Making the Most of Aluminum Scrap

Abstract

This article highlights features of a process under-development that aims to recover wrought alloys for high-value applications. Chemically etched wrought aluminum scrap pieces have been separated into their respective alloy families using an optical identification system that is being developed by Alcoa. The technique has successfully completed proof-of-concept testing at Pacific Northwest National laboratory. One method of separating the mix of wrought aluminum into its alloy families combines chemical etching with an optical technique to sort the aluminum by color. John Green, vice president of technology of The Aluminum Association, believes these technologies will give automotive companies an incentive to commit to aluminum for sheet applications by ensuring that recycling wrought aluminum into higher-value applications is feasible. According to an expert, since processing recycled aluminum takes only 5 percent of the energy required to work from primary ingot, using recycled aluminum makes sense for automobiles.