Low Cost Aluminum Matrix Materials
Primary Aluminum
- US production approx. 300,000 tonnes/mo.
- LME commodity, price varies (e.g $0.45-$0.95/lb. since 1993). Currently $0.61/lb.
- Industry goal of 25% cost reduction by 2020
Secondary Aluminum
- Currently 20% of world aluminum shipments
- 85% of cost of primary aluminum (on LME)
- UBC’s: currently $0.41/lb.
Aluminum Powder
- US production of 44,000 tons in 1997