ALUMINIUM 2026: Eural Gnutti Advances Lead-Free Alloys and Circular Aluminium Solutions
Teaser
Key topics include the three LEAD FREE alloys 6026LF, 2033 and 2077, new possibilities for replacing brass, steel and selected cast materials with aluminium, and a production approach that makes extensive use of secondary aluminium.
Eural's Presentation at the Fair
Italian aluminium specialist Eural Gnutti will be exhibiting at ALUMINIUM in Düsseldorf from October 6–8, 2026, at booth 3A13. The company ranks among the world's leading producers of drawn aluminium bars for machining and is also one of Europe's major manufacturers of extruded bars and profiles.
Eural's presence at the exhibition will focus on three main areas: high-performance lead-free alloys, the broader application of aluminium as a substitute for brass, steel and selected cast materials, and greater use of secondary aluminium within a circular economy model.
These priorities reflect several major challenges currently facing Europe's metal industry, including tighter material regulations, resource efficiency, secure supply chains, recycling and the demand for lighter materials with high performance capabilities.
Lead-Free Alloys Gain Importance Amid Tighter Regulations
For many years, Eural has concentrated on developing lead-free aluminium materials that offer both excellent machinability and strong mechanical properties.
European legislation restricting lead is accelerating this development. Within the European RoHS framework, exemptions allowing lead in aluminium alloys are being progressively reduced.
Under the current regulatory timetable, the remaining exemption for aluminium alloys and other metals, including brass and steel used in machining with a lead content above 0.4% by weight, is scheduled to expire on June 12, 2027. The permitted limit will consequently decrease to 0.1%.
The European End-of-Life Vehicles framework is also moving towards more stringent lead restrictions. The existing ELV Directive 2000/53/EC is expected to be replaced by a new ELV Regulation. Although exemptions continue to apply to certain critical components, they are gradually being withdrawn, with further phase-outs anticipated by the end of 2027.
In response to these developments, Eural has introduced three core LF by Eural alloys: 6026LF, 2033 and 2077, each developed to meet specific industrial manufacturing requirements.
6026LF: High Performance for Automotive and Precision Components
6026LF LEAD FREE by EURAL was designed as a higher-performance alternative to established 6xxx-series alloys, including 6082 and 6061. It also offers a replacement for the lead-containing alloy 6064A, which has a minimum lead content of 0.2% and will therefore no longer satisfy future European requirements.
The material combines strong mechanical characteristics with excellent machinability.
Eural identifies automotive applications, particularly braking systems, as a key area of potential. The alloy is also suited to components that require high strength and a superior surface finish, including after hard anodizing.
This makes 6026LF relevant to applications in which aluminium is increasingly being considered as an alternative to heavier metallic materials.
2033: Optimized for High-Speed Automatic Turning
2033 LEAD FREE by EURAL has been developed specifically for high-performance machining on automatic lathes operating at high speeds. Its formation of extremely fine chips supports rapid machining and short production cycles.
According to Eural, the alloy also delivers superior mechanical properties and can withstand higher pressures than alloy 2011.
Potential applications include automotive components, forming technology, screws and fastening systems, and thin-walled threaded parts. In these fields, reliable machinability and short cycle times are essential. The material is also used in the electrical and electronics industries.
Eural reports that companies traditionally working with alloy 2011 have already begun transitioning to 2033. The alloy is designed to meet the new RoHS requirements concerning lead and has already received approval from major market players for the relevant applications.
2077: Combining Strength with Machining Efficiency
With 2077 LEAD FREE by EURAL, Eural is targeting applications that require high-strength aluminium alloys.
According to the company, the material's main advantage lies in combining superior mechanical performance with excellent machinability comparable to that of alloys 2011 and 2033.
For manufacturers, this combination can support higher productivity, tighter tolerances, better surface finishes and extended tool life.
These characteristics create further opportunities for aluminium in precision components exposed to high loads, where mechanical strength and efficient machining are equally important.
Expanding Aluminium's Role Beyond Traditional Applications
Eural's strategy extends beyond improving aluminium alloys for established uses. The company is also working to broaden aluminium's role as a substitute for other metals, an approach of particular interest to the foundry and metalworking sectors.
The material's combination of low weight, high mechanical strength, excellent machinability, corrosion resistance and high-quality surface properties makes it increasingly attractive for demanding industrial applications.
Eural considers high-performance aluminium alloys a dependable alternative to brass in numerous precision applications and to selected steel and cast materials in high-performance components.
The potential extends across several industries, including automotive manufacturing, general engineering, electrical engineering, electronics and automation.
Advanced aluminium solutions can offer additional opportunities wherever weight reduction, energy efficiency and more productive machining processes are becoming increasingly important competitive factors.
Drawing on more than 50 years of aluminium expertise, Eural supports customers from the earliest stages of product development. Its services cover both manufacturers adopting aluminium for the first time and companies seeking to replace existing metal alloys with aluminium alternatives.
Technical assistance also includes machine start-up and the optimization of machining and production processes. A dedicated team provides specialist advice and support aimed at improving performance, efficiency and manufacturing results.
Circular Economy: Increasing the Value of Recycled Aluminium
Alongside material development, sustainability remains an important element of Eural's broader strategy.
The company's LF alloys are manufactured using a high proportion of secondary aluminium obtained from recycled aluminium scrap.
With raw material markets subject to volatility, geopolitical uncertainty continuing and Europe placing greater emphasis on strategic independence in raw material supply, recycled aluminium is becoming increasingly important.
One of Eural's particular strengths is its ability to manufacture high-performance alloys from different scrap sources.
The company recycles internal production scrap from its foundry and extrusion operations through its so-called run-around process. It also incorporates secondary material sourced predominantly through Italian and European supply chains.
A central technical challenge is keeping lead content within precisely defined limits despite variations in scrap composition, while maintaining the mechanical properties and machinability required of the finished alloy.
Eural has developed processes intended to expand recycling opportunities without compromising final product quality or performance.
For the aluminium and foundry industries, this approach demonstrates how secondary raw materials can increasingly serve as the foundation for technically demanding, high-value industrial applications rather than being restricted to lower-grade products.
Paola Gnutti: Market Dialogue Drives Innovation
Paola Gnutti, President of Eural, highlights the importance of maintaining close contact with customers and material users:
“Since the beginning, we have believed that innovation comes from exchanging ideas with the market and with those who use our materials every day. In this sense, ALUMINIUM represents an important opportunity for Eural to engage with customers, partners and industry experts from around the world.”
She further emphasizes that innovation delivers genuine value only when it can be translated into practical market solutions.
At the Düsseldorf exhibition, Eural's experts will therefore engage with visitors to discuss current industry challenges and jointly explore possible solutions.
Eural Gnutti: Company Profile and Production Capabilities
Established in 1968 in Rovato, Italy, Eural Gnutti specializes in semi-finished products manufactured from aluminium alloys.
The company is a global leader in drawn aluminium bars and ranks among Europe's largest producers of extruded aluminium bars and profiles.
Its drawn bars are used primarily in mechanical engineering, automotive manufacturing, aerospace, medical technology, electrical engineering, electronics and the defense industry.
The company's extruded profiles feature specific heat treatments and serve a range of applications, including automotive components, pneumatics, actuators, hydraulics and heat sinks.
Eural operates two production sites in Rovato and Pontevico, covering a combined area of 355,000 m², of which 70,000 m² consists of covered production space.
The company employs 401 people and recorded revenue of EUR 269 million in 2025.
Its international operations are also expanding through the wholly owned subsidiaries Eural USA Inc. and Eural Deutschland GmbH.
Meet Eural Gnutti at ALUMINIUM 2026
ALUMINIUM 2026
October 6–8, 2026
Düsseldorf, Germany
Eural Gnutti: Hall 3, Booth 3A13