Course syllabus
TRA515 Cast component design for recyclability (2.5 hp)
The course is part of the track course TRA530 Component Design for Disassembly and Recyclability, which is composed of three 2.5 HEC courses, each examined separately. The three modules are defined as separate Tracks-courses:
Module 1, TRA 505 Joining for Disassembly
Module 2, TRA 510 Weld Design for Sustainability
Module 3, TRA 515 Cast component design for recyclability (this is our course)
The courses are part of CIRCUMET, Advanced School on Circular Metal Components for the Swedish Manufacturing Industry funded by KK-stiftelsen. The aim is to develop 80-90 credit courses at an advanced level on the topic of climate action in the metal component manufacturing industry.
Contact details
TRA515 Examiner: Sheng Guo
E-mail: sheng.guo@chalmers.se
Phone: 031 772 1254
TRA530 Examiner: Johan Ahlström
E-mail: johan.ahlstrom@chalmers.se
Course purpose
The course aims to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills for designing cast components that enable efficient recycling and contribute to circular material flows. Casting plays a central role in many industries, yet recyclability is often compromised by material choices, process routes, and design features. This course addresses these challenges by introducing students to the relationships between alloy composition, casting processes, component geometry, and recyclability outcomes. Students will gain insights into lifecycle thinking and the role of foundries in the circular economy, learning how to evaluate cast products not only for performance and cost but also for their environmental footprint and potential for reuse. The course highlights the critical role of design in enabling high-quality secondary materials and avoiding downcycling, while also addressing current regulations and emerging sustainability standards. By integrating theoretical principles with case studies and practical design exercises, students will develop the ability to critically assess existing cast components and propose innovative solutions that improve recyclability without compromising functionality. The course thus prepares students to take an active role in advancing sustainable engineering practices and shaping the future of recyclable casting in industrial applications.
Schedule
|
Lectures |
Time |
Location |
|
Lecture 1 |
13:15-17:00, 21/4 Tue |
SB3-L113 |
|
Lecture 2 |
13:15-17:00, 28/4 Tue |
SB3-L113 |
|
Lecture 3 |
13:15-17:00, 5/5, Tue |
SB3-L113 |
|
Lecture 4 |
13:15-17:00, 12/5, Tue |
SB3-L113 |
|
Lecture 5 |
13:15-17:00, 26/5, Tue |
SB3-L112 |
For those could not join physically, please access the course via this Zoom link:
https://chalmers.zoom.us/j/64552631040
Password: TRA515
Course literature
• Campbell, J. Complete Casting Handbook (2nd Edition). Butterworth-Heinemann, 2015.
• ASM International. Casting, ASM Handbook Volume 15, ASM International, 2008.
• Selected journal articles and industry reports (to be provided on Canvas).
Course design
The course emphasizes active dialogue both among participants and between students and lecturer(s). It integrates theoretical knowledge with industrial practices through lectures, group discussions and presentations, combined with self-paced study on the Canvas platform. Case studies, design analyses, and reflective exercises are used to apply knowledge in practical contexts.
Changes made since the last occasion
N.A.
Learning objectives and syllabus
After completing the course, the student should be able to:
• Explain global recycling trends and their implications for casting industries.
• Evaluate alloy systems and their recyclability, considering contamination risks, material separation, and remelting behavior.
• Assess the influence of different casting processes and design features on recyclability and resource efficiency.
• Apply principles of design for recycling (DfR), including material marking, digital product passports, and eco-design tools.
• Analyze sector-specific case studies and compare conventional vs. recyclable casting design strategies.
• Propose cast component solutions that balance manufacturability, performance, cost, and recyclability.
• Interpret relevant recycling standards, codes, and regulatory frameworks influencing casting design.
Link to the syllabus on Studieportalen.
Examination form
• Participation in lectures 10%
• Discussions and presentations 30%
• Final presentations 60%
Course summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|