Text & Photos: Bhargav TS
The biennial edition of Alucast 2014, which recently concluded at Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre, has emerged as a perfect convergence platform for numerous stakeholders across the aluminium die casting industry, attracting more exhibitors and visitors from across the globe.
Organised by The Aluminium Casters’ Association of India and produced by NuernbergMesse India, the theme of Alucast 2014 conference was Lightweighting of Aluminium Castings. It was apt since the lightweight aluminium parts are now further redesigned to achieve lower weights. The event also witnessed experts of international repute presenting papers on topics like lightweighting by product re-engineering and change of production process, die casting technology for structural parts, and advantage of using vacuum technology for lightweighting PDC parts.
The President of Aluminium Casters’ Association of India, Prasan Firodia said, “India has emerged as a significant player in the global automotive supply chain. This industry accounts for 7% of India’s GDP. With continued development in infrastructure and entry of newer FDIs, the auto component industry will get a further boost. This will have a positive impact on the die-casting industry as an estimated 60% of the die castings produced in India is used in the auto industry. Added to this we have an advantage of educated labour at competitive costs and economies of operation. This should help the industry grow and become the world’s largest aluminium die casting base. There is an expectation that the new government will provide the country with an environment that will revitalise manufacturing especially the automobile sector. One can already see encouraging signs with the Union Budget supporting infrastructure and increased private investments. There is also the new Foreign Trade policy for 2014-2019 which is designed with a long term strategy to boost the manufacturing sector and to bring it in line with the ‘Make in India’ goal.”
Sonia Prashar, Managing Director, NuernbergMesse India said, “At this year’s edition of Alucast, we have a record number of over 100 exhibitors, 2500 visitors and participation from more than 10 countries – a marked growth from the event in 2012. These impressive numbers correspond to the growing importance of the die casting industry in India.” She continued that this edition has seen enormous growth over the last few years, especially in its role as a supplier of the booming automotive sector. Global automotive companies increasingly perceive India as a hub for sourcing and manufacturing, with the domestic markets offering high potential. Many manufacturers seek to improve fuel efficiency to reduce carbon emissions. Lightweight construction has consequently become a key issue and aluminium is amongst the most popular materials.
RAR Prasad, Secretary, Aluminium Casters’ Association of India said, “India is the third largest producer of aluminium castings in the world with a total production of over 900,000 tonnes annually. India has a major reserve of bauxite which is the world’s main source of aluminium. Considering the immense reserves that our country holds, this industry is poised to grow phenomenally and will become the world’s largest manufacturing base for aluminium die casting.”
The exhibitor spectrum of Alucast 2014 included products and services from aluminium die casting, aluminium recycling, automation of casting process, melting practices and metal treatment, post casting operations, heat treatment specialists instrumentation and control, software systems integration/rapid prototyping, die casting machinery manufacturers, die manufacturers, and machine tools.
Jaya Hind Industries wins Alucast Award
Jaya Hind Industries Ltd (JHI), Pune based Aluminium Die Casting Company, was awarded the ‘Alucast Best Foundry 2014 Large Scale Sector’ at the International Exhibition and Conference Alucast 2014. The ‘Alucast Best Foundry 2014’ award is based on specific parameters on which the nominated Die Casting organisations are judged. Parameters like commitment to quality in all aspects of manufacturing, improvement projects and continuous investment in new technologies are amongst the judging criteria. JHI qualified for the Large Scale Sector Foundry Awards based on its production of over 4000 tonnes of die castings per annum.
Prasan Firodia, Managing Director, JHI said, “It is a great pleasure to receive this award at such an international platform, amongst the industry experts and peers. I am especially happy as Jaya Hind is committed to quality in manufacturing and we continue to invest in newer technology. I am sure this award will motivate the team to continue with the good work and strive for more recognition.”
