Leading international Tier One aluminium product suppliers gathered in London last month to discover more about the global network that is aiming to deliver “a unique technological innovation in ‘lightweighting’ to the automotive aerospace, rail and other sectors”.

The event was attended by more than 50 delegates wanting to learn more about the hot-form quench (HFQ) process and the formation of the HFQ Partner Network.

Jonathan Watkins, CEO of Impression Technologies Ltd (www.impression-technologies.com), which has pioneered HFQ technology, gave an overview of the technology and its applications.

Delegates also heard presentations from Eisenmann and Novelis, which have already signed up as founder members of the HFQ Partner Network.

Mr Watkins said: “HFQ is a novel process that enables the rapid production of complex aluminium components.

“It delivers optimised strength and performance alongside reduced weight in a host of high-specification applications.

“The establishment of the HFQ Partner Network will deliver a global supply chain in aluminium lightweighting.

“OEMs will be able to access unrivalled quality and consistency in products manufactured through the HFQ process, wherever in the world they are located.

“There was a lot of insightful and constructive input from the delegates, which will prove extremely helpful as the network continues to take shape.

Meanwhile, any other companies interested in this unique opportunity should contact us to find out more.”

Further details of the HFQ process and the HFQ Partner Network can be found at the Web site (www.hfqtechnology.com).