AMAG automotive - integrated aluminium facilities

The automotive branch demands highly specialised and innovative products, in order to meet ever-increasing requirements in relation to functionality, safety, quality, technology and design. The name AMAG automotive stands for aluminium competence in the automotive sector. High quality sheet and profiles are manufactured for special applications in automotive manufacture and are also the object of systematic further development. A special factor is the company’s integrated location in Ranshofen, which enjoys a global reputation as a competence centre for aluminium casting, rolling, extrusion press technology and recycling.

Aluminium – a material with a future

Technical progress in the areas of automotive safety, comfort and performance is linked to marked increases in the weights of each new vehicle generation. Conversely, there is a growing need for major reductions in energy consumption and emissions. Greater efficiency can only partially meet this requirement. Therefore, a cut in total weight is essential for the vehicles of the future and aluminium has become an irreplaceable material in this lightweight design technology as it significantly lowers vehicle weight, which in turn provides a decisive improvement in travel comfort and vehicle dynamics. This is one of the main reasons why the share of aluminium share in automotive design has multiplied several times over in the past 30 years.

AMAG automotive products

The extensive AMAG product range includes rolled and extrusion press products in standard and special alloys. The supply of primary aluminium is secured by AMAG’s interests in electrolysis plants in Germany and Canada. The manufacture of semis such as round and rolled bars takes place at the integrated production centre in Ranshofen. Sheet is employed for structural elements, chassis components, body parts and other special products. Profiles are used for modular supports, rubberised metal, seat frames, safety components, roof and door systems, body and chassis, accessories and heat exchangers. Apart from its standard delivery programme, AMAG also supplies customised solutions. Upon inquiry, the related special materials, material conditions and surfaces are analysed and implemented in teamwork with the customers in accordance with the stated requirements.

Research and development

Technological superiority in the service of the customer is AMAG’s declared objective and is attained through intensive and ongoing research and development . Fundamental metallurgical and technological advances are facilitated by close co-operation with the ARC Light Metal Competence Centre Ranshofen as part of the Austrian Research Centre, as well as universities and independent research centres. AMAG meets the stipulations of the ISO/TS 16949, ISO 9001, AS 9100, ISO 14001 and EMAS standards. In particular, products for the automotive industry profit from special know-how in the areas of hardenable and high-strength materials in the 2xxx, 6xxx and 7xxx alloy classes. In recent years, AMAG has made systematic investments in production plant for the manufacture of such heat-treatable materials and their continuous hardening.

Key AMAG competence

Product characteristics, the choice of materials, as well as stable production processes all number among AMAG’s key competences. Surface texture is one of the most important parameters for the further processing of rolled sheet and strip for automotive products. A suitable combination of texture and surface treatment determines the production process. The range of interactive effects is enormous, including bright, pickled, chemically degreased, anodically pre-treated or regreased materials. Depending on the alloy involved, AMAG profiles stand out due to their specific features such as strength, high formability, suitability for soldering and a ability to fulfil decorative requirements.

Recycling know-how

One of the special characteristics of aluminium as a material is its outstanding recyclability. As the energy requirement involved is only around 5% of that required during primary aluminium production and no losses of quality are involved, recycling is characterised by high levels of economy and environmental friendliness. Indeed, aluminium can truly be regarded of the future, as by 2015, 95% of the materials employed in vehicle manufacture must be recycled and aluminium is ideal in this regard. In Ranshofen, AMAG operates one of Europe’s largest recycling plants. The semi-finished products manufactured in the integrated cast house are largely produced using sorted recycling material. This means that high-quality products are reintegrated into the manufacturing process while natural resources are conserved.

Austria Metall Aktiengesellschaft
Postfach 3
A - 5282 Ranshofen

Tel.: ++43 (0) 7722 - 801 - 0
E-Mail: holding@amag.at
Website: http://www.amag.at/dt/index.php

 

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