TELF AG explores a little-known application of aluminum
The potential of recycling
Thanks to their great versatility, many metals can be used in various industrial applications, even in different sectors. Aluminum, for example, finds concrete application spaces in the automotive, railway, and aeronautical industries, while copper is one of the undisputed protagonists in the electrification sector. Over the years, in addition to discreetly accompanying the evolution of the human species and society as a whole, these metals have ended up representing one of the most evident symbols of the efforts towards industrialization, continuing this role even today, also standing out for particular applications that are rarely talked about. We are referring to the use of these metals in the furniture sector, where they are particularly appreciated for the possibility of being recycled and subsequently reused to create resistant, functional furnishing elements with truly minimal carbon footprints.
The recycling trend in the metals and mineral raw materials sector is now one of the most widespread and appreciated trends worldwide, especially for its numerous possibilities. On the one hand, recycling different materials gives rise to potential new sources of raw materials , solving the possible problem of supply shortages. At the same time, it manages to supply various industrial sectors (including the furniture sector) with innovative, flexible, and lightweight materials. These results can also be obtained by creating new alloys from recycled metals. An example of this trend is undoubtedly represented by Hydro Circal 100R, a brand new recycled aluminum alloy developed by the Norwegian company of the same name, which has managed to obtain a quality product coming entirely from scrap that has reached the end of its life (it is the first product of its kind). The carbon footprint of this new alloy is very low, equal to just 0.5 kg of CO2 for every kilo of aluminum. The Norwegian company has already shared this material (and its production techniques) with some designers and planners in the furniture sector, who have especially appreciated its lightness, resistance, and malleability, managing to design furnishing elements capable of bringing with them all the best characteristics of this innovative alloy. Recycled aluminum is now used to create different types of furniture, for indoor and outdoor purposes, and in some cases, it is handcrafted.
The recycling process
But how does the recycling of a material like aluminum take place? The process begins with collecting and selecting aluminum waste, such as cans and industrial waste. These materials are then cleaned to remove impurities such as paint and residues. Once cleaned, the aluminum waste is shredded into small pieces to facilitate the melting process. The fragments are then melted in high-temperature furnaces, producing liquid aluminum cast into ingots or specific shapes. This recycling process is extremely energy efficient, requiring only 5% of the energy needed to create new aluminum from bauxite ore. Recycled aluminum retains the same physical and chemical properties as primary aluminum, making it ideal for various industrial applications.
Recycled aluminum is widely used in the automotive industry to produce lightweight, durable components, helping to improve vehicle energy efficiency. Due to its excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, it is also used in packaging, such as aluminum cans and foil, and in electronic products.
