We'd guess that aluminum used in beverage cans would differ from that used in automotive and aerospace applications but iut turns out that there are two specific grades used in industrial applications: 5xxx that contains a small amount of magnesium and is used in sheet applications; a 6xxx that is used in extruded applications that contains silicon (Si) and magnesium (Mg) as the major alloying elements.
One of the most significant challenges in automotive aluminum recycling is the proper segregation of alloy families, which are critical to maintaining material quality. Traditionally, mixed 5xxx and 6xxx alloys from stamping scrap were downcycled, limiting their use in high-value applications.
French firm Constellium SE has announced a major advancement in aluminum recycling for the automotive industry, by implementing Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) technology at an industrial scale. This initiative, developed in collaboration with OSR GmbH & Co. KG, a German recycling specialist, and a premium European automotive manufacturer, marks a significant step in reducing carbon emissions in the automotive supply chain by increasing the use of recycled aluminum.
Constellium has already processed significant volumes of LIBS-sorted scrap at its Neuf-Brisach plant in France, recycling it into high-quality aluminium solutions without compromising material integrity. This success showcases the industrial viability of LIBS sorting and its potential to transform aluminium recycling practices on a global scale.
“Recycling aluminium scrap with the precision and scale offered by LIBS technology is an unprecedented leap forward for the industry,” said Dieter Höll, Vice President Global Automotive at Constellium. “This innovative approach allows us to recover high-quality alloys from pre-consumer scrap, significantly reducing our carbon footprint and supporting our customers' sustainability goals.”
Constellium and OSR GmbH & Co. KG will continue to work on enhancements to the technology with the longer-term goal of extracting high value aluminium from end-of-life vehicles. This initiative aims to create a truly circular system for automotive aluminium, aligning with the industry's shift toward a low-carbon economy.
Image courtesy of Aluminum Extruders Council.
Comments