Sustainable metal recycling: New methods by TU Dresden researchers

Recycling Upcycling project gives metal components a second life

2024-12-13 Source: TU Dresden | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

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Taiwan Machine Tool & Accessory Builders' Association (TMBA)

The demand for metals is continuously increasing, but resources are scarce. Conventional recycling methods, such as energy-intensive smelting, are not sustainable. Researchers at TU Dresden now aim to develop new production processes for recycling metal components.

Prof. Andrés Lasagni and Prof. Alexander Brosius from the Institute of Manufacturing Technology.(Image: TU Dresden, Institute of Manufacturing Technology) — Prof. Andrés Lasagni and Prof. Alexander Brosius from the Institute of Manufacturing Technology.
(Image: TU Dresden, Institute of Manufacturing Technology)

In the eight-year project "2nd Life Metal Components" led by Prof. Alexander Brosius and Prof. Andrés Fabián Lasagni from the Institute of Manufacturing Technology, the aim is to avoid previous energy-intensive recycling methods such as melting. The researchers intend to directly reuse existing metal parts through upcycling to create new products. The secondary use of existing raw material stocks is referred to as urban mining. These methods can significantly reduce energy consumption and conserve valuable resources. "Our approach makes it possible to save 90 percent of the energy normally required," emphasizes Prof. Brosius. "This project will set new standards in urban mining through sustainable reuse of metals." The project is funded by the Werner Siemens Foundation with 14.2 million US dollars. In the future, the endeavor offers a broad research field for a team of 25 members.

Laser-based functionalization allows us to characterize and precisely adjust both the surface and volume properties of metals, enabling their reuse and specifically enhancing their properties for new applications.

Prof. Andrés Fabián Lasagni

Laser-based technologies are used to enhance the properties of recycled metals and to produce tailored blanks with specific characteristics for certain applications. This approach aims to improve ecological and economic efficiency in industries such as the automotive industry, promote the circular economy, and support sustainability goals. "Laser-based functionalization is another key to the success of this project," explains Prof. Lasagni. "It allows us to characterize and precisely adjust both the surface and volume properties of metals to enable their reuse and to specifically improve their properties for new applications."

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