Introduction
For this project I have decided to investigate the life-cycle of a aluminum soda can and some interesting ways to recycle them.
Timeline
Raise and extract:
Aluminum soda start out as bauxite.The majority of bauxite is aluminum oxides, iron and silicone.
Process:
The bauxite breaks down to alumina which is then is put into molten cryolite at 1000 degrees Celsius to dissolve. Which allows for the process of electrolysis to be done at a lower temperature. The solution is then put into a container lined with graphite where carbon anodes are submerged which is followed by the electricity passing through the liquid which sends the liquid aluminum to the bottom of the container.
Manufacture:
The aluminum is then shipped in huge rolls of it to a plant where it's rolled out by a machine and lubricated.Then the aluminum is cut into circles and then stretched into the general shape of the can. Then each can is fixed so that each is the same width and height and then washed. Then the designs are added and a few more touches so that the can is ready.
Use:
Aluminum cans are most commonly used to hold beverages such as soda, juice, and some types of beer. Also it's popular for being lightweight.
Dispose:
Aluminum cans can be just thrown away or recycled. It's better to recycle but there is two options of what to do with them.
Also when you recycle aluminum cans to some centers you can get paid by the pound for the aluminum.
Sources:
http://www.prlog.org/10364317-life-cycle-of-an-aluminum-can.html
http://www.aluminiumdesign.net/why-aluminium/aluminium-life-cycle/
http://curiosity.discovery.com/question/recycling-process-for-aluminum
http://www.alcoa.com/rigid_packaging/en/info_page/making_cans.asp
http://www.madehow.com/Volume-2/Aluminum-Beverage-Can.html
http://www.aluminiumdesign.net/why-aluminium/aluminium-life-cycle/
http://curiosity.discovery.com/question/recycling-process-for-aluminum
http://www.alcoa.com/rigid_packaging/en/info_page/making_cans.asp
http://www.madehow.com/Volume-2/Aluminum-Beverage-Can.html
Conclusion Questions
a.What is meant by product life-cycle?
Product life-cycle is the stages that a product goes through from its natural state to its disposal.
b.Why is it important for companies who make products to research and determine a products potential life-cycle?
They need to know the life-cycle of a product os they can manage production and have ways to dispose in a potentially clean and efficient way.
c.What would you change about your product? Why?
I wouldn't want to change anything because its a good product that can be recycled and reused indefinitely.
d. Do you think your product will evolve or become obsolete overtime? Why?
I think it will eventually evolve because it will eventually need to be upgraded to become more aappeling or that will make it become obsolete so it could go either way.
e. What is a trade-off?
A trade-off is a type of compromise.
f. Do you think trade-offs were made the design phase of your product?
I don't believe so because aluminum can be reused for an infinite amount of times and is recyclable.
g. Why is it important to recycle?
It is important to recycle if there is less energy and pollution than getting more of that resource. So that we don't need to use as much products.
h. How do product designers play a role in recycling?
If they use a product that they are able to reuse then they will create less of a need to create more of that part.
i. What role does society play in the recycling effort?
Society tends to follow trends so if recycling is "cool" then more people will tend to do it but the same way it can hurt the environment.
j.What can you do to help?
We can recycle more.
Product life-cycle is the stages that a product goes through from its natural state to its disposal.
b.Why is it important for companies who make products to research and determine a products potential life-cycle?
They need to know the life-cycle of a product os they can manage production and have ways to dispose in a potentially clean and efficient way.
c.What would you change about your product? Why?
I wouldn't want to change anything because its a good product that can be recycled and reused indefinitely.
d. Do you think your product will evolve or become obsolete overtime? Why?
I think it will eventually evolve because it will eventually need to be upgraded to become more aappeling or that will make it become obsolete so it could go either way.
e. What is a trade-off?
A trade-off is a type of compromise.
f. Do you think trade-offs were made the design phase of your product?
I don't believe so because aluminum can be reused for an infinite amount of times and is recyclable.
g. Why is it important to recycle?
It is important to recycle if there is less energy and pollution than getting more of that resource. So that we don't need to use as much products.
h. How do product designers play a role in recycling?
If they use a product that they are able to reuse then they will create less of a need to create more of that part.
i. What role does society play in the recycling effort?
Society tends to follow trends so if recycling is "cool" then more people will tend to do it but the same way it can hurt the environment.
j.What can you do to help?
We can recycle more.