WellMet 2050

Cars may be one of the most costly household purchases, but they follow the same long term trend as other material goods, towards shorter useful lifetimes and diminished repair-ability. They are largely seen by owners as closed objects, to be bought and sold and only repaired by experts. They are disposed of when the effort or cost outweighs the perceived value of the vehicle.

This report studies the Land Rover Defender, which conversely, for many people and for many decades has continued to invite home repair, manipulation and adjustment.

Existing process chains for producing components in steel and aluminium are typically long, spread over multiple locations, and involve many thermal cycles.

Can we streamline fabrication?

Steel and aluminium products are discarded due to wear, breakage or obsolescence of function or style, but often the definition of end of life is subjective and opportunities exist to carry on using the product with additional upgrades or maintenance. Additionally, during the lifetime of the products there are periods when they are not fully utilised.

Can we use products more effectively?

Today, metal is used wastefully in products and their manufacture. The emissions associated with steel and aluminium are directly related to the mass consumed, and therefore efficient product design and high yield in manufacturing is desired.

Can we use less metal in making products?

Using recycled scrap makes a significant contribution to reducing manufacturing emissions, but melting is