German engineers have unveiled a groundbreaking technology for casting aluminum car wheels that promises to halve energy consumption, significantly reduce raw material usage, eliminate waste, and create lighter, stronger wheels. The process, named Turbu Pressure Casting, was developed by Entec-Stracon and supported by the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU). This method can mold an alloy wheel in just 0.05 seconds. Scientists claim it surpasses traditional low-pressure casting in both efficiency and structural durability.
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New method offers significant environmental benefits as it utilizes 100% recycled materials, reducing the need for raw material by 25%, leading to substantial cost savings. The process cuts energy consumption in half, requiring only 57 kilowatt-hours per wheel instead of the usual 114. A single casting machine can produce over 150,000 wheel rims annually, saving around nine gigawatt-hours of electricity each year-equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of over 2,200 four-person households.
This advanced casting technique allows for the formation of thin-walled cross-sections needing minimal post-processing. BMW and Mercedes plan to equip their cars with wheels manufactured using this technology. As initial developments show positive outcomes, other auto manufacturers are expected to follow, likely accelerating a shift in industry standards towards more eco-friendly solutions. This transition could significantly reduce the automotive industry’s environmental impact, showcasing how innovations in manufacturing processes can aid sustainable development.
