The main focus areas of our competence center are:
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Development and optimization of equipment and processes for a cost-effective and consistent quality production of casthouse products
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Alloy development to improve the processability of casthouse products and to improve the end product properties
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Optimized use of process- and post-consumer scrap in the recycling of aluminium
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Casthouse and customer support, including training courses and seminars to secure performance improvement and customer satisfaction
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Value chain R&D on Extrusion Ingot, Sheet Ingot and Foundry Alloys
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Main R&D center for Recycling
Competence
We have extensive experience in developing equipment and processes for melt treatment and for DC casting of extrusion ingots, sheet ingots and foundry alloys.
Our materials expertise covers the materials response through the value chain; from the production of casthouse products to downstream processing, finished goods production and end product properties. Essential in the development and optimization of casthouse equipment and processes is the well-equipped production scale Reference Casting Center, handling 20 ton batches. Important tools are also custom-made mathematical models for DC casting and for melt purification.
Alloy Development
We develop alloys for optimum process performance and end product properties. Knowledge of the metallurgical effects of each of the thermal and thermo mechanical processing steps makes it possible to tailor-make alloys that satisfy both demands of high productivity and the required functional properties.
A leading edge in alloy development is secured by:
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More than 30 years of R&D in the field of metallurgy and materials technology
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Well-equipped laboratories (casting equipment, metallographic lab, materials testing, physical process simulation and processing equipment
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Custom made models for calculation of microstructure and mechanical properties
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Large networks with international universities and institutes
Recycling
The competence center recycling activities are focused on:
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Characterization, sorting and upgrading of scrap
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Optimized use of available scrap (development of modelling tools)
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Energy consumption and emissions
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Environment and sustainability
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Melt treatment and refining
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Scrap market information and modelling
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Economic aspects of sourcing, logistics and blending
As scrap becomes an ever more important metal source, the need for Hydro Aluminium to investigate technologies and processes for scrap handling and logistics grows as well.
Casthouse operations (remelting, melt treatment, casting) and alloy development are key issues in the recycling of aluiminium. The recycling activities benefit from the high level of competence established within the Competence Center in these areas.
Technical Support
Our competence center offers technical support programs for casthouses and their customers. These activities are important both for performance improvement in the casthouses and in the downstream processing. Customized training programs are offered in fields such as:
A comprehensive international network of universities and institutes ensures high quality of scientific work and recruitment of well-qualified staff members.
