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In this months issue
A World of Technical Expertise at ET '24!
Jerome Fourmann
Chairman, ET '24
A host of aluminum extrusion technologies from around the world are now under consideration to be presented at ET '24 this April 30-May 2 in Orlando, Florida, USA. Delegates will travel to ET from countries around the globe to share technical research advances, design innovations, manufacturing trends, industry challenges and best practices with peers, colleagues and friends. Nowhere else on earth will you find such an extrusion-focused gathering! Your ET '24 Seminar Committee is proud that nearly 30 countries from our global aluminum extrusion community have submitted their proposed technical abstracts that are now being reviewed for inclusion at ET '24:
Join us this spring for the most renowned international meeting of aluminum extrusion technology experts from every aspect of the industry – alloys, billet, process, equipment, research & development, sustainability, management, design innovation, dies, fabrications & finishes, and theoretical and practical applications of aluminum extrusions. Add in-conjunction workshops on April 29 and May 3, plus ET Expo and you've got ET Week – 50-plus years of industry collaboration!
Register now and remember to get your travel plans in order right away! Register by February 16th to save money over the Standard registration rate. Prepare to attend key topics of interest and review the program schedule well in advance to plan your session attendance, including the Best Papers of ET '24, which will be presented at the Opening General Session on Tuesday, April 30, and at the Closing Session on Thursday, May 2. Don't miss the very best technical content of ET '24!
On behalf of the entire ET '24 Seminar Committee, we invite you to immerse yourself in the Aluminum Extrusion experience at ET '24 – see you very soon in Orlando!
Don't Miss All that ET Week Offers!
Use the ET '24 Schedule to Make Your Travel Plans Now
Don't wait – book your hotel reservation now for the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort!
Plan your travel to ET '24 carefully - you won't want to miss anything! In a change from pre-ET '22 ET Seminars, all Best Paper presentations will be delivered during the Opening and Closing General Sessions. The Best Overall Paper of ET '24 will be presented at the Opening General Session on Tuesday morning, April 30, 2024. Best of Track Papers will be presented at the Opening General Session on Tuesday April 30 and at the Closing General Session on Thursday, May 2. When making your travel plans, please factor this information into your schedule. You will not want to miss the Best Papers of ET '24!
In February/early March watch for the foldout Technical Session schedule to help plan your ET '24 experience in Orlando. The ET Seminar Committee is working on approving final manuscripts and ET leadership will be creating the presentation schedule in the coming weeks. For a preliminary schedule, visit the ET '24 website at ET24.us or click here.
ET '24 Early Registration Discount Ends February 16
If you missed the December registration discount deadline, no worries we have you covered. The Early Discount will save you $100 off the standard registration rate, and you can still get the Team Discount of $75 per person, saving you and your company a total of $175 per person through February 16, 2024.
Register at ET24.us and choose "Registration" from the dropdown menu or click here for details.
ET '24 Technical Track Preview:
Extrusion & Die Process Application (EP) and Extrusion & Die R&D (RD) Tracks
Technical sessions are the heart of ET and here we highlight two of the seven Tracks featured at ET '24. In the Extrusion & Die Process Application – the EP Track, presentations include key topics such as: plant and process optimization strategies and methods, increased plant and die productivity, high-performance dies, automotive-grade extrusion challenges and solutions, recrystallization effects on extrusion formability, lubrication systems, and much more.
In the Extrusion & Die R&D – the RD Track, featured cutting-edge research topics are presented, including: 3-D deformation behavior of automotive extrusions, predicting texture and mechanical properties of extrusions, processing aluminum-polymer composites by hot extrusion, additive manufacturing technology for extrusion dies, test parameters influencing intergranular corrosion test results, physical and numerical modeling of microstructure evolution during aluminum alloy recycling, and much more.
ET '24 technical session attendees will hear from the top subject-matter experts in the industry during Extrusion & Die Process Application (EP), Extrusion Die R&D (RD), and five more presentation tracks including: Alloys & Billet Process (BP); Extrusion Equipment (EE); NEW – Extrusion Design & Innovation (EI); Extrusion Finishes & Fabrication (FF); and Sustainability & Management (SM) tracks. Prepare to attend key topics of interest and review the program schedule well in advance to plan your session attendance, including the Best Papers of ET '24, which will be presented at the Opening General Session on Tuesday, April 30, and at the Closing Session on Thursday, May 2. Don't miss the very best technical content of ET '24!
ET is for Everyone Who Uses and Designs with Aluminum Extrusions!
If you use aluminum extrusions or are in an application market that uses aluminum extrusions, then there are likely technical sessions that you will find valuable. ET ’24 has expanded its program to reach end users and those design products using aluminum extrusions! The new applications market-focused program delivers sessions where you can learn more about aluminum extrusions, the processing parameters to meet your needs, and how to use extrusions to their best advantage for your project!
Here is a sampling of sessions that may be of interest:
Automotive
BP327 - HyperAl – A Novel Method for Producing Wheel Suspension Parts Based on Extruded Profiles
BP344 – Development of High-Strength 6xxx-Series Aluminum Alloys
BP461 - Comparison of Crash Performance of 6060, 6063 and 6082 Extruded Aluminum Alloys for
Automotive Applications
EI354 - Aluminum Extrusions are Inherent to Great Vehicle Design
EI451 - Effect of Microstructure on Bending Performance of 6xxx-Series Extrusions
EP311 - The Journey to Supply Automotive Grade Extrusions: Challenges and Solutions
EP318 - Quench Sensitivity of Automotive Extrusion Alloys
EP358 - Use of Calibration to Meet Tight Tolerances in High-Strength and Ductile Automotive Profiles
EP480 - Improved Weld Strength in Porthole Extrusion for Pressure-Critical Application in the Automotive Industry
FF387 - FSW Panels and Extrusions in Module Applications for Maritime Segments - Application to Future Automotive Fabrication
RD329 - Factors Affecting 3-D Deformation Behavior of Automotive Extrusions
RD474 - Overview of Methods to Evaluate Extruded Profile Ductility as It Relates to Automotive Profiles
RD475 - Industrial Implementation of Simulation-Based Tool Design to Ensure High-Quality Seam Welds in 6082 Automotive Profiles
SM476 - Enhanced Decision Support Tools Applied at Automotive Extruder
SM366 - The Business Case for Lightweighting in Battery Electric Vehicles
Building & Construction/Architecture
FF317 - Comparing Anodizing Performance to Alternative Architectural Finishes
FF324 - May It be a Little Grayer?
FF328 - Sustainable Anodized Aluminum
FF351 - Effects of Temper on Anodized AA6063 Aluminum Appearance and Architectural Quality Testing Performance
SM441 - The Impact of Recent Changes in U.S. Energy and Green Building Codes on Aluminum Extrusions
Infrastructure
EI421 - Aluminum Extruded Profile Assemblies Designed and Used in Bridge, Floor and Panel Applications
Sustainability
BP511 - Low-Carbon Aluminum Billet
EP370 - Case Study on Scrap Reduction during Aluminum Extrusion
Be an ET Influencer and Post about ET Week on Social Media!
Leading up to ET '24, a substantial investment is being made in promotional efforts through email and social media. We strongly encourage all AEC members and ET participants to actively engage by liking and sharing content across their current social media platforms. This collective effort is instrumental to ensure the success of ET '24, as it enhances the ET's visibility, fosters connections, and creates valuable business opportunities within the aluminum extrusion community.
To facilitate effective social media engagement, we have outlined content blocks and welcome additional ideas. These include countdown posts, attendee testimonial videos, interactive dialogue prompts, speaker and paper highlights, hashtag posts (#ET24), exhibitor spotlights, and speaker spotlights. We will showcase the venue, the technical sessions schedule, ET Expo, benefits of attending, registration reminders, industry-specific content, behind-the-scenes glimpses, design competition, past ET highlights, global nETworking opportunities, and our ET newsletter.
By sharing ET Week highlights, industry insights and updates, participants not only showcase the ET Foundation’s and AEC's dedication to excellence but also position themselves as key players shaping the ET ’24 narrative. Please direct any content or post ideas to Jimmy Sewell at jsewell@tso.net. Together, we can make ET '24 a remarkable event that brings industry advancements to the forefront and strengthens the unity and recognition of the ET community on a global scale.
Increase Your Knowledge at In-Conjunction Workshops during ET Week
Make ET Week your company's continuing education opportunity by sending your personnel to one or more classes in connection with ET '24 in Orlando, Florida. The classes and workshops are scheduled on Monday, April 29 and Friday, May 3 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, before and after ET '24. The workshops provide a wealth of information to help your staff increase their knowledge and skills while benefiting your operations with educated employees who will increasingly contribute to your bottom line.
To see what courses are being offered, visit https://aec.org/et-in-conjunction-workshops. AEC members receive a discounted rate for AEC workshops at ET. Register using the ET '24 registration form online whether you will attend one or more classes as a stand-alone workshop or in conjunction with your ET '24 registration. Register now!
Deadline Extended for Maurice H. Roberts Award Nominations
Do you know someone in the international Aluminum Extrusion Industry that deserves recognition? Nominate them to receive the Maurice H. Roberts Award of Excellence! Nominations have just been extended until February 29, 2024.
Criteria: Established in 1984 and re-affirmed by the Committee during the next ET cycle, the criteria for identifying nominees and a possible winner of the award are:
• Industry Impact – Nominees should have had a significant positive impact on the worldwide aluminum extrusion industry.
• Teacher – Nominees should have a demonstrated track record of giving freely of what they’ve learned, so that others who follow may benefit.
• Personal Contribution – Nominees should be personally involved and “not afraid to get their hands dirty.”
• Qualified – Nominees should have expertise that benefits the extrusion industry, though they need not be technical (e.g., Roy Fellom was a journalist.)
• Leader – Nominees should inspire followers and be well-known in the industry.
If you know someone like this, be sure to nominate them on the Nomination Form here.
Send in your form to Lisse Jurcenko at ljurcenko@tso.net. If sending the form using the “Send” button on the form, be sure to download the form to your desktop before sending.
ET Expo: Your Source for Industry Products & Services
Visit ET Expo – the marketplace and information center where suppliers of aluminum extrusion industry products and services connect directly with decision-makers from every corner of the extrusion business. ET Expo goes beyond “just a trade show” – it's where you and your team will discover the best of the best in extrusion equipment, supplies and services. Explore the dozens of suppliers and ask questions – engage with these experts to discuss solutions and strategies that will grow your business. See what's new and what's next at ET Expo, straight from the source, and be sure to nETwork with colleagues and peers during the ET Expo receptions on Tuesday and Wednesday of ET Week.
Time is Running Out to Become an ET ’24 Exhibitor
ET '24 expo space is 98% sold out with nearly 100 companies confirmed to participate. If you plan to exhibit, we urge you to Act Immediately!
To reserve your space at ET Expo, contact ET Expo Manager Suzanne Spohr at sspohr@tso.net or 847.416.7216 to discuss space availability.
This could be your last chance to be part of the ET '24 Expo and network with aluminum extrusion industry professionals who are looking for equipment, services and answers to their questions.
Grab a Sponsorship & Maximize Your Reach
There are still a few ET '24 sponsorships available for the Thirteenth International Aluminum Extrusion Technology Seminar and Exposition - ET '24! ET Expo exhibitors and non-exhibitors can sponsor an event, meal, breaks and more. If you are an exhibitor, a popular sponsorship is still available for the ET Logo Puzzle, which is sure to drive traffic straight to your booth!
You will be provided with up to 180 pieces of one puzzle section to hand out to visitors who will be building their ET '24 logo puzzle to be eligible for the prize drawing. Your logo and sponsor recognition will be included on the ET puzzle Treasure Map.
Review additional sponsorships in 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.
Entry Deadline Approaching for the Design Competition
There are only a few weeks until the entry deadline for the 2024 International Aluminum Extrusion Design Competition. The entry deadline is Monday, February 26th. Professional designers, engineers, and manufacturers are invited to send in one or more entries for a chance to win a cash prize in one of four categories, including architectural/structural, automotive, renewable energy and engineered products. Students are invited to send in an entry for consideration. Team and multiple entries will be accepted.
A total of $29,000 in prize money and student scholarships is at stake, including a Grand Prize of $3,500 awarded to the best overall entry regardless of whether it is a student or professional entry. Winning entries will be announced at ET ’24 in Orlando and featured in ET’s Extrusion Showcase.
AEC members are encouraged to share the news of the competition deadline approaching with their customers and schools in their area. The Council is hoping to increase the number of entries this year, so help us reach that goal by sharing the Design Competition information! More information is available at https://aec.org/design-competition.
Thank you to Almag Aluminum Inc., MI Metals, Inc., and Pennex Aluminum Company LLC for sponsoring the student competition again this year.
Be sure to stop by and see the amazing Extrusion Showcase and Automotive Spotlight displays just outside the entrance to ET Expo! You’ll be amazed at the variety of aluminum extrusion innovations highlighted in these displays and soak up the nETworking opportunities with industry peers.
Extrusion Showcase features the winners of the International Aluminum Extrusion Design Competition – professionals and design/engineering students whose extrusion design innovations were judged to be best in their class. Displays of several market sector extrusion products are also highlighted as great examples of how aluminum extrusions are making a difference in quality of life and sustainable solutions.
The Automotive Spotlight showcases the key extrusion designs featured in many of today’s vehicles, including Battery-Electric vehicles, SUVs, trucks, and more! See why aluminum is the ideal component material for the transportation industry and how aluminum extrusions create a safer, lighter and more environmentally responsible vehicle from the top suppliers in the industry.