ABB Showcases Smart Manufacturing and Green Technologies at Aluminum China 2026
Time:2026-07-27 Browse: 0
ABB presented a comprehensive portfolio of digital technologies and industrial automation solutions at Aluminum China 2026, held from July 8–10, 2026, at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. During the exhibition, the company highlighted innovations designed to improve efficiency, product quality, and sustainability across the aluminum production value chain.
As one of the leading suppliers of industrial automation, electrification, and digital solutions, ABB demonstrated technologies covering cold rolling, aluminum smelting, casting, rectification, and force measurement. The exhibition reflected the growing demand for intelligent manufacturing and low-carbon production in the global aluminum industry.
ABB Highlights Smart Manufacturing Solutions for Cold Rolling
One of the major attractions at the exhibition was ABB's Smart Manufacturing Solution for Cold Rolling Processes. Following its introduction in 2025, the digital platform has already been implemented in multiple customer projects across China.
The solution focuses on improving process transparency, production visibility, and operational control throughout cold rolling operations. By integrating advanced automation, data analytics, and digital monitoring, manufacturers can optimize production efficiency while improving product consistency and reducing operational costs.
ABB believes digital technologies will continue to accelerate the transformation of traditional aluminum processing toward data-driven manufacturing.
High-Power Rectifiers Support Stable Aluminum Production
ABB also showcased its high-power rectifier systems, which are widely used in aluminum electrolysis and smelting applications.
Designed for continuous industrial operation, the rectifiers deliver high reliability, operational stability, and production efficiency for energy-intensive aluminum plants.
ABB established its high-power rectifier manufacturing facility in China in 2005. After more than two decades of development, the site has evolved into a fully localized operation integrating research and development, manufacturing, engineering, project execution, and after-sales support. Today, it serves as an important manufacturing hub within ABB's global supply chain.
Precision Force Measurement Improves Product Quality
Another key technology presented during the exhibition was ABB's portfolio of force measurement solutions for aluminum processing.
The company displayed products including:
Flatness measurement and control systems
Thickness gauges
Tension measurement systems
Lifecycle maintenance and support services
These technologies help manufacturers improve strip quality, enhance production consistency, reduce material waste, and meet increasing market demand for high-performance aluminum products.
ABB AL-EMS Electromagnetic Stirring Technology Promotes Sustainable Casting
ABB also introduced its AL-EMS electromagnetic stirring solution for aluminum melting furnaces.
Originally developed by ABB, the technology utilizes electromagnetic induction to create non-contact stirring of molten aluminum. Compared with conventional mechanical stirring methods, electromagnetic stirring helps improve melt uniformity while reducing oxidation losses and energy consumption.
The solution enables aluminum producers to achieve:
Improved casting quality
Lower metal burn-off
Reduced fuel consumption
Higher production efficiency
More sustainable manufacturing operations
These benefits support the industry's transition toward greener and more efficient production.
Industry Seminar Focuses on Digital Transformation
Alongside the exhibition, ABB organized a technical seminar for customers and industry partners from across the aluminum supply chain.
Company specialists shared practical experiences and application cases covering:
Smart cold rolling manufacturing
High-power rectifier technology
Force measurement systems
Digital transformation strategies
Sustainable production technologies
Participants discussed current market trends and explored how automation, electrification, and digitalization can help improve operational performance while supporting long-term sustainability goals.
Growing Demand for Intelligent Aluminum Manufacturing
As aluminum producers continue to pursue carbon reduction and operational efficiency, intelligent automation is becoming an increasingly important investment area.
Solutions that combine industrial software, advanced control systems, precision measurement, and energy-efficient power technologies are expected to play a significant role in helping manufacturers achieve higher productivity and more sustainable operations.
ABB stated that it will continue leveraging its industrial expertise and digital innovation capabilities to develop technologies that address evolving production challenges while supporting the aluminum industry's transition toward intelligent and low-carbon manufacturing.
About Aluminum China 2026
Aluminum China is one of Asia's leading trade exhibitions dedicated to the aluminum industry. The annual event brings together manufacturers, equipment suppliers, technology providers, and industry experts from across the global aluminum supply chain to showcase innovations in processing, automation, materials, and sustainable production technologies.
