Course syllabus adopted 2025-10-09 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).
Overview
- Swedish nameGjutkomponentsdesign för återvinningsbarhet
- CodeTRA515
- Credits2.5 Credits
- OwnerTRACKS
- Education cycleSecond-cycle
- DepartmentTRACKS
- GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail
Course round 1
- Teaching language English
- Application code 97246
- Maximum participants30 (at least 10% of the seats are reserved for exchange students)
- Minimum participants10
- Open for exchange studentsYes
Credit distribution
Module | Sp1 | Sp2 | Sp3 | Sp4 | Summer | Not Sp | Examination dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0125 Project 2.5 c Grading: TH | 2.5 c |
In programmes
Examiner
- Sheng Guo
- Professor, Materials and Manufacture, Industrial and Materials Science
Course round 2
- Teaching language English
- Application code 97251
- Open for exchange studentsNo
Credit distribution
Module | Sp1 | Sp2 | Sp3 | Sp4 | Summer | Not Sp | Examination dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0125 Project 2.5 c Grading: TH | 2.5 c |
Examiner
- Sheng Guo
- Professor, Materials and Manufacture, Industrial and Materials Science
Eligibility
General entry requirements for Master's level (second cycle)Specific entry requirements
A degree of at least 180 ECTS within Engineering and/or Technology or the equivalent. English level should be equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.Course specific prerequisites
We recommend that students have a background in materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, applied physics or similar.Aim
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.Learning outcomes (after completion of 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.
Content
The course is structured into five modules. Module 1 Introduction to Recyclability in Casting, which covers global recycling trends, lifecycle thinking, alloy classifications, circular economy principles, key sustainability metrics, and case studies. Module 2 Material Selection and Alloy Compatibility, which talks about alloying elements and recyclability, contamination risks, low-alloy vs. multi-phase systems, mono-material design, recycling codes, and international standards. Module 3 Casting Process Influence on Recyclability, which covers comparison of processes, role of sand, binders and coatings, core design, defect control, remelting energy, and challenges of large-scale castings. Module 4 Design for Recycling: Methods and Tools, which talks about DfR vs. reuse, material marking and tracking, digital product passports, eco-design software, and hybrid recycling strategies. Module 5 Integrated Case Studies and Future Trends, which includes sector-specific analyses, regulatory landscape, emerging recycling technologies, and visions for circular casting ecosystemsOrganisation
The course emphasizes active dialogue both among participants and between students and lecturers. It integrates theoretical knowledge with industrial practices through lectures, workshops, and group work, combined with self-paced study on the Canvas platform. Case studies, design analyses, and reflective exercises are used to apply knowledge in practical contexts. Guest lectures from industry provide insights into current challenges and innovations in recyclable casting.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).
Examination including compulsory elements
- Participation
- Project presentations
- Home assignments
The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers about disability study support.