Discussion » Questions » Science and Technology » Is recycled aluminum just as good in quality as freshly smelted aluminum from ore? Is it ok to build aircraft from recycled aluminum?
Kittigate

Is recycled aluminum just as good in quality as freshly smelted aluminum from ore? Is it ok to build aircraft from recycled aluminum?

'The airplane you are traveling in is made of recycled beer cans'.

Posted - February 22, 2021
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Responses


  • 10635
    It's just as good... and a lot cheaper to produce.

    Better to be made of recycled beer cans than recycled compost.
    Drunk logic - I drink so I can make it cheaper for them to make aircraft.

      February 22, 2021 9:44 AM MST
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  • 13395
    It takes 26 beer cans to make an ounce of aluminum. Drink up!
      February 22, 2021 9:49 AM MST
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  • 10635
    Drunk logic - airplanes need to be super light otherwise they'd fall out of the sky.  Therefore they only use a few ounces of aluminum to make one.  
      February 22, 2021 9:54 AM MST
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  • 13395
    Yes, it's an aluminum/helium alloy. Very strong and light weight.
      February 22, 2021 10:09 AM MST
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  • 53504

     

      (light weight lightweight)

      February 22, 2021 3:24 PM MST
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  • 44603
    Did you actually weigh a beer can?
      February 22, 2021 3:18 PM MST
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  • 13395
    No but I read that tidbit of info somewhere.

    Maybe was supposed to be 26 cans to make a pound I think. This post was edited by Kittigate at February 22, 2021 5:54 PM MST
      February 22, 2021 4:58 PM MST
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  • 3719

    Yes. Aluminium is aluminium.

    Recovered metals are purified then their various alloys are made from that to give materials suitable for particular classes of use. Pure aluminium is very soft and very weak; pure iron is suitable for only a few special purposes.

    The aluminium of a drinks-can might be practically pure, but what is used for aircraft and indeed most other applications is an alloy of aluminium and traces of other metals such as copper to increase its strength.

    All of the materials and parts used for critical structures like air-frames also have to meet very stringent, traceable quality standards, irrespective of the raw-material form and source.

      February 25, 2021 10:44 AM MST
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  • 13395
    Thanks Durdle.
      February 25, 2021 10:57 AM MST
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