Secondary Aluminium
Recycled-content aluminium supply class for castings and closed-loop BIW sheet.
Overview
Secondary (recycled) aluminium is remelted post-consumer and process scrap, used for castings and increasingly for sheet where closed-loop body-in-white scrap is available. It is the circular counterpart to primary aluminium smelting. The library's Aluminium page is the generic wrought and cast family; Recycled Carbon Fibre is the only other circular grade. This page is recycled aluminium as a supply class, not a specific 5xxx, 6xxx or 7xxx alloy. Cast secondary alloys dominate wheels, engine and gearbox housings; sheet recycling is growing with OEM closed loops. Properties depend on the scrap mix and refining — it is specified as a recycled-content route, not as a unique temper.
Automotive Applications
Similar Materials
Aluminium
Aluminium Alloy
Lightweight metallic element used extensively in automotive construction
Magnesium Alloy WE43
Rare-Earth Magnesium Alloy
Rare-earth magnesium alloy WE43 for wrought motorsport and aerospace parts, distinct from AZ31 and generic magnesium alloys.
Steel
Carbon & Alloy Steel
The most widely used structural metal in automotive manufacturing, offering an excellent combination of strength, formability, and cost-effectiveness.
Advanced Thermoplastic Resins
Thermoplastic Resin
High-performance thermoplastic resin systems (e.g. PA, PPS, PEEK, PEKK) used for structural and under-bonnet components requiring thermal and chemical resistance.
Properties
Category
Type
Recycled Aluminium
Available Forms
Key Properties
- Recycled-content aluminium
- Lower embodied energy than primary
- Cast and closed-loop sheet routes
- Distinct from generic Aluminium
- Not a specific series grade
- Fully recyclable metal