Cut the scrap: Making more use of less metal
CIRP Annals, vol.74, no.2, pp.895-919, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 74 Issue: 2
- Publication Date: 2025
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.cirp.2025.04.013
- Journal Name: CIRP Annals
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, INSPEC
- Page Numbers: pp.895-919
- Keywords: Environment, Material efficiency, Metal forming
- TED University Affiliated: No
Abstract
Action to cut emissions is likely to reduce production of the bulk metals. However, up to 80 % of steel and 90 % of aluminium made today are wasted in three forms of scrap: manufacturing scrap cut off in the supply chain, specification scrap from over-design and property scrap in which materials are under exploited. Innovations in product design and forming technology can reduce this scrap, but only if delivered in high-throughput processes, to overcome trade-offs with the economies of scale. The priority for innovation is to adapt tooling and controls in existing forming processes, not to attempt to replace them.