The Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPETM) project shows the potential to increase throughput and reduce manufacturing costs and energy use for aluminum alloy 7075 extrusions. Aluminum alloy 7075 (AA7075) is a high-strength, low-weight metal alloy that can handle heavy mechanical stresses.

Innovative deposition techniques that leverage the unique characteristics of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) are enabling realization of this material’s performance advantages as a thermal-barrier coating at ultrahigh temperatures.

Advancements in nonferrous metals processing could not only save energy in their manufacture, but also provide significant energy savings through the use of lightweight metals.