Fric­tion-in­duced re­cyc­ling pro­cess for the pro­duc­tion of semi-fin­ished alu­min­um products

Within the framework of the NRW Research College "Light - Efficient - Mobile", another friction-induced forming process is being researched at LUF in addition to friction spinning. The continuous recycling process enables the direct recycling of rejects from machining. To ensure a continuous process, a wheel driven by a powerful geared motor is used. The material to be recycled in the form of aluminum chips is continuously fed into the rotating groove. A tool insert steadily reduces the cross-sectional area of the groove so that the chips are compressed and reshaped and ultimately extruded through a shaping orifice. Initial investigations have validated the direct and, compared to conventional processes, energy-efficient recycling of aluminum chips into a wire-shaped semi-finished product with good optical and mechanical properties. In the course of further investigations, the influence of changes in the process parameters as well as impurities will be investigated.

Due to the many process-specific similarities to the friction spinning process, which is being researched in completed as well as current research projects at LUF, it is important to aim for a transfer of knowledge. In both processes, the heat required for forming or plasticizing is friction-induced and generated in the process without the use of external heating elements. The long-term goal of the investigations at LUF is therefore a combination of recycling and friction spinning processes to build an energy-efficient and direct manufacturing process of user-specific workpieces from metallic scrap.