Aluminum die casting alloys are made from recycled metal. Secondary
(recycled) aluminum is more economical to produce than primary
because it requires only 5% as much energy to produce a pound.
Current projections indicate that the supply of recycled aluminum
will be adequate to meet the needs for aluminum die casting into
the foreseeable future. Used beverage cans (UBC) comprise a large
portion of the aluminum available recyclers. The supply has been
enhanced by the widespread recycling of beverage cans. 1
Aluminum smelters are widely dispersed across internationally.
Video Images © Norsk Hydro and © Alcoa
References
1. Polmear, Ian J. Light Alloys: From Traditional Alloys to
Nanocrystals, 4th Ed., Elsevier, Burlington,
Massachusetts, 2006.
