European Committee meeting attached to Mg Symposium in Birmingham By Martin Tauber IMA European Committee Chairman 23.11.2019, Birmingham. The IMA European Committee meeting took place at Birmingham City University (BCU) followed by a Mg Symposium. The two highlights, the launch of the “blue book” and the introduction of the MagBird were already presented at the V.I.P. dinner on the evening before. 17 IMA members from Europe participated.

IMA European Committee members during the Mg Symposium Already for the second time, BCU University gathered international experts in the fields of engineering, science and the arts for their annual Magnesium Symposium. The headline topic was how Magnesium fits into the demanding requirements of Industry 4.0. Together with Meridian, BCU published their second Magnesium related book titled – “Innovation in Manufacturing Through Digital Technologies and Applications: Thoughts and Reflections on Industry 4.0.” Every participant received a print version and free copies are available via BCU.

The 2018’ Blue book on Magnesium acknowledged by IMA Held on Tuesday 23 October, Birmingham City University’s second annual Magnesium Symposium placed emphasis on the application potential of using the metal in conjunction with the latest digital technologies.

Professor Hanifa Shah, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and The Build Environment, said: “The Symposium highlighted to our partners and potential future collaborators how digital technologies can push business growth through increased productivity and sustainability using Industry 4.0 technologies. We build on the heritage of Birmingham City University as a catalyst for growth among regional industries through both knowledge transfer and by offering a unique, interdisciplinary approach. “We at Birmingham City University are committed to transferring the expertise, technology and skills that our research and innovative practice has helped us develop to external organisations, with the aim of embedding new innovation and skills to improve our partners’ performance. We work with our partner organisations to enable them to drive innovation and new business ideas to sharpen their competitive edge. With our help they can get the additional skills and knowledge require to help with business growth.” Dr. Martin Tauber, European Committee Chairman of the International Magnesium Association (IMA), said: “The IMA is very grateful with the partnership with Birmingham City University and the perfectly organised symposium provided our members interesting ‘out of the box’ views on magnesium. Good food for thought and we look forward to coming again to Birmingham.”

Participants of the Mg Symposium The annual symposium has grown out of an exclusive partnership between Birmingham City University and Meridian Lightweight Technologies UK (MLTUK) – the world’s largest producer of magnesium die cast components. Together, their mission to change the perceptions of magnesium in manufacturing. The strategic alliance has seen the two organisations working together in the education, research and development of magnesium use, whilst placing fuel efficiency through weight savings and sustainability at its core. At the heart of this strategic alliance is to investigate making production financially viable for Meridian Lightweighting Technology, bringing cost savings to their customers. At the Symposium, Birmingham School of Art scholar Anna Kryzhanovska presented designs of her proposed ‘MagBird’ sculpture, which is scheduled to be put on display at Birmingham Airport from next year. Kryzhanovska’s design was the winner of a competition set by the University and MLTUK earlier in the year that challenged students to create an interdisciplinary art installation from magnesium to showcase the potential uses of the metal within the aerospace sector. IMA encourages this initiative and was also present in the awarding panel.

The MagBird drawing to be realized as a Mg sculpture next year. The European Committee is privileged to have BCU as a member and appreciated the hospitality during our meeting and also at the dinner and symposium. Martin Tauber IMA European Committee Chairman Please see as well: Magnesium: Its rise and forecasted reign in manufacturing http://www.bcuadvantage.co.uk/blog/magnesium-advanced-manufacturing Student’s artwork takes off for India https://www.theasiantoday.com/index.php/2018/10/04/students-artwork-takes-off-for-india/ https://www.bcu.ac.uk/news-events/news/students-artwork-takes-off-for-india