The Shapemakers by The Aluminum Extruders Council

Host: Jason Weber, President, Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC) Guest: Melvin "Mel" Mitchell, EHS Director, MI Metals  Episode Summary  Jason sits down with longtime safety pro Melvin Mitchell to preview AEC's upcoming Safety & HR Workshop + Plant Tour—two tightly packed days at the Westin Atlanta Airport, October 28–29. Why combine Safety and HR? Because that's how the real world runs: overlapping responsibilities, shared culture, and one goal—send everyone home safe while building great teams.  You'll hear what's on the agenda (from molten metal and maintenance safety to employment law and recruiting more women and veterans), why the Bonnell Aluminum—Noonan plant tour is a can't-miss (three+ years with no recordable incidents), and exactly why the best ideas often spark on the post-session barstool. Register early—bus seats for the plant tour are limited, and early/group rates sweeten the deal. The event is open to members and non-members, with sponsorships available.  Why Listen  Get a field-tested map of the two-track program (Safety + HR) and how they connect.  Learn how culture, behavior, and systems turn safety from posters into performance.  Steal practical ideas you can apply next shift—not next year.  Program Highlights  Safety Track  Keynote: Changing mindsets and driving a safety culture transformation (Chris Andrews, EHS Manager, Bonnell Aluminum—Noonan)  Workshops & Breakouts:  Cast house & molten metal safety (and why your scrap prep matters)  Emergency preparedness & first-responder training  Maintenance tech safety: practical risk reduction  Human behavior: common pitfalls and proven fixes  Safety panel: interactive problem-solving with peers  HR Track  Leadership Keynote: "The Power Position"—shifting cultures and driving results (Emily Nichols-Mitchell, Accelerations Group)  Sessions:  Employment law essentials: ICE/I-9, workers' comp, hot-button issues (Philip Russell, Ogletree Deakins)  Integrating veterans into manufacturing teams (John Buckley, Textron Aviation)  Reaching women in operations—expanding the talent pipeline  Future-of-work challenges (Performance Point LLC)  HR panel: candid Q&A on today's toughest people challenges  Plant Tour  Bonnell Aluminum — Noonan, GA See the systems, standards, and behaviors behind 3+ years with no recordable incidents—a live look at excellence in action.  Who Should Attend  Safety leaders, HR pros, operations managers, plant supervisors, and anyone who wears both hats (because… many do).  Key Takeaways  Safety and HR are two sides of one culture—align them and performance compounds.  Behavior + systems beat posters and pep talks.  Peer networking accelerates solutions you can deploy immediately.  Seeing best-in-class operations in person changes how you lead back home.  Logistics & Registration  When/Where: October 28–29, Westin Atlanta Airport (not downtown—easy in/out).  Plant Tour: Wednesday morning; limited coach capacity—register early to secure a seat.  Pricing: Early-bird and multi-attendee discounts available.  Open Access: AEC members and non-members welcome.  Sponsorships: Opportunities available for suppliers and extruders—helps offset costs and boosts visibility.  Pro tip from Mel: Don't leave your hotel to chance—book early. Atlanta traffic doesn't care about your first session.  Register early, bring your team, and claim those tour seats. (And if you're a supplier or extruder, consider a sponsorship—it fuels the content and keeps costs in check.)  https://members.aec.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1970710&group=  

Summary In this conversation, Jason Weber and Mark Butterfield discuss the upcoming Aluminum Summit, highlighting its significance as a major event for the aluminum industry. They delve into the various workshops, networking opportunities, and keynote speakers that will be featured, emphasizing the importance of learning and collaboration within the industry. The discussion also touches on market trends, challenges, and the need for the next generation of professionals in the field. Takeaways The Aluminum Summit occurs every four years, with the next one in September. Networking opportunities at the summit are invaluable for industry professionals. Workshops will cover a wide range of topics, including anodizing and extrusion. The Extrusion Excellence Workshop is a key learning opportunity for attendees. General sessions will address critical industry issues like trade and tariffs. The keynote speaker, Gene Marks, will provide insights on navigating economic challenges. Focus sessions will cater to various aspects of the aluminum industry. Understanding market trends is essential for industry growth and adaptation. The summit aims to foster collaboration between extruders and finishers. Encouraging the next generation of professionals is vital for the industry's future.   For details about the Aluminum Summit Visit - https://members.aec.org/page/aluminum-summit-about

  Episode Summary:  In this episode of SHAPEMAKERS, host Bennett McEvoy, President of Western Extrusions and AEC Board Member, is joined by Duncan Crowdis, former CEO of Bonnell Aluminum and AEC Workforce Development lead. Together, they shine a light on the aluminum extrusion industry's growing need for skilled talent—and what the Council is doing about it.  With over 175 extrusion plants operating across 37 states, the industry supports more than 40,000 U.S. jobs. But as experienced workers retire and demand for aluminum products rises, attracting and training the next generation of skilled professionals has become mission-critical.  Bennett and Duncan dive into the AEC's multi-year effort to launch industry-wide apprenticeship programs—starting with maintenance technicians and expanding to extrusion press operators and die technicians, two of the industry's most essential roles. Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at how the AEC collaborated with the U.S. Department of Labor, developed tailored training programs, and is now preparing to launch a Train-the-Trainer initiative in 2026.  What You'll Learn:  Why aluminum extrusions are everywhere—even if you don't always see them  The crucial role of skilled maintenance workers and press operators  How apprenticeship programs are helping to future-proof the extrusion workforce  What's ahead for the AEC's Train-the-Trainer initiative  How companies can get involved right now  Resources & Links:    Learn more about the AEC Apprenticeship Program: www.AEC.org    Contact the AEC about workforce development: info@aec.org    Want to join the extrusion industry? Explore career opportunities and resources on the AEC website   

In this episode, Jason Weber and Mark Butterfield reflect on the AEC's 75th anniversary, discussing the organization's impact on the industry and the importance of adapting to change. They outline strategic planning for 2025, upcoming events, and the significance of training and development for members. The conversation also highlights the need for effective communication and member engagement, as well as the challenges posed by trade dynamics. Looking ahead, they emphasize the importance of collaboration and a unified voice within the industry.   Takeaways 2024 was a significant year for the AEC, marking its 75th anniversary. The AEC has played a crucial role in shaping the industry over the decades. Strategic planning for 2025 is essential to adapt to industry changes. Upcoming events will focus on member engagement and professional development. Training programs for die correctors and press operators are being developed. Effective communication is key to understanding member needs. Trade challenges remain a top priority for the AEC's strategy. The annual meeting serves as a vital networking opportunity for members. Collaboration among members enhances the value of the AEC. Looking forward to 2025, the AEC aims to serve its members better.

In this episode of ShapeMakers, Lynn Brown and Rue Rogers discuss the intersection of aluminum extrusion and the circular economy. They explore how aluminum can be recycled effectively, the importance of maintaining materials in circulation, and the role of scrap in the industry. The conversation highlights the sustainability initiatives within the aluminum extrusion sector and the potential for increased recycling efforts.   Takeaways The circular economy aims to keep materials in circulation indefinitely. Aluminum has a high recycling rate, with 75% still in use today. Recycling aluminum does not degrade its properties, allowing for high-quality applications. Aluminum can be used over and over without any degradation of properties. The industry uses a mix of virgin and recycled aluminum, typically around 25% virgin and 75% scrap. Recycled aluminum billet can be used just like billet made from prime or virgin aluminum; it does not need to be downgraded to be used in lower performance applications because of its scrap content like other materials. Post-consumer scrap includes materials from product end-of-life, such as old windows and doors, wheels, wire and other building components. Anodized aluminum can be recycled similarly to unfinished aluminum, while painted aluminum poses challenges. The infrastructure for collecting and processing aluminum scrap is well-established in North America. There is potential to increase the use of post-consumer scrap in the industry. Aluminum's corrosion resistance contributes to its long lifespan in applications. The aluminum extrusion industry is actively working on improving recycling processes. Learn more about the Aluminum Extruders Council at aec.org

  Welcome to Shape Makers, the podcast series from the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC). AEC represents over 75% of North America's aluminum extrusion production. In this series, we explore key issues affecting extruders, suppliers, and users of aluminum extruded products. Our guest speakers dive into topics like aluminum extrusion Fairtrade cases, industry efforts to attract and retain skilled workers, how extrusion products meet stricter building and energy codes, the increasing use of extrusions in vehicles, and much more. Join Jason Weber from the AEC as he chats with industry veteran Mark Butterfield, the newly appointed chairman of AEC. Mark shares his journey in the aluminum extrusion industry, his vision for AEC, and the importance of engaging with the Council's committees and initiatives. Learn about the rich history of the AEC, the legacy of foundational companies, and the value of networking and collaboration within the industry. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, Shape Makers offers insights and inspiration to help you navigate the dynamic world of aluminum extrusions. So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn more about the innovations and challenges shaping the industry. :::::::: About Mark Butterfield - President of Manufacturing, MX Holdings With more than 30 years of experience in the aluminum extrusion industry, Mark Butterfield serves as President of Manufacturing MX holdings which includes Pennex. An established industry leader, he also serves the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC) in multiple positions, including that of Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chairman of the Automotive Committee, and Vice Chairman of Extrusion Technology 2024. Connect with Mark on Linkedin    

 Lynn Brown of the AEC and Shane Tredup of Custom Aluminum discuss decarbonization efforts in the extrusion industry, highlighting the growing demand from customers for information on carbon footprint, scope one, two, and three emissions, and decarbonization plans.    Industry tool for aluminum extruders to track carbon emissions. ACC aims to create industry tool for extruders to track carbon footprint and reduce it by 20%. Tool to calculate carbon emissions for extruders, covering multiple products and methodologies. Discover the tool's capabilities, including sensitivity analysis and real-time what-if scenarios, to help extruders understand the impact of changes to their business on their carbon intensity. The tool will be useful for extruders to understand their own situation and make improvements and plans to do a separate podcast on the tool's functionality and new guidelines for granularity and reporting.   About The AEC: Follow AEC on LinkedIn for the latest updates and industry insights. Stay informed about the Aluminum Extruders Council by visiting aec.org and following us on Twitter. Stay Tuned for More SHAPEMAKERS: Don't miss out on future episodes of SHAPEMAKERS where we continue to explore the stories, innovations, and trends shaping industries worldwide. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Thank you for joining us on this enlightening journey through the world of aluminum extrusion. Until next time, keep shaping the future!

Welcome back to another riveting episode of SHAPEMAKERS, where we explore the fascinating world of shaping industries and innovations. In this special edition, Jason Weber, the VP of Operations and Government Affairs for the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC), sits down with our distinguished guest Rob Nelson Executive Vice President at ALMAG Aluminum.   ALMAG ALUMINUM  ALMAG's history began in 1953, when Edward Peacock founded ALMAG Aluminum and Magnesium Ltd. manufacturing decorative door grilles. ALMAG's first aluminum extrusion press started production in 1959. Mr. Peacock envisioned a prosperous business with an ambition to build good products with good people and repeat business. Today, under the leadership of his son, Bob, our passion for quality and service remains strong.   For more on ALMAG visit - ALMAG Aluminum / Made possible. – Design • Extrude • Fabricate • Finish About The AEC: Follow AEC on LinkedIn for the latest updates and industry insights. Stay informed about the Aluminum Extruders Council by visiting aec.org and following us on Twitter. Stay Tuned for More SHAPEMAKERS: Don't miss out on future episodes of SHAPEMAKERS where we continue to explore the stories, innovations, and trends shaping industries worldwide. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Thank you for joining us on this enlightening journey through the world of aluminum extrusion. Until next time, keep shaping the future!

Jason Weber visits with Prof. Lorenzo Donati about the upcoming ET'24 In-Conjunction Workshop on Process Analysis & Optimization    8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Fee: $595 Instructors: Professors from the Manufacturing Technologies Group at the University of Bologna, Italy Learn how to optimize and analyze the aluminum extrusion process in this one-day intensive course from the experts at the Manufacturing Technologies Group at the University of Bologna in Italy. They have worked extensively with European extruders and die makers to optimize die design, improve welding phenomena in extrusion dies, increase die life, and analyze final microstructure of extruded profiles. This course covers the following topics: Introduction to practical and analytical extrusion concepts Material flow and Friction in direct extrusion Die failure modes and die life prediction Seam welds, welding criteria and profile strength Charge welds and process performance Microstructure evolution and Streaks formation mechanisms. About Prof. Lorenzo Donati Lorenzo Donati is Associate Professor in Manufacturing Technologies in the "Department of  Engineering for Industry" in the School of Engineering (Forlì Campus) of Alma Mater Studiorum  -University of Bologna. He received the Ph. D. in the course on "Engineering of manufacturing  systems, of metallurgy and applied measurements" of the Polytechnic University of Marche  (Ancona, IT) with a dissertation on "Seam weld formation during aluminum extrusion: FEM  simulation and experimental verification of the mechanical and aesthetical proprieties". The  research field concerns the analysis and optimization of forming processes with specific focus  on the extrusion of light alloy: seam and charge welds quality, die life estimation,  microstructure evolution during extrusion processing are some examples of the most relevant topics. He is organizer  and head of ICEB, the "International Conference on Extrusion and Benchmark", which is held in Europe every two  years since 2007. He coordinated and participated to several projects in the field of light alloys extrusion funded by  International and National bodies as well as Companies.   A full list of publications is available at  http://www.unibo.it/docenti/l.donati 

George Oh & Judy Runge join Jason Weber of the AEC to discuss their upcoming Anodizing Essentials Workshop at this years ET'24 event in Orlando. For more details visit: ET In-Conjunction Workshops | Aluminum Extruders Council (aec.org) AAC Anodizing Essentials Class 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Fee: $495 AAC members / $895 nonmembers Instructors: AAC member anodizing experts Anodizing Essentials is part of the Aluminum Anodizers Council's (AAC) "School for Anodizers" that teaches more than the fundamentals of anodizing. This one-day class is designed to increase the knowledge and ability of anyone involved in operating an anodizing line. Anodizing Essentials Class details the foundation of quality anodizing, taking the learner through the entire process - beginning with the metallurgical properties of aluminum alloys commonly anodized through to the final rinse and sealing processes. The program is designed to benefit anodizing production personnel at every level-from the line operator to the production manager, particularly if they are new to the business. Workshop topics include: Anodizing Overview and Anodizing Video Metallurgy Basics for Aluminum Surfaces Racking Cleaning & Rinsing Etch, Desmut & Bright Dipping Anodizing Basics for Aluminum Surfaces Power - Rectifiers & Transformers for the Aluminum Surface Treatment Industry Dyeing & Electrolytic Coloring Sealing the Anodic Oxide

SHAPEMAKERS EPISODE 57 Welcome back to another riveting episode of SHAPEMAKERS, where we explore the fascinating world of shaping industries and innovations. In this special edition, Jason Weber, the VP of Operations and Government Affairs for the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC), sits down with our distinguished guest ET'24 track chair, Gary Jones.  Listen as they discuss the upcoming ET'24 Seminar, the 75th Anniversary of the AEC, and how to maximize your membership benefits by getting involved in AEC committees and groups. Also take a peak into which papers and tracks Bill is the most excited about in this years upcoming seminar.    About The AEC: Follow AEC on LinkedIn for the latest updates and industry insights. Stay informed about the Aluminum Extruders Council by visiting aec.org and following us on Twitter. Stay Tuned for More SHAPEMAKERS: Don't miss out on future episodes of SHAPEMAKERS where we continue to explore the stories, innovations, and trends shaping industries worldwide. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Thank you for joining us on this enlightening journey through the world of aluminum extrusion. Until next time, keep shaping the future!

SHAPEMAKERS EPISODE 56 Welcome back to another riveting episode of SHAPEMAKERS, where we explore the fascinating world of shaping industries and innovations. In this special edition, Jason Weber, the VP of Operations and Government Affairs for the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC), sits down with our distinguished guest ET'24 track chair, Bill Rogers. Listen as they discuss the upcoming ET'24 Seminar, the 75th Anniversary of the AEC, and how to maximize your membership benefits by getting involved in AEC committees and groups. Also take a peak into which papers and tracks Bill is the most excited about in this years upcoming seminar.    About The AEC: Follow AEC on LinkedIn for the latest updates and industry insights. Stay informed about the Aluminum Extruders Council by visiting aec.org and following us on Twitter. Stay Tuned for More SHAPEMAKERS: Don't miss out on future episodes of SHAPEMAKERS where we continue to explore the stories, innovations, and trends shaping industries worldwide. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Thank you for joining us on this enlightening journey through the world of aluminum extrusion. Until next time, keep shaping the future!

SHAPEMAKERS EPISODE 55 Welcome back to another riveting episode of SHAPEMAKERS, where we explore the fascinating world of shaping industries and innovations. In this special edition, Jason Weber, the VP of Operations and Government Affairs for the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC), sits down with our distinguished guest ET'24 chairman, Jerome Fourmann. Listen as they discuss the upcoming ET'24 Seminar, the 75th Anniversary of the AEC, and how to maximize your membership benefits by getting involved in AEC committees and groups. About Jerome: Jerome Fourmann, Global Technical Director and Casthouse Optimization at Rio Tinto - Aluminum, has been with the group for 15 years. His main duty is to support the company's core value-added products' technical sales, of which they are the market leader. Jerome is a passionate leader known for managing technical support activities in alloy selection, productivity enhancement, process improvement, training, troubleshooting, and industry standards development. Jerome drives growth through product development by identifying new market opportunities. Titles: Technical Marketing | Metals & Minerals | Product Metallurgy & Market Development | Chairman of ET'24 | Accountable for developing value through a deep technical understanding of Metals & Minerals and market applications. Connect with Jerome on Linkedin: Jerome Fourmann | LinkedIn About Rio Tinto - Finding Better Ways to Provide the Materials the World Needs: #FindingBetterWays We're finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs. Iron ore for steel. Low carbon aluminum for electric cars and smartphones. Copper for wind turbines, electric cars, and the pipes that bring water to our homes. Borates that help crops grow and titanium for paint. Visit Rio Tinto's Website   About The AEC: Follow AEC on LinkedIn for the latest updates and industry insights. Stay informed about the Aluminum Extruders Council by visiting aec.org and following us on Twitter. Stay Tuned for More SHAPEMAKERS: Don't miss out on future episodes of SHAPEMAKERS where we continue to explore the stories, innovations, and trends shaping industries worldwide. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Thank you for joining us on this enlightening journey through the world of aluminum extrusion. Until next time, keep shaping the future!

SHAPEMAKERS EPISODE 54  Welcome back to another riveting episode of SHAPEMAKERS, where we explore the fascinating world of shaping industries and innovations. In this special edition, Jason Weber, the VP of Operations and Government Affairs for the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC) sits down with our distinguished guest Brook Hamilton – President of Bonnell Aluminum. Listen as they discuss the upcoming ET'24 Seminar, the 75th Anniversary of the AEC and how to maximize your membership benefits by getting involved in AEC committee's and groups. W. BROOK HAMILTON PRESIDENT Prior leadership and industry experience (both within the organization and prior) Brook started in the aluminum extrusion industry in 1983 with Alcan Extrusions in Toronto, Ontario in an inside sales / customer service role. He subsequently held roles in outside sales, production control (scheduling), production, and plant management in different locations across Canada. Later he became the general manager of an independent extruder in southwestern Ontario prior to joining Bonnell Canada in 2005 to run their stand-alone fabrication facility, Apollo. In 2006 he moved to Georgia to become plant manager of the Newnan facility and later became Business Development Manager in the corporate office. In 2013 he became the president of Bonnell Aluminum. ABOUT BONNELL ALUMINUM OVER 65 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE BEYOND EXTRUSION For nearly seven decades, Bonnell Aluminum has pivoted, expanded, and connected our way to becoming an industry-wide innovator. Led by proprietary operations, like our fluid production processes, our tested and perfected procedures unlock the flexibility to meet the custom needs of any customer. Those same customers have seen our role as extruder expand into that of a partner, deploying tailormade capabilities that can seamlessly move projects all the way from design to assembly to delivery with effortless efficiency. The Bonnell Aluminum of today embodies who we set out to be, while building on what we've learned along the way. There is no shortage of companies offering extruded aluminum. But there's only one that has proven Excellence Beyond Extrusion––Bonnell Aluminum. https://bonnellaluminum.com/ About The AEC: Follow AEC on LinkedIn for the latest updates and industry insights. Stay informed about the Aluminum Extruders Council by visiting aec.org and following us on Twitter. Stay Tuned for More SHAPEMAKERS: Don't miss out on future episodes of SHAPEMAKERS where we continue to explore the stories, innovations, and trends shaping industries worldwide. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Thank you for joining us on this enlightening journey through the world of aluminum extrusion. Until next time, keep shaping the future!  

Welcome back to another riveting episode of SHAPEMAKERS, where we explore the fascinating world of shaping industries and innovations. In this special edition, we are honored to have Jason Weber, the VP of Operations and Government Affairs for the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC), as our distinguished guest.   Episode Highlights: Introduction to Jason Weber: Dive into the professional journey of Jason Weber, unraveling his role as the VP of Operations and Government Affairs for the Aluminum Extruders Council. Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC): Gain insights into the pivotal work undertaken by the AEC, its mission, and the significance of aluminum extrusion in various industries at the upcoming ET'24 seminar. ET'24 Seminar Preview: Jason provides an exclusive sneak peek into the much-anticipated ET'24 Seminar, shedding light on the themes, speakers, and groundbreaking discussions expected at the event. 75th AEC Anniversary Meetings: Celebrate the rich history and accomplishments of the Aluminum Extruders Council as they gear up for their 75th Anniversary Meetings in March. Explore the milestones, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped the AEC over the years.   Follow AEC on LinkedIn for the latest updates and industry insights. Stay informed about the Aluminum Extruders Council by visiting aec.org and following us on Twitter.   Stay Tuned for More SHAPEMAKERS: Don't miss out on future episodes of SHAPEMAKERS where we continue to explore the stories, innovations, and trends shaping industries worldwide. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

AEC Extrusion Kits: PSU Capstone Project Teams Interview In 2023, AEC sponsored three capstone projects with the Pennsylvania State University engineering department. These projects are designed to develop aluminum extrusion kits for use by high school STEAM students, teachers and universities to support education in Science, Technology Engineering, the Arts and Math. Craig Werner, podcast host and AEC Workforce Development and Academic Engagement Team member), worked with Bonnell Aluminum, the supplier of the TSlots® extrusion components for the kits, Metal Exchange Corp./Pennex Aluminum, who hosted students at their Leetonia, Ohio extrusion facility, and Almag Aluminum, which has been part of this long-term development effort since inception.   Two projects were sponsored by AEC for the fall 2023 semester. Learn how well the concept connected with high school and university students and teachers, and how fun it was for all to use aluminum extrusions to support their education in this informative episode for AEC members, high school and university instructors, who may be interested in being a future "test site" for future extrusion kits.

Aluminum Safety Summit Preview Nancy Klein, AEC Education Director, talks with Mel Mitchell, AEC Safety Team Leader, about the 2023 Aluminum Safety Summit, scheduled for November 8 & 9 in Rosemont, Illinois. Mel discusses the program highlights and the new program configuration. Learn what topics are on the schedule and who will be sharing their experience and knowledge at the Aluminum Safety Summit this year!

AEC Management Conference Preview: Heat Stress & Heat Illness with Dr. Thomas Bernard   Meet the Heat Stress and Heat Illness expert, Dr. Tom Bernard, professor at the University of South Florida College of Public Health.  Tom will preview his upcoming Safety Spotlight session on "Heat Stress and Heat Illness" in the AEC Management Conference General Session on September 20 in Chicago.  He will discuss the causes, research data, prevention and mitigation strategies that will educate extruders and suppliers on ways to keep plant workers cooler and safer.  Don't miss this opportunity to chill with Dr. Tom Bernard in this hot topic episode!

Aluminum Extrusion Design Competition Winner Drew Klopfenstein First-place winner in the 2023 Aluminum Extrusion Design Competition, Drew Klopfenstein from Purdue University, with AEC members Duncan Crowdis, Alexandria Industries, and Craig Werner, Werner Extrusion Solutions talk about Drew's award-winning design. Duncan and Craig get into the details about the Design Competition and what the judges are looking for when evaluating the entries. They discuss Drew's design of a modular aluminum extruded traffic light and his learning curve about the aluminum extrusion design process, his tips to other students on participating in the competition, including getting feedback from fellow design students to help improve the design, and more. For more information and to see Drew's winning design, visit ETFdesign.org or AEC.org/DesignCompetition

How One Automotive Engineer Discovered the Value of ET The ET Seminar is a technical conference that focuses entirely on the aluminum extrusion industry – from alloy development and process improvement to design and applications, and everything in between. Andrew Halonen, principal and engineer at Mayflower Consulting, had heard about ET for years but never thought it was an event meant for him–a design engineer who focuses on transportation lightweighting materials applications and integration, market research, technical business development and support. Hear about Andrew's experience at ET in 2022 and decide for yourself if ET '24, scheduled for April 30 – May 2, 2024 in Orlando, FL, is for you. Visit ET24.us for program and registration details.