R&D Services
The Downstream & Recycling Division conducts application-oriented research to explore, understand, and enhance the properties and processes of aluminium and its alloys. It focuses on developing new functionalities in existing materials, optimizing resource efficiency, and engineering materials with improved performance.
Core areas include structure–property correlation, die design, process simulation, aluminium extrusion, anodising, and recycling of industry-generated waste. The division also produces Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) for the aluminium industry.
It is equipped with advanced facilities for microstructure analysis (OM, SEM), mechanical testing (hardness, UTM), and evaluation of electrical conductivity, surface roughness, and coating thickness. A national facility of 1400 Ton hydraulic extrusion press, supported by specialized softwares, serves R&D needs in aluminium extrusion industries.
The division assists the Ministry of Mines and NITI Aayog for policy-making efforts and contributed to draft frameworks on Zero Waste Management policy for Sustainability and Waste Utilisation in Primary, Secondary and Downstream non-ferrous metal industries (Al, Cu, Pb and Zn), National Non-Ferrous Metal Scrap Recycling Framework and associated guideline documents. As entrusted by Ministry of Mines, a dedicated Recycling Division has been established under the umbrella of the Downstream Division to promote recycling and facilitate the transition to a circular economy in the aluminium, copper, lead, and zinc sectors.
Research area:
- Development and Indigenization of Aluminium Alloys
- Melt Treatment and Grain Refinement
- Casting, Forming and Joining of Aluminium Alloys
- Heat Treatment of Aluminium Alloys
- Extrusion Simulation & Die Design
- Anodising of Aluminium Alloys
- Recycling of Aluminium, Copper, Lead and Zinc
Domain of Expertise
- Characterization of Aluminium Alloys
- Melt Loss Reduction in Cast House / Foundries
- Quality Improvements in DC Cast and Formed Products
- Simulation and Modelling Techniques for Complex Die Profile
- Energy Audit of Cast House
- Optimization of Heat Treatment Cycles
- Improvements in Yield and Quality in Aluminium Recycling
- NABL accredited (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) in the field of Mechanical testing & Chemical Composition analysis of Ferrous & Non-ferrous alloys
- NABL accredited (ISO 17034:2016) in the field of Reference Material Producer for spectrochemical CRMs of Aluminium alloys
- BIS Empaneled Lab under Group-2 category of BIS LRS 2020