18 March, 2026The AZTERLAN technology centre is working on the development of new technologies for the recovery and valorisation of swarf generated during the machining of advanced materials such as titanium, aluminium, nickel, copper and superalloys. The aim is to reduce dependence on third countries for the supply and recycling of these strategic raw materials, moving towards more efficient and sustainable production models.
This research forms part of the Revir project, funded by the Elkartek programme, which aims to develop energy-efficient recovery technologies that enable the reused materials to be utilised as raw materials or directly in semi-finished products and near-net-shape parts.
According to data from the centre itself, around 20,000 tonnes of metal shavings are generated annually in the Basque Country as a result of metal component machining processes. Traditionally, this material is recovered through smelting processes, a method that is highly energy-intensive and can result in a loss of value in the recovered alloys.
As an alternative, AZTERLAN is researching the recovery of these swarf using ultrasonic atomisation, a technology that enables the production of metal powders for additive manufacturing and hot isostatic pressing (HIP). Furthermore, the centre is working on developing solutions to reuse fractions of aluminium powder that are unsuitable for these processes, as well as on the advanced characterisation of the swarf generated during machining.
Through these lines of research, AZTERLAN aims to promote new circular economy strategies in the metallurgical industry and improve the utilisation of critical materials in advanced industrial sectors.
