Annual report 2008

1. Board membership

1a) New Board Members 2008
     The division welcomed the following new members to the board:-
                     a) Sophie Oldham - EPSRC
                     b) Steve Court - NAMTEC
         1b) Board Resignations 2008
                      a) Andy Fenn – Metalysis
Membership of the board remains under continual review to reflect the changing requirements of the sector.

2. Board meetings

           a) 11th April 2008 – Attendees 15
           b) 5th December 2008 – Attendees 16

3. Opportunities for growth of Division Community or constraints
(Overview of the strategic activities of the division in 2008)

The economic situation has clearly been a dominating influence across the light metals industry during 2008 and this will continue to be so in 2009.

The Aluminium industry has experienced mixed fortunes in 2008; in particular the soft alloy extrusion business has seen a downturn in volume over recent months with import pressures, cost and efficiency remaining critically important into 2009.The recent closure of the Aluminium tube mill at Redditch the most recent casualty of the current climate.  Other sectors have fared better with specialised products such as Aluminium cylinders experiencing growth. The aerospace rolled plate sector in also thought to have done relatively well. LMB does not currently have representation from this sector and is seeking to rectify this situation.

The Titanium industry despite the economic downturn, due to projected growth scenarios in aviation and energy remains relatively optimistic for 2009.

The Magnesium industry has had a turbulent year with Magnesium prices reaching record levels in May before declining sharply. This coupled with the recent downturn has led to major uncertainty and reduced volumes in the automotive sector for the coming year. As in Titanium, the aerospace/defence sector remains strong and exports may well be boosted in 2009 due to the weak pound.

Strategies aimed at supporting and promoting the Light Metals industry, throughout the supply chain by showcasing technology, research & development, innovation, product development and design remain critically important in providing opportunities for growth and sustainability. In line with this, two highly successful events showcasing the use of Aluminium in innovative design were hosted through the “Power of Aluminium” during 2008. The main event took place on April the 17th at Warwick University and was aimed at established design professionals. A design competition for students was also held following the highly successful MADE workshop held in January in order to broaden the reach of Aluminium as a material to the wider design community and to energise student participation. The competition attracted over 50 entries with the winners receiving their awards at their university degree ceremonies in June.

It was hoped that the Power of Aluminium and in particular the student competition would continue to evolve into an annual event. The economic downturn, however, means that activities have been reduced in 2009 and the future of the Power of Aluminium now remains in question. 

In building upon the LMD’s initial MADE workshop the division is now planning to hold a MADE workshop themed around Titanium during the first quarter of 2009, to develop further opportunities for this material. The increasing utilisation of Titanium particularly in civil aircraft manufacture, in deep oil wells and the nuclear industry is providing a strong demand for Titanium based products. This coupled with a strong UK based R&D network provides an excellent foundation for holding the workshop next year. It is considered that although 2009 will show some effects from the Global recession the industrial action at Boeing and the high inventory consumption by major users means the medium and long term prospects are very strong.

The European Titanium Conference will also be held in June 2009 and follows on from the successful one day Titanium symposium held in 2007 and will be hosted by NAMTEC and supported by the LMD

The conference held at Manchester University  in January 2008 entitled “Magnesium Alloys - Future Technologies, Applications & Opportunities, forms part of an ongoing series of seminars the LMD are supporting in order to showcase future technologies in light metals. The event was very successful and extremely well attended with 64 attendees, 58 of which came from the UK. Special thanks to Joe Robson for his work in pulling together such a successful event.

Following on from this a MADE event for Magnesium is to be considered for 2010

An overview of the current position in terms of a SWOT type analysis for all 3 metals will continue to form a key part of the forthcoming LMD board agendas throughout 2009 with high level representation from TSB requested.

Collaboration with the EAA has continued, providing a key partner for the division, although consolidation and cost cutting within the industry has limited activities during 2008 and this will continue next year

The development and utilisation of technology Roadmaps are continuously under review as part of the divisions, core activities and a further review of all materials will be undertaken in 2009. This will also include a directory of universities/centres of academic excellence undertaking research within each material sector.

The division is committed to maintaining strong cross functional links with synergistic divisions, ie The MSTD board Geoff Scamans, Automotive Board Gordon Smith, Younger members committee, Mike Clinch & Marina  Surface Engineering, Particulate Engineering Committee & Automotive, Steve Harmer. These cross functional links have been maintained during 2008.

The divisional board members have maintained a strong commitment to CPD through participation and involvement at local society events, conferences and editorial features in addition to the professional activities associated with their respective industries.

The concept of utilising the IOMMM, accreditation system to formally approve training materials has not been progressed due to other priorities. This will again be reviewed by the division in 2009

4. Technical programme

a) Three events were organised in this reporting period:-
    i) “Aluminium in the living environment” – A MADE workshop
    ii) “Magnesium Alloys”. “Future Technologies Applications & Opportunities
    iii) The LMD further helped to facilitate the Jaguar Master Class at Congress 2008.
    All events were highly successful and well supported.

b) One event is confirmed for 2009, while two further events are in the planning stage
Please refer the appendix 1 Table LMD Conference Activity Schedule & Planned Conferences/Events 2008/2009.

5. Foresight / Innovation and Growth

The division has continued to provide input to the “technology strategy board” through it close relationship with NAMTEC. We intend to invite a member of TSB to attend an LMD board meeting in 2009.

6. Professional membership developments

A number of successful applications for Fellow have been supported by members of the LMD during 2008.

7. National and international linkages with other Societies /Institutes

The division has a strong interaction with a number of local societies and we will continue to build on these during 2009.

8. Government interfaces

Technology roadmaps for Aluminium, Magnesium and Titanium are available on the LMD web site. These will again be subject to review in 2009 and updated on an ongoing basis. Close interaction with NAMTEC will continue into 2009, with regular Roadmap updates involving NAMTEC planned in order to ensure that the most up to date information relating to Aluminium, Magnesium and Titanium technologies is used for updating the relevant funding bodies, such as the TSB, RDAs and the EPSRC.

9. Publications

The November 08 edition of Materials World was devoted to a Light Metals theme, with the LMD providing 5 major articles for publication. Special thanks to Geoff Scamans for putting this together.

A further editorial scheduled for November 2009 with the proposed emphasis on younger researchers with profiles of both their work and themselves has now also been accepted by Katherine Williams, editor Materials World, as has the provision of a guest editorial which would act as a “scene setter”.

A light metals edition of Materials Technology is also planned for September 2009.
The light metals divisional web site was successfully transferred to the new operating system as planned in 2008. Special thanks to Mike Clinch, Marina Galano & Hong Dong for their hard work .The web site provides an important conduit for information flow from and to the division and this will continue to be built upon during 2009.

10. Awards/prizes
 Nothing to report

11. Other matters

The Light Metals Division has considered and debated the question of a Society based grouping but has concluded that they wish to remain as a Division.

Martin Jarrett
Chairman Light Metals Division