2025 is essential to adapt to industry changes.
• Upcoming events will focus on member engagement and professional development.
• Training programs for die correctors and press operators are being developed.
• Effective communication is key to understanding member needs.
• Trade challenges remain a top priority for the AEC's strategy.
• The annual meeting serves as a vital networking opportunity for members.
• Collaboration among members enhances the value of the AEC.
• Looking forward to 2025, the AEC aims to serve its members better.

In this episode of ShapeMakers, Lynn Brown and Rue Rogers discuss the intersection of aluminum extrusion and the circular economy. They explore how aluminum can be recycled effectively, the importance of maintaining materials in circulation, and the role of scrap in the industry. The conversation highlights the sustainability initiatives within the aluminum extrusion sector and the potential for increased recycling efforts.

Takeaways

• The circular economy aims to keep materials in circulation indefinitely.
• Aluminum has a high recycling rate, with 75% still in use today.
• Recycling aluminum does not degrade its properties, allowing for high-quality applications. Aluminum can be used over and over without any degradation of properties.
• The industry uses a mix of virgin and recycled aluminum, typically around 25% virgin and 75% scrap.
• Recycled aluminum billet can be used just like billet made from prime or virgin aluminum; it does not need to be downgraded to be used in lower performance applications because of its scrap content like other materials.
• Post-consumer scrap includes materials from product end-of-life, such as old windows and doors, wheels, wire and other building components.
• Anodized aluminum can be recycled similarly to unfinished aluminum, while painted aluminum poses challenges.
• The infrastructure for collecting and processing aluminum scrap is well-established in North America.
• There is potential to increase the use of post-consumer scrap in the industry.
• Aluminum's corrosion resistance contributes to its long lifespan in applications.
• The aluminum extrusion industry is actively working on improving recycling processes.

Learn more about the Aluminum Extruders Council at aec.org

Welcome to Shape Makers, the podcast series from the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC). AEC represents over 75% of North America's aluminum extrusion production. In this series, we explore key issues affecting extruders, suppliers, and users of aluminum extruded products. Our guest speakers dive into topics like aluminum extrusion Fairtrade cases, industry efforts to attract and retain skilled workers, how extrusion products meet stricter building and energy codes, the increasing use of extrusions in vehicles, and much more.

Join Jason Weber from the AEC as he chats with industry veteran Mark Butterfield, the newly appointed chairman of AEC. Mark shares his journey in the aluminum extrusion industry, his vision for AEC, and the importance of engaging with the Council's committees and initiatives. Learn about the rich history of the AEC, the legacy of foundational companies, and the value of networking and collaboration within the industry.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, Shape Makers offers insights and inspiration to help you navigate the dynamic world of aluminum extrusions. So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn more about the innovations and challenges shaping the industry.

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About Mark Butterfield - President of Manufacturing, MX Holdings

With more than 30 years of experience in the aluminum extrusion industry, Mark Butterfield serves as President of Manufacturing MX holdings which includes Pennex. An established industry leader, he also serves the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC) in multiple positions, including that of Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chairman of the Automotive Committee, and Vice Chairman of Extrusion Technology 2024.

Connect with Mark on Linkedin

 Lynn Brown of the AEC and Shane Tredup of Custom Aluminum discuss decarbonization efforts in the extrusion industry, highlighting the growing demand from customers for information on carbon footprint, scope one, two, and three emissions, and decarbonization plans. 

Industry tool for aluminum extruders to track carbon emissions.

• ACC aims to create industry tool for extruders to track carbon footprint and reduce it by 20%.
• Tool to calculate carbon emissions for extruders, covering multiple products and methodologies.
• Discover the tool's capabilities, including sensitivity analysis and real-time what-if scenarios, to help extruders understand the impact of changes to their business on their carbon intensity.

The tool will be useful for extruders to understand their own situation and make improvements and plans to do a separate podcast on the tool's functionality and new guidelines for granularity and reporting.

About The AEC:

Follow AEC on LinkedIn for the latest updates and industry insights.

• Stay informed about the Aluminum Extruders Council by visiting aec.org and following us on Twitter.

Stay Tuned for More SHAPEMAKERS: Don't miss out on future episodes of SHAPEMAKERS where we continue to explore the stories, innovations, and trends shaping industries worldwide. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

Thank you for joining us on this enlightening journey through the world of aluminum extrusion. Until next time, keep shaping the future!

Welcome back to another riveting episode of SHAPEMAKERS, where we explore the fascinating world of shaping industries and innovations. In this special edition, Jason Weber, the VP of Operations and Government Affairs for the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC), sits down with our distinguished guest Rob Nelson Executive Vice President at ALMAG Aluminum.

ALMAG ALUMINUM 

ALMAG’s history began in 1953, when Edward Peacock founded ALMAG Aluminum and Magnesium Ltd. manufacturing decorative door grilles. ALMAG’s first aluminum extrusion press started production in 1959.

Mr. Peacock envisioned a prosperous business with an ambition to build good products with good people and repeat business. Today, under the leadership of his son, Bob, our passion for quality and service remains strong.

For more on ALMAG visit - ALMAG Aluminum / Made possible. – Design • Extrude • Fabricate • Finish

About The AEC:

Follow AEC on LinkedIn for the latest updates and industry insights.

• Stay informed about the Aluminum Extruders Council by visiting aec.org and following us on Twitter.

Stay Tuned for More SHAPEMAKERS: Don't miss out on future episodes of SHAPEMAKERS where we continue to explore the stories, innovations, and trends shaping industries worldwide. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

Thank you for joining us on this enlightening journey through the world of aluminum extrusion. Until next time, keep shaping the future!

Jason Weber visits with Prof. Lorenzo Donati about the upcoming ET'24 In-Conjunction Workshop on Process Analysis & Optimization 

8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Fee: $595

Instructors: Professors from the Manufacturing Technologies Group at the University of Bologna, Italy

Learn how to optimize and analyze the aluminum extrusion process in this one-day intensive course from the experts at the Manufacturing Technologies Group at the University of Bologna in Italy. They have worked extensively with European extruders and die makers to optimize die design, improve welding phenomena in extrusion dies, increase die life, and analyze final microstructure of extruded profiles.

This course covers the following topics:

• Introduction to practical and analytical extrusion concepts
• Material flow and Friction in direct extrusion
• Die failure modes and die life prediction
• Seam welds, welding criteria and profile strength
• Charge welds and process performance
• Microstructure evolution and Streaks formation mechanisms.

About Prof. Lorenzo Donati Lorenzo Donati is Associate Professor in Manufacturing Technologies in the “Department of  Engineering for Industry” in the School of Engineering (Forlì Campus) of Alma Mater Studiorum  -University of Bologna. He received the Ph. D. in the course on “Engineering of manufacturing  systems, of metallurgy and applied measurements” of the Polytechnic University of Marche  (Ancona, IT) with a dissertation on “Seam weld formation during aluminum extrusion: FEM  simulation and experimental verification of the mechanical and aesthetical proprieties”. The  research field concerns the analysis and optimization of forming processes with specific focus  on the extrusion of light alloy: seam and charge welds quality, die life estimation,  microstructure evolution during extrusion processing are some examples of the most relevant topics. He is organizer  and head of ICEB, the "International Conference on Extrusion and Benchmark", which is held in Europe every two  years since 2007. He coordinated and participated to several projects in the field of light alloys extrusion funded by  International and National bodies as well as Companies.

A full list of publications is available at  http://www.unibo.it/docenti/l.donati 

George Oh & Judy Runge join Jason Weber of the AEC to discuss their upcoming Anodizing Essentials Workshop at this years ET'24 event in Orlando. For more details visit: ET In-Conjunction Workshops | Aluminum Extruders Council (aec.org)

8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Fee: $495 AAC members / $895 nonmembers Instructors: AAC member anodizing experts

Anodizing Essentials is part of the Aluminum Anodizers Council's (AAC) "School for Anodizers" that teaches more than the fundamentals of anodizing. This one-day class is designed to increase the knowledge and ability of anyone involved in operating an anodizing line. Anodizing Essentials Class details the foundation of quality anodizing, taking the learner through the entire process - beginning with the metallurgical properties of aluminum alloys commonly anodized through to the final rinse and sealing processes.

The program is designed to benefit anodizing production personnel at every level-from the line operator to the production manager, particularly if they are new to the business. Workshop topics include:

• Anodizing Overview and Anodizing Video
• Metallurgy Basics for Aluminum Surfaces
• Racking
• Cleaning & Rinsing
• Etch, Desmut & Bright Dipping
• Anodizing Basics for Aluminum Surfaces
• Power - Rectifiers & Transformers for the Aluminum Surface Treatment Industry
• Dyeing & Electrolytic Coloring
• Sealing the Anodic Oxide

SHAPEMAKERS EPISODE 57

Welcome back to another riveting episode of SHAPEMAKERS, where we explore the fascinating world of shaping industries and innovations. In this special edition, Jason Weber, the VP of Operations and Government Affairs for the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC), sits down with our distinguished guest ET'24 track chair, Gary Jones. 

Listen as they discuss the upcoming ET’24 Seminar, the 75th Anniversary of the AEC, and how to maximize your membership benefits by getting involved in AEC committees and groups. Also take a peak into which papers and tracks Bill is the most excited about in this years upcoming seminar. 

About The AEC:

Follow AEC on LinkedIn for the latest updates and industry insights.

• Stay informed about the Aluminum Extruders Council by visiting aec.org and following us on Twitter.

Stay Tuned for More SHAPEMAKERS: Don't miss out on future episodes of SHAPEMAKERS where we continue to explore the stories, innovations, and trends shaping industries worldwide. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

Thank you for joining us on this enlightening journey through the world of aluminum extrusion. Until next time, keep shaping the future!

SHAPEMAKERS EPISODE 56

Welcome back to another riveting episode of SHAPEMAKERS, where we explore the fascinating world of shaping industries and innovations. In this special edition, Jason Weber, the VP of Operations and Government Affairs for the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC), sits down with our distinguished guest ET'24 track chair, Bill Rogers.

Listen as they discuss the upcoming ET’24 Seminar, the 75th Anniversary of the AEC, and how to maximize your membership benefits by getting involved in AEC committees and groups. Also take a peak into which papers and tracks Bill is the most excited about in this years upcoming seminar. 

About The AEC:

Follow AEC on LinkedIn for the latest updates and industry insights.

• Stay informed about the Aluminum Extruders Council by visiting aec.org and following us on Twitter.

Stay Tuned for More SHAPEMAKERS: Don't miss out on future episodes of SHAPEMAKERS where we continue to explore the stories, innovations, and trends shaping industries worldwide. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

Thank you for joining us on this enlightening journey through the world of aluminum extrusion. Until next time, keep shaping the future!

SHAPEMAKERS EPISODE 55

Welcome back to another riveting episode of SHAPEMAKERS, where we explore the fascinating world of shaping industries and innovations. In this special edition, Jason Weber, the VP of Operations and Government Affairs for the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC), sits down with our distinguished guest ET'24 chairman, Jerome Fourmann.

Listen as they discuss the upcoming ET’24 Seminar, the 75th Anniversary of the AEC, and how to maximize your membership benefits by getting involved in AEC committees and groups.

About Jerome:

Jerome Fourmann, Global Technical Director and Casthouse Optimization at Rio Tinto - Aluminum, has been with the group for 15 years. His main duty is to support the company’s core value-added products' technical sales, of which they are the market leader.

Jerome is a passionate leader known for managing technical support activities in alloy selection, productivity enhancement, process improvement, training, troubleshooting, and industry standards development. Jerome drives growth through product development by identifying new market opportunities.

Titles: Technical Marketing | Metals & Minerals | Product Metallurgy & Market Development | Chairman of ET’24 | Accountable for developing value through a deep technical understanding of Metals & Minerals and market applications.

Connect with Jerome on Linkedin: Jerome Fourmann | LinkedIn

About Rio Tinto - Finding Better Ways to Provide the Materials the World Needs: #FindingBetterWays

We're finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs. Iron ore for steel. Low carbon aluminum for electric cars and smartphones. Copper for wind turbines, electric cars, and the pipes that bring water to our homes. Borates that help crops grow and titanium for paint.

Visit Rio Tinto's Website

About The AEC:

Follow AEC on LinkedIn for the latest updates and industry insights.

• Stay informed about the Aluminum Extruders Council by visiting aec.org and following us on Twitter.

Stay Tuned for More SHAPEMAKERS: Don't miss out on future episodes of SHAPEMAKERS where we continue to explore the stories, innovations, and trends shaping industries worldwide. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

Thank you for joining us on this enlightening journey through the world of aluminum extrusion. Until next time, keep shaping the future!