Cut the scrap: Making more use of less metal

Allwood J. M., Music O., Loukaides E. G., Bambach M.

CIRP Annals, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • 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
  • 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.