Q. What is the recyclability status of die cast parts?

A. Die casting alloys offer the designer concerned with post-consumer recyclability one of the most advantageous material options. Die castings and the die casting process provide the product engineer who is designing for the environment: (1) Components that can maintain their integrity through disassembly, repair, remanufacturing and reassembly; (2) Product recyclability, at the end of useful life, with the potential for return to high-performance applications; (3) Knowledge that a proven recycling infrastructure is in place to reclaim recycled die cast parts. Engineering Bulletin (No. 024), "Designing for Servicing & Recyclability," presents an outline of the current die casting alloy recycling infrastructure that enables designers to meet today's "design for recyclability" mandates. This bulletin is available for instant download in the Resource Center Engineering Bulletin section.

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Q. With the growth of plastic recycling, aren't molded plastic parts being recycled at rates comparable to die cast parts?

A. Widespread recycling of plastic injection moldings remains in its infancy, with handling of scrap molded plastic still uneconomic to the established recycling infrastructure. Virtually all engineered molded parts continue to be produced from virgin raw materials. Over 95% of the aluminum die castings currently produced in North America, including the most sophisticated applications, are made from post-consumer reclaimed alloy.

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