News in brief…

As-cast T-Mag magnesium engine blocks from the preliminary CSIRO die trial.

Magnesium engine block cast
The team behind T-Mag (Light Metals Update, August 2005)– a technology for cost-effectively casting magnesium parts – has produced a die for a demonstration 750cc motorcycle engine block. Early castings showed complete fill and a good surface finish, with four sand cores producing internal detail. Further die trials are currently underway.

A driver-operated hot metal carrier – similar to the one retrofitted by Flagship researchers for autonomous navigation/handling trials.

Driverless vehicle struts its stuff
Flagship researchers recently put a prototype driverless ‘hot metal carrier’  (Light Metals Update, November 2005) through its paces at an outdoor trial attended by Comalco representatives. The carrier negotiated a test track using laser scanners to detect reflective markers strategically placed on lamp posts, buildings and fence posts. The team is presently developing a vision system that will allow the carrier to detect hot metal crucibles for pick up and drop off. The goal is to develop an automated carrier to take hot metal crucibles from pot-lines to casting machines in aluminium smelters without an operator.

An enhancement for welding torches  in smelters, plus a novel power supply – together, providing new options for plant maintenance and expansion.

Robust welding system forges ahead
Several smelter operators have shown interest in the Light Metals Flagship’s robust welding system designed to perform in the strong magnetic fields of smelters (Light Metals Update, November 2005). Comalco had earlier registered its interest in the technology.

CSIRO has also identified other new markets for the system. Watch this space!
 

Dr Paul Fraser (right) with ATSE President, Dr John Zillman

CSIRO researcher honoured
Dr Paul Fraser – a CSIRO researcher whose work has included monitoring of global greenhouse gas emissions from aluminium smelters – has been elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE). Dr Fraser, who specialises in research on ozone depletion and climate change, has also won awards from NASA, UN Environment Program, American Geophysical Union and US Environment Protection Authority.

UPDATE Home

Message from the Director 

Heat treatment the road to lighter cars

Low-cost coating to save aluminium industry millions

Model solutions to fit all situations

'Bath' sensor keeps quality in focus

Bauxite to alumina: a cleaner pathway

In brief...

The Light Metals Flagship is a CSIRO initiative and part of the National Research Flagships program that aims to deliver scientific solutions to advance Australia's most important national objectives. One of the largest scientific initiatives ever mounted in Australia, it aligns closely with the Federal Government's National Research Priorities. The initiative brings together our national research resources to deliver breakthroughs in fields ranging from healthcare to light metals and the environment.

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