Design for aluminum recycling

Aluminum is playing an increasing role in automotive design. Forecasts consistently predict rising aluminum usage as weight reduction programs continue. The prospect of large-volume applications of aluminum wrought product emphasizes the need to close the recycling loop. A closed-loop system ensures that wrought products can be recycled into new wrought products, and benefits further growth of aluminum applications by assuring an economical, high-quality source of metal. In this paper, it is shown that opportunities to take advantage of aluminum's inherent value, and at least partially close the recycling loop, are possible without advanced technology. The most important opportunity is in aluminum alloy selection, where alloys should be specified by the designer with recycling in mind. Also, aluminum processors for alloy-segregated or classified old scrap must adjust their processes so as to use it effectively in closing the recycling loop.