The AP (6/21) reports, “LightSquared, a Virginia-based company that plansto build a nationwide wireless broadband network, is proposing to adapt its network so as not to interferewith GPS systems.” To do that, it will “move some of its operations to a different slice of airwaves and…transmitsignals at lower power levels.”
BMW Investing In Own Carbon Fiber Factory
Bloomberg News (6/15, Reiter) reports BMW is investing $100 million tobuild “its own carbon fiber factory” in order “to secure supply of the lightweight material and lower expensesby refining the production process.” In entering the commodity business, BMW is looking to the low-weightmaterial as one of its primary avenues for meeting higher efficiency standards in the future. Bloomberg notes,”BMW has partnered with SGL Carbon SE (SGL), the only Europe- based producer of the material, to build theplant, prompting VW to buy 9.9 percent of SGL to ensure its own access.” VW and other carmakers have similarplans for carbon fiber. “The capacity to produce carbon fiber isn’t that big, so manufacturers are lookingto secure access,” said Robert Outram, of Frost & Sullivan. “There are not many people who do it well. It’sa long-term strategy play.”
Innovative Die Castings Wanted!
To be a winner in today’s economy, you must meet and even exceedexpectations. In a competitive global market, customers take notice of the best. NADCA knows that competitionimproves the competitor. With its annual International Die Casting Design Competition, it recognizes andrewards the outstanding casting designs of the year. Each entry is judged on its design, quality, cost savings,ingenuity, innovation and industry-changing potential.
Entering and winning is one of the best ways to gain visibility with leading decision-makers. The competition is open to aluminum, magnesium and zinc die castings. Any number of castings may be entered. However a separate entry form is required for each casting or assembly of castings. In addition, the metal surface cannot be improved or concealed by tumbling, shot blasting, coating or other surface treatments.
Judging is conducted by an independent panel of experts from the die casting industry, with no ties to eligible companies. The four equally weighed criteria are ingenuity of casting/product design; overall quality; cost savings; and market-expanding potential.Winning castings will be displayed during the 2011 Die Casting Congress & Tabletop in Columbus, OH and winners will be honored during the Die Casting Design Luncheon.NADCA’s Die Casting Engineer Magazine,Website and the Design Website will also feature the winning castings.
This competition helps promote increased use of die castings by recognizing and publicizing outstanding designs. For more information on the 2011 International Die Casting Design Competition please visit, www.diecastingdesign.org/castings/competition or contact Alex Monroe at monroe@diecasting.org for more details.
NADCA’s 2011 Die Casting Shipment Report Provides Insight on Current and Future Shipping Data
NADCA’s 2011 Die Casting Shipment Report is now available. This report detailsthe shipments, by alloy, of die castings in 2007 through 2010.It also includes a custom versus captive breakdown,and industry sales estimates. The report includes projections for shipments in 2011 and a forecast for 2012.
NADCA conducted its annual shipment survey of die casting operations in the United States and Canada in March, 2011. This survey is the fourth annual comprehensive attempt to gain industry trend data from as many die casting operations as possible.Over 150 aluminum die casters provided their data for 2010.Over 75 zinc die casters sent in their data and ten magnesium die casters provided shipment levels for 2010.The data was reviewed for consistency and calculations were made on the total shipment data for each type of metal (aluminum, zinc and magnesium.The report indicates that in 2010 there was a:
- 40% shipment increase of aluminum die castings
- 34% shipment increase of zinc die castings
- Slight drop in shipments of magnesium die castings
This report assists in providing the most current insight on the North American die casting industry while also enabling companies to forecast future shipments in specific markets and overall.The 2011 Die Casting Shipment Report is now available for the modest price of: $30 for Corporate Members, $45 for Individual Members and $60 for Non Members. Visit: http://www.diecasting.org/publications publication # 880-2 to download your copy today!