Jump directly to content

RheoNova – Rheocasting as a Net-Zero Pathway for Aluminium Foundries

RheoNova - Sustainable Rheocasting
The radiofilter which produce by rheocasting with 0.35mm thickness

The foundry industry needs new manufacturing processes to achieve net-zero emissions. RheoNova investigates rheocasting as an energy-efficient alternative for producing high-quality aluminium components. In collaboration with Comptech Technology AB, the project's results are translated directly into industrially applicable knowledge.

Project leader and research executor
Active
Production and manufacturing
Region Jönköping County
10 månader
500 000 SEK
Division: Division Materials and Industry
Image: CompTech Generated/enhanced by AI

Why Rheocasting?

Aluminium foundries face increasing pressure to reduce their climate impact. Conventional die casting requires high energy to keep aluminium in a molten state. Rheocasting – where the metal is processed in a semi-solid state – reduces energy demand and creates conditions for lower CO₂ emissions without compromising component quality.

 What does RheoNova do?

RheoNova is carried out as a 40-week embedded collaboration between RISE and Comptech Technology AB in Skillingaryd. The project systematically evaluates the rheocasting process with respect to energy efficiency, microstructure, and mechanical properties. The results are translated directly into production-relevant knowledge for Swedish aluminium foundries.

Benefits for industry

The project gives foundries a scientific basis for assessing rheocasting as an alternative to conventional production. It also creates a foundation for future investments in semi-solid casting processes as part of the industry's net-zero transition.

Mostafa Payandeh

Forskare
+46 10 228 46 59 Read more about Mostafa
Profile image

Contact Mostafa

CAPTCHA

* Mandatory 

By submitting the form, RISE will process your personal data.
7. Affordable and clean energy
9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure
13. Climate action
Project end date: Bildtext: Rheocasting opens new doors for products that conventional casting cannot deliver. Casting

Casting of iron, steel and aluminium for an industry in transition

Submitted by MagnusR-admin on
Casting
Casting

Casting different metals plays a significant role in Swedish manufacturing. Each year, a hundred Swedish foundries produce 300,000 tonnes of components for heavy vehicles, as well as for the telecommunications, medical technology, wind power, water pumping and furniture industries. Casting is a cost-effective method for the serial production of complex components, as it can often replace the joining of many parts with a single casting. However, success with advanced casting techniques such as Megacasting requires the verification of materials and processes, as well as the correct casting temperature and optimised mould designs to avoid defects. The transition to a circular economy involving increased use of scrap and recycled aluminium requires rigorous process control to ensure productivity and quality, while foundries are streamlining their energy use and phasing out fossil fuels.

RISE contributes to a sustainable, resource-efficient, and circular foundry industry by developing and verifying sustainable casting processes from concept to production. We support the design process for new smart components made from iron, steel and aluminium, helping with everything from selecting and optimising materials to casting simulation and testing in 3D-printed sand moulds, and ultimately producing the finished machined component. We verify microstructure and material properties, and further develop the casting process to avoid defects and ensure quality.

Alexander Leicht

Gruppchef
+46 10 228 49 09 Read more about Alexander

Contact Alexander

CAPTCHA

* Mandatory 

By submitting the form, RISE will process your personal data.
Casting
Solution

Unlock the potential of aluminium: sustainable solutions and innovative partnerships

Although aluminium is crucial for a sustainable future, its energy-intensive manufacturing and complex recycling processes present challenges. RISE provides specialist assistance to optimise processes and maximise the potential of aluminium.

Show solution

Why RISE

01

Complete foundry and prototype production

– From CAD and 3D-printed sand moulds to cast machined components in iron, steel and aluminium with short lead times
02

Verification and process development

– Microstructure analysis, mechanical testing and mould sand analysis ensure the right properties and minimise defects.
03

Sustainable casting with recycled materials

– optimises processes for recycled aluminium so that components achieve specified properties while maintaining quality.
04

Education and skills provision

– courses in foundry technology, from basic training to continuing education, strengthen the industry's long-term expertise.

Production and manufacturing

The conditions for manufacturing companies are changing faster than ever, making it harder to make decisions that hold up over time. AI, data, aut…

Material och beständighet

Materials are becoming one of the manufacturing industry's most complex strategic challenges – and it's happening faster than most have anticipated. …

Automotive and future transport

The automotive industry is experiencing the most significant technological transformation in over a century. The development of electrification, auto…

Digitalisation

Digitalisation is putting new demands on both businesses and the public sector. Just having access to data isn't enough anymore – the challenge is to…

Composites

Investing in the development of a new material, product or manufacturing process can create a competitive advantage, but it also involves risks in te…
half_width_image

Services in casting

Submitted by MagnusR-admin on

Whether the casting will be successful depends on the right choice of materials, optimised design and controlled processes. RISE provides support throughout the entire process, from casting simulation and test casting to microstructure and finished component verification.

Expertise in casting

Submitted by MagnusR-admin on

Successful casting requires knowledge of alloys, solidification processes and process control. RISE casting researchers work alongside specialists in energy, digitalisation and sustainability to overcome complex challenges.

Projects in casting

Submitted by MagnusR-admin on

From megacasting and fossil-free production to digitised process control, RISE's development projects address the issues that will shape the future of foundries. Follow our progress or join us as a partner.

Networks in casting

Submitted by MagnusR-admin on

The entire industry is facing challenges from circularity, the energy transition and new technology. RISE brings together foundries, material suppliers and researchers who are committed to driving forward development through joint learning and collaborative projects.

Modularization for reuse of HPDC tools

MoReuse

High-pressure die casting (HPDC) of large components presents several technical challenges. The aim of the MoReuse project is to identify key tool parameters that influence wear patterns and tool lifespan, develop systematic measurement methods, and propose solutions to prevent and manage wear—such as modularization and smart maintenance.

Coordinator
Active
Production and manufacturing
3 years
10,2 MSEK
Division: Division Materials and Industry

Increasing demands for electric vehicles, the need to reduce manufacturing's environmental impact, and corporate sustainability commitments are driving technological advancements in the Swedish automotive industry. A key trend is the increased use of aluminum in car structures to reduce weight and improve energy efficiency. Using recycled aluminum significantly lowers the environmental impact of manufacturing. 

High pressure die casting (HPDC) is favored for using secondary aluminum, and new developments in HPDC, known as Mega Casting, enable the production of larger single-piece objects. However, HPDC of large objects presents challenges, such as the giant size of machines and tools, varied wear mechanisms on tool surfaces, and the need for competence development. 

The MoReuse project aims to understand and define key tool parameters affecting wear and tool-life, develop systematic measurement methods, and propose solutions to prevent and fix wear. This knowledge will be used to create a  strategy for modularizing die casting tools and a model for smart maintenance

Cecilia Goyenola

Researcher/Forskare
+46 70 780 62 17 Read more about Cecilia
Profile image

Contact Cecilia

CAPTCHA

* Mandatory 

By submitting the form, RISE will process your personal data.

Daniel Wiklund

Gruppchef
+46 10 228 48 33 Read more about Daniel
Profile image

Contact Daniel

CAPTCHA

* Mandatory 

By submitting the form, RISE will process your personal data.
9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Project end date: Casting Sekundär områdes navigation:
Circular transition
Metrology