In this months issue
The Countdown is ON for ET '24!
ET '24 is nearly upon us, with only eight short months until we arrive in Orlando. You may be asking, "Why attend ET '24?" The answer is simple: ET '24 is the premier International Extrusion Technology Conference, bringing together industry professionals from more than 50 countries -- thought leaders, decision makers, executives, and senior management for an intensive week of powerful nETworking, dynamic workshops and informative technical sessions that are the gold standard for the global aluminum extrusion community. ET is expanding its technical offerings -- the ET Seminar Committee has added a seventh track -- Extrusion Design & Innovation, and the six foundational tracks are even more laser-focused by topic: Alloys & Billet Process, Extrusion & Die Process Application; Extrusion & Die R&D, Extrusion Finishes & Fabrication, AND Sustainability & Management, which includes cutting-edge topics like how to unlock the potential of Artificial Intelligence to advance operations in several areas of the extrusion plant.
The Extrusion Design & Innovation track encompasses Extruder-Centric AND End-User-Centric markets, broadening the scope of ET to include designers, specifiers and customers who will be invited to ET '24. This ET Week offers extrusion customers the chance to see how extrusion innovations greatly impact the Automotive and B&C industries in particular - with technical presentations they will want to see!
Spread the word about ET '24 on Social Media - and get the latest by following ET with #ET24 on our ET Foundation LinkedIn page and be sure to like, comment and share to get the industry, our customers and extrusion users buzzing about ET. The nETworking opportunities at ET technical sessions, ET Expo, Extrusion Showcase, and in-conjunction workshops are incomparable, with 1200+ attendees from more than 40 countries gathering at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, Florida USA, on April 30 - May 2, 2024. Don't miss the total ET experience! Read on for more details on how to participate in the greatest ET Week ever and we'll see you there.
Ready to Elevate Your Extrusion Game? Don't Wait a Moment Longer!
We are thrilled to invite you to the much-anticipated ET '24! We're counting down the days until we can welcome you to a global event that will leave you inspired, invigorated and ready to conquer the extrusion world.
What to Expect at ET Week
Global Connections: Meet with industry titans, brilliant minds, and fellow extrusion enthusiasts from all corners of the world. Create alliances, spark collaborations and expand your network!
Trailblazing Keynotes: Get ready to be inspired by visionaries who are shaping our future.
Inspirational Workshops: Who said learning can't be fun?
Sensational Showcases: Prepare to be dazzled by a vibrant exhibition that's bursting with the latest products, services and solutions that are turning heads in the extrusion realm.
Hear from past ET attendees!
Get ready to redefine what's possible in Extrusion Technology! For more details, please visit ET24.us.
Get Connected on ET '24 Social Media & Learn about Powerful nETworking, Dynamic Workshops and Unlimited Opportunities!
Connect and Discover More about ET '24 on LinkedIn!
Are you ready to learn more about the exciting world of ET ’24? Don't miss out on updates, insights, and exclusive content – follow us on LinkedIn! Our official LinkedIn page – ET Foundation, is your go-to source for the latest ET '24 news, speaker announcements, workshop highlights, and behind-the-scenes peeks.
Connect with fellow extrusion industry professionals, engage in meaningful discussions, and get a sneak peek into the dynamic nETworking, immersive workshop subject matter and the countless opportunities that await you at ET Week.
Stay in the loop and be part of the ET '24 journey – Partnership by Design: Aluminum Extrusion & Sustainability – by connecting with us on LinkedIn! Click the "FOLLOW" button and like, comment and share!
Register Now for ET '24 to Save Money
Save money by registering early to attend ET '24 - the Thirteenth International Aluminum Extrusion Technology Seminar & Exposition. Two tiers of registration discounts are available, as well as the Team discount, so sending your personnel is more affordable than ever.
The Premium Discount, for companies that register their personnel extra early will save $200 off the Standard Rate of $1,495 per person if registration and payment is received on or before December 23, 2023. The Early Discount saves $100 off the Standard Rate if payment is received between December 24, 2023, and February 16, 2024. The Standard Rate applies after February 16, 2024.
Are you planning to send a team to ET '24? The Team Discount will save an additional $75 per person and is valid for five or more registrations from the same company when registered and paid together at the same time. The Team Discount can be taken any time, on top of the other discounts. That means, if a company has a team of five or more personnel to register for ET '24, taking the Premium Discount and the Team Discount saves $275 per person! The paired Early and Team Discounts save $175 per person.
Save money by registering early for ET '24. The savings add up when you take advantage of all the discounts available! For more information and to register, visit ET24.us today!
ET '24 takes place at the Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando Resort on Universal Blvd., in the heart of the convention and theme park district of Orlando, Florida. Make your plans to join us for the aluminum extrusion industry's most prestigious and respected technical conference covering all things aluminum extrusion. Whether you are an aluminum extruder, a supplier to the industry, a product designer or user of extrusions, you will find something of value at ET '24.
Make your travel plans now to save time and hassle! Hotel and Travel information is now available on the website at ET24.us. International travelers should start making plans to get their visas as soon as possible. Details for foreign travelers are also available on the page with information and links to resources.
Visit the Hotel & Travel page for hotel reservation information. The Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando offers many amenities to keep guests entertained and well-fed – outside of ET '24 activities, that is! The Creek offers 15 restaurants and lounges serving a wide array of cuisines – including an award-winning steakhouse, an Italian bistro, an elaborate buffet, and an à la carte menu serving all meals of the day and in between. An award-winning golf course at the Shingle Creek Golf Club features golf for players at all skill levels. The Spa at Shingle Creek offers a day spa and elite salon providing treatments and services for total mind and body relaxation. Four heated pools, two lit tennis courts, a sand volleyball court, nature and walking trails, a video game room and more await you at the Creek.
Book your hotel room no later than Thursday, April 4, 2024 (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time – UTC-5) to ensure you get the special discounted ET '24 rate. Call toll-free at 866.996.6338 (in the U.S.) or 407.996.6338 to make your reservations and mention Aluminum Extrusion Technology Seminar to get the special ET rate. You can also reserve your room online here.
ET '24 Track Highlights
Sustainability & Management (SM) Track
The former Management Issues Track has evolved into the Sustainability & Management Track, to encompass the global impact of sustainability into every aspect of the aluminum extrusion industry from dies to the extrusion plant, to the finished product. Management highlights include operations, safety, digitalization, artificial intelligence applications, developing a skilled workforce, and more effective plant management practices. Sustainability topics include recycling, life cycle analysis, decarbonization, emissions, carbon footprint, renewable energy, and the technologies and strategies that help achieve sustainability goals.
Extrusion Finishes & Fabrication (FF) Track
The former Value-Added Processes Track has evolved into the Extrusion Finishes & Fabrication Track, covering anodizing, painting, powder coating, and fabrication topics. Track highlights include technical aspects of anodizing, laser texturing, anodize coloring technologies, powder coating, quality and sustainability pertaining to surface finish, coloring techniques, surface defects and appearance, machine tool technologies, automation developments in fabrication, finishing, and robotics. Process innovations using the latest technologies presented at ET '24 apply to every aspect of fabricating and finishing aluminum extrusions, and these developments help extruders optimize extrusion surface quality and appearance.
To view abstracts in their Tracks, visit ET24.us and choose Technical Sessions.
Stay tuned for more ET '24 Track highlights in our November ET Special edition newsletter!
Maximize Learning Opps at ET Week!
For an unmatched in-person learning experience at ET '24, join your extrusion peers and learn from the very best at ET In-Conjunction Workshops! Space is very limited, so register early! The additional fee for in-conjunction workshops/courses includes lunch and all course materials. Plan your travel accordingly, to include these essential educational opportunities for your Team! To learn more, visit ET In-Conjunction Workshops.
On Monday, April 29, jump-start your ET Week with one of several full-day educational sessions:
- Extrusion Excellence: Applied Fundamentals for Aluminum Extruders – Theory and practice combine, encompassing aluminum extrusion process from billet production to the press, to the runout table. New and experienced production personnel alike will benefit from this comprehensive look at extrusion topics including alloys, billet metallurgy, extrudability, and much more.
- Finishing Workshop – Learn the latest developments in pretreatment, equipment, coating and finishing processes specific to the aluminum extrusion industry. A wealth of information on aluminum finishing, anodizing and painting awaits, offering problem-solving techniques, roundtable discussions and a series of interactive Field-Testing stations.
- Process Analysis and Optimization – Taught by the renowned Team from the Manufacturing Technologies Group at the University of Bologna, Italy, they share expertise for extruders and die makers to optimize die design, improve welding phenomena in extrusion dies, increase die life, and analyze the final microstructure of extruded profiles. Topics include introductions to practical and analytical extrusion concepts, material flow and friction in direct extrusion, die failure modes, die life prediction, and much more.
- Anodizing Essentials Class – Part of the Aluminum Anodizers Council's (AAC) “School for Anodizers”, this course goes beyond anodizing fundamentals, increasing knowledge and ability in anodizing line operations. Foundational concepts for quality anodizing process, from commonly anodized aluminum alloys' metallurgical properties through to the final rinse and sealing are taught by AAC Member experts.
On Friday, May 3, these workshops complete your ET Week learning experience:
- Extrusion Excellence: Applied Fundamentals for Aluminum Extruders – An encore presentation of this popular workshop is offered to cap off a week of intensive extrusion education.
- AEC Die Clinic – This full-day training event offers essential highlights from previous AEC Die Clinics and is taught by experts from AEC's Die & Tooling Team who share key insights and their invaluable experiences focusing on die tooling issues. This immersive course covers die correction, die manufacture, extrusion operation, and related skills. Bring your next-generation die teams to this must-attend event!
Reach Aluminum Extruders All in One Place: Become an ET '24 Exhibitor!
The ET Expo at the Thirteenth International Aluminum Extrusion Technology Seminar & Exposition – ET '24, will be an exciting event and as a supplier you will want to be in Orlando, April 30-May 2, 2024. The ET Expo will be the best opportunity to reach aluminum extrusion industry professionals including executives, engineers, plant supervisors, operations managers, and more from 40-plus countries all in one place!
Seventy companies have already confirmed their participation as exhibitors at ET '24. Exhibit space is selling quickly – in fact, the show floor is more than 70% sold! Act now to reserve your space for the aluminum extrusion industry's most respected and anticipated event – ET '24!
Don't miss your chance to reach your prime prospects! To reserve your space at ET Expo, visit aec.org/exhibit-et-expo to reserve your space online.
Become an ET Exhibitor before the Expo is sold out. Questions? Contact ET Expo Manager Suzanne Spohr at sspohr@tso.net or 1.847.416.7216.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the 13th International Aluminum Extrusion Technology Seminar – ET '24. Optimize your ET '24 experience by becoming a sponsor and get your company ‘front and center' exposure to the 1200-plus aluminum extrusion professionals in attendance!
A variety of sponsorships are available, including nETworking events, meals and breaks, programs and services, registration, WiFi, and much more. Exhibitors: drive traffic to your booth by sponsoring an ET '24 Logo Puzzle piece. Attendees must visit each sponsoring exhibitor to collect a puzzle piece to build their ET '24 logo and they then stop at the Aluminum Extruders Council's booth to show their completed puzzle where they will be entered in a drawing to win a prize. Increase your visibility and make new connections by sponsoring a puzzle piece at your booth.
Review the ET '24 Sponsorship Opportunities brochure for complete details or visit ET24.us and choose Sponsorship Opportunities. Questions regarding sponsorships should be directed to ET Expo Manager Suzanne Spohr at sspohr@tso.net or 847.416.7216.
Automotive Spotlight at ET '24
Vehicle manufacturers and tier suppliers will want to attend the Thirteenth International Aluminum Extrusion Technology Seminar & Exposition - ET ’24 to learn more about advancing aluminum extrusion technologies in vehicles.
During ET Week, be sure to visit the Automotive Spotlight, a section of the Extrusion Showcase devoted to extruded aluminum automotive applications, sponsored by Pennex Aluminum and Hydro Extrusions. See a wide variety of aluminum extrusion solutions used on electric and ICE vehicles and talk with aluminum extruders during nETworking events or at the ET Expo who can answer your questions, offer solutions and help you solve a design challenge.
In addition, several technical papers focusing on automotive aluminum extrusions will be presented. Technical paper abstracts that focus on processes and design for the automotive industry are listed below. The two-letter code before each title refers to the track name (e.g., BP – Alloys & Billet Process, EI – Extrusion Design & Innovation, etc.). To view the full abstracts, visit ET24.us and choose Technical Sessions or aec.org/et-technical-sessions:
- BP461 - Comparison of Crash Performance of 6060, 6063 and 6082 Extruded Aluminum Alloys for Automotive Applications; Gorkem Ozcelik, Ilyas A. Sari, Melih Çaylak, Zeynep T. Ozen, and Ibrahim Bat, ASAS Aluminum, Turkey
- BP479 - New Alloy Development for Multiport Aluminum Tubes for Automotive Condenser and Evaporator Application; Sunil Soni, Pritam Kumar, and Vinay Maggu, Pranav Vikas India Pvt. Ltd., India
- EI354 - Aluminum Extrusions are Inherent to Great Vehicle Design; Andrew Halonen, Mayflower Consulting, LLC; and Mark Butterfield, Metal Exchange Corporation, USA
- EI358 - Use of Calibration to Meet Tight Tolerances in High-Strength and Ductile Automotive Profiles; Frode Paulsen, Ulf H. Tundal and Stig Tjoetta, Hydro Aluminium Metal, Norway
- EI387 - FSW Panels and Extrusions in Module Applications for Maritime Segments - Application to Future Automotive Fabrication; Ole T. Midling, Marine Aluminium AS, Norway; and Johnny Pangborn, Metalstar Consulting, USA
- EI451 - Effect of Microstructure on Bending Performance of 6xxx-Series Extrusions; Mungu Kang, Junbeom Lee, Hyungsop Yoon, Taeseong Lim and Minsoo Kim, Hyundai Motor Company, Republic of Korea
- EP311 - The Journey to Supply Automotive Grade Extrusions: Challenges and Solutions; Jerome Fourmann, Rio Tinto – Aluminium, USA; and Nick C. Parson, Rio Tinto – Aluminium, Canada
- EP318 - Quench Sensitivity of Automotive Extrusion Alloys; Nick Parson, Rio Tinto – Aluminium; Jean-François Béland, National Research Council Canada, Canada; and Jerome Fourmann, Rio Tinto - Aluminium, USA
- EP480 - Improved Weld Strength in Porthole Extrusion for Pressure-Critical Application in the Automotive Industry; Deepu C. Sankar, Satheesan Unni, and Mohanraj P., Hindalco Industries Limited, India
- RD329 - Factors Affecting 3-D Deformation Behavior of Automotive Extrusions; Warren Poole, Setareh Kordmir, and Sheida Nikkhah, The University of British Columbia; and Nick C. Parson, Rio Tinto – Aluminium, Canada
- RD474 - Overview of Methods to Evaluate Extruded Profile Ductility as It Relates to Automotive Profiles; Jeff Victor, Lucas Itchue, Alex Poznak, and Mike Tozier, Hydro Extrusion, USA
- RD475 - Industrial Implementation of Simulation-Based Tool Design to Ensure High-Quality Seam Welds in 6082 Automotive Profiles; Ivan Kniazkin and Nikolay Biba, MICAS Simulations Limited, UK; Brambilla Moreno and Abdelilah El Oirzadi, Phoenix International S.p.A.; Riccardo Ruggieri, Massimiliano Margutti, and Alberto Terenzi, Hydro Extrusion Italy s.r.l.; Sara di Donato and Lorenzo Donati, DIN – Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Bologna; and Barbara Reggiani, DISMI - Department of Sciences & Methods for Engineering, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
- SM366 - The Business Case for Lightweighting in Battery Electric Vehicles; Stig Tjoetta and Frode Paulsen, Hydro Aluminium, Norway
- SM476 - Enhanced Decision Support Tools Applied at Automotive Extruder; Jeremiah (JAY) Farlow, Shape Corp.; Craig R. Werner, Werner Extrusion Solutions LLC, USA
The Shapemakers Podcast: How One Automotive Engineer Discovered the Value of ET
Listen to the newest The Shapemakers podcast episode, "How One Automotive Engineer Discovered the Value of ET". Andrew Halonen, principal and engineer at Mayflower Consulting and automotive consultant for the Aluminum Extruders Council's Automotive Industry Promotion Team, talks about his first experience at the ET Seminar in 2022. Andrew had heard about ET for years but never thought it was an event meant for him–a design engineer who focuses on transportation lightweighting materials applications and integration, market research, technical business development and support. Visit aec.org/Shapemakerspodcast for details or listen on your favorite podcast provider.
The ET '24 Extrusion Showcase, sponsored by EGA America, features ingenious designs, highlighting the ET Foundation's Student and Professional Design Competition winning entries from 2023-2024, and some of the most innovative extrusion shapes, components and parts used in product applications for building and construction, consumer products, transportation, aerospace, and much more. Be inspired by students' creativity and social awareness of how aluminum extrusions can improve quality of life everywhere. And, professional extruders see the latest practical innovations that are rocking the world of new product development!
Huge thanks to the ET Foundation's 2024 Student and Professional Design Competition sponsors: Almag Aluminum Inc., Pennex Aluminum Company LLC, and MI Metals Inc. A total of $ 29,000 in Student Scholarship and Cash prizes are awarded to the winners , and winners will be announced at ET '24!
The Extrusion Showcase call for aluminum extrusion innovations is ON! If you'd like your company's extrusion innovation featured in the Showcase at ET '24, contact Nancy Klein, nklein@tso.net.