For the first time, the Gesamtverband der Aluminiumindustrie e. V. (GDA) has presented an award for particularly innovative extruded aluminum profile solutions. The first winners include a battery carrier system for electric vehicles and a sun protection system.
In the transportation category, the profile solution for an electric vehicle battery box from Otto Fuchs KG, Meinerzhagen, was awarded the prize (images 1 and 2). The special feature is the high degree of flexibility in terms of dimensions, which allows it to be used in cars and trucks. In addition, the individual profiles are joined using an innovative, mechanical cold joining process that works without the influence of heat. This makes it possible to join the individual hollow chambers of the profiles in a liquid-tight manner. The side profiles also serve as external crash elements. Peter Kaufmann, Head of Sales Extrusions and Member of the Management Board of Otto Fuchs KG, is delighted: "We are delighted that our new development has won the GDA Award. We see great potential for our innovative solution to drive the further development of electromobility in commercial vehicles and work machines too."
In the Architecture category, the submission from Fabrique Invent, Delft NL, and Lewens in Ludwigslust was awarded a prize. This solution for a sun protection system (images 3 and 4) is characterized by the fact that several functions were incorporated into a single support profile. In this way, a cover profile fixes the fabric panels so that they do not flap in the wind. When powder-coated, both profiles can be clipped together by hand on site. This places very high demands on the adherence to tight tolerances of both profiles. "The new Portofino under-roof awning combines attractive design and easy installation with a high level of convenience in use. We are proud that our solution has been awarded a prize by the GDA," explains Philip Lewens, Managing Director at Lewens.
Winning products can be seen at ALUMINIUM 2021
The winners were selected from numerous submissions by a jury of representatives from science and industry. "We are delighted with the large number and high quality of submissions right from the premiere of our award. They clearly demonstrate the great innovative strength of the aluminum industry and show how extrusion companies in particular are responding to the increased requirements in the application markets," says Marius Baader, Managing Director of GDA.
Due to the current situation, the award ceremony will take place at a later date. The award-winning profiles - along with other innovations from the industry - will be on display at ALUMINIUM 2021 in Düsseldorf from May 18 to 20.
