This subject includes papers related to stages that involve the primary aluminum production processes (mining, refining and smelting), with emphasis on technological innovation, design, power cost reduction, processing, maintenance and environmental issues. This is a forum of choice for a real and effective exchange of experiences in this area.

Papers related to aluminum castings in the shape sheet ingots, billets and ingots, that will then undergo mechanical transformation, continuous casting processes of reroll and rods, as well as processes related to the casting shapes, are all part of this subject. The intent of this format is to discuss alternate production technologies, technological innovations in processes, success cases, molten metal treatments that view to improve the end quality of products and the solution of problems. Aspects related to the environment (emissions, disposal of waste, etc) may also be presented.

Due to its good ductility and malleableness features, aluminum is able to undergo all mechanical transformation processes, such as: cold rolling, extrusion, fabrication of wires and cables, welding, stamping, machining, forging and impact extrusion. Papers that show opportunities for gains in efficiency, productivity and quality are all included in this subject, as well as papers that lead to cost reduction, new technologies or improvement of current technologies, in addition to solving problems, including those that impact the environment.

For many applications, aluminum natural finish is fully satisfactory, both from the viewpoint of appearance and of durability. However, aluminum has the advantage of being suitable for several surface protection and decoration, including anodization, electroplating, mechanical finish, application of paints and varnishes. The main focus of the papers related to this subject is the discussion of theoretical and practical aspects of surface finishes. Aspects related to technological innovations in processing and environmental issues will also be presented.
This technical session also includes papers on Aluminum Corrosion, which is closely connected to surface protection processes.

Sustainable development is defined as the development that meets the current needs without detriment to the needs of future generations to supply their own needs. This implies in conducting businesses always taking into consideration the three following dimensions: economic, environmental and social. The aluminum industry has good examples of management, with projects and results in this area. Papers on sustainable development that include subjects in the three above mentioned dimensions pertain to the subject, except for papers that fit other subjects such as smelting, castings, mechanical transformation and surface treatment.

Recycling is one of the most important features of aluminum, since any product made of this metal may be infinitely recycled, without losing its physical-chemical characteristics in the reutilization process.  The best known example is the aluminum beverage can, whose scraps are transformed into cans after collection and remelting, without any limits for their return to the production cycle. This subject includes papers that show the current status of recycling technology, as well as other aspects related to collection, cost and availability of aluminum scrap, alternate processes, disposal of the residues arising from the scrap remelting process, technological innovation and cases of success.

Due to the increasing research and development efforts, the refractories used in the aluminum industry have shown a significant evolution in the last years. The new materials with higher technological content, designed to meet the specific requests of stage of the metal obtaining process is being responsible for extending the working life of the equipment and for reducing maintenance costs, resulting in higher competitiveness of companies. Therefore, the session on refractories views to strengthen the R & D initiatives, and the technological innovation, in addition to encouraging the exchange of information and experiences between users and manufacturers of this class of materials.

Aluminum is the most recent material being used by society at large, at a little more than 100 years of existence. Along the last three decades, new and important applications were and continue to be introduced using aluminum, while there is still a broad field to increment new applications. In that direction, in line with its mission of disseminating and encouraging the use of aluminum, ABAL continues to emphasize this subject along the V International Aluminum Congress so that the industrial and research communities will present papers related to the development of new products.