The versatility of Aluminium makes it the second most widely used metal. By utilising various combinations of advantageous properties such as strength, lightness, corrosion resistance, recyclability and formability, aluminium is being employed in an ever-increasing number of applications. Aluminium has a broad range of unique properties that contributes to build products with low carbon foot prints, lighter cars, energy efficient-buildings etc. Aluminium production is an energy intensive process. More so, in the backdrop of the weak LME prices, efforts are always on to reduce specific energy consumption as well as to increase recycling of aluminium which consumes less energy i.e. to make aluminium economically competitive for various consumer applications. It has also triggered for implementing lower energy & specific raw material consumption technologies. Such examples are use of high amperage and low energy electrolytic pot-cells etc.
Further, the business arena necessitates new business models and increased productivity to remain competitive. New technologies are developed and put in place to improve process and practices, increase productivity, reduce energy consumption, make sustainable environment, mitigate risks to make it more safe. Progress on these parameters is achieved through the continuous innovation through sharing ideas and practices by the fraternity and stakeholders concerning the aluminium industry.
The International Conference being organized by the Indian Institute of Metal (IIM), Angul Chapter in February'2020 with the theme "INNOVATIONS IN ALUMINIUM TECHNOLOGY...Navigating the future ... together (INALT' 20)", is intended for Aluminium Industries, Equipment manufacturers, suppliers, solution providers, R&D Institutions, technologists and technical institutions to interact and share their knowledge and expertise on the theme. It would provide a platform for furtherance of nurturing the innovations along the aluminium value chain. The conference would trigger to take up cases and issues to tackle technological challenges and to improve further to facilitate a sustainable future in Aluminium sector.
Since it's formation in 2001, IIM Angul Chapter has been bringing coherence among the fraternity of the metals industry, academia, researchers and students for progress or benefits in the field. The forthcoming conference being organized at Angul is one such event and on behalf of the IIM Angul Chapter, we welcome the delegates and participants.