Technology innovation in aluminum products

In 2001, the aluminum industry continues to benefit from technical innovati ons made in alloy development, product-manufacturing technologies, and proc essing equipment over the last century. This paper examines the top ten all oy, product, and process developments that have shaped the industry's produ ction methods and markets. The interrelationships among the alloy developme nt, process innovations, and markets are highlighted. Omitted are derails a bout patent literature or the inception of many technologies; the major cri terion for placement on the list was impact on the total industry.