Ceit is working to reduce dependence on critical raw materials via revaluation of metal shavings

The Basque components industry depends to a large extent on strategic materials such as titanium, aluminium and copper alloys, which are essential in sectors with high added value such as aeronautics, the car industry, rail, biomedicine and valve systems/oil & gas. The weight of raw materials in terms of production costs, which amounts to 61%, leaves companies exposed to price variations and risks in terms of supply, thus reducing their room for manoeuvre and industrial autonomy. Around 20,000 tons of shavings from these alloys are generated every year in the Basque Country, which means a loss in value estimated at 135 million euros – without including other important metals such as magnesium, beryl and stainless steels.

Revaluation technologies for a circular use of metal

The Ceit Technology Centre is joining the REVIR project in order to deal with this problem. Using the shavings generated in machining, the project will be developing innovative revaluation technologies with low energy consumption that are capable of recovering the material’s original chemical and mechanical properties. The shavings can therefore be reincorporated into near-net-shape (NNS) processes such as forming and additive manufacturing, thus providing a more sustainable and efficient alternative over conventional fusion recycling methods.

Ceit will be spearheading the development of new powder manufacturing techniques from shavings via decrepitation processes and will also be working on the direct revaluation of solid-state titanium alloys by applying advanced technologies such as hot isostatic pressing (HIP) and high-pressure torsion (HPT). These techniques will enable consolidated materials to be produced, thus creating an efficient working window for recycled powders that can be applied to additive manufacturing and NNS processes.

A more sustainable and autonomous European value chain

REVIR, which is funded by the Basque Government Elkartek via SPRI, involves the participation of Mondragon Unibertsitatea, University of Deusto, Azterlan, Lortek, Tecnalia, University of the Basque Country, Tekniker and Ceit. The project aims to lay the foundations for a European value chain for the recycling of critical metal shavings by bringing together manufacturers, recyclers and technology centres. A more sustainable, competitive and autonomous industry in the Basque Autonomous Community is thus being fostered, with a smaller CO₂ footprint and less dependence on strategic imports.