India's largest aluminium producer develops bismuth-based alloy offering superior strength and machinability without hazardous elements.
05 Nov 2025 | 1358 Views | By Shristi Ohri
Vedanta Aluminium has secured a patent for a bismuth-aluminium alloy that eliminates the use of lead and tin, marking the company's first new product development patent in sustainable metallurgy.
The alloy was developed by Vedanta Aluminium's in-house research and development team in response to growing regulatory pressure on traditional ...
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Vedanta Aluminium has secured a patent for a bismuth-aluminium alloy that eliminates the use of lead and tin, marking the company's first new product development patent in sustainable metallurgy.
The alloy was developed by Vedanta Aluminium's in-house research and development team in response to growing regulatory pressure on traditional machinable alloys containing hazardous elements. Industries have increasingly sought alternatives to conventional alloys such as AA6262 and AA6020, which face scrutiny due to their lead and tin content.
Laboratory testing indicates the new alloy demonstrates significant performance improvements over standard grades currently in use. The bismuth-based formulation shows 8% higher tensile strength, 21% higher yield strength, and 17% greater hardness compared to conventional alternatives. Surface finish quality improved by up to 30%, while the alloy's chip formation characteristics enhance cutting efficiency during machining operations.
The material has been engineered for applications across automotive, electronics, and textile manufacturing sectors. Potential uses include automotive components such as ABS manifolds, hydraulic systems, transmission parts, and air conditioning units, as well as electronic housings and precision parts for cameras and mobile devices.
According to Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, the development aligns with the company's environmental objectives while maintaining industrial performance standards. "This patent validates our efforts at pushing the boundaries of material science, while embedding sustainability into every stage of our value chain," Kumar stated.
The innovation addresses limitations present in standard grades like AA6061 and AA6082, which industries have adopted as temporary alternatives to lead-containing alloys. These standard grades present challenges including reduced tool life, higher cutting loads, and longer processing times during manufacturing operations.
Vedanta Aluminium produces 2.42 million tonnes of aluminium annually, representing more than half of India's total aluminium production. The company ranked second globally in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 for the aluminium industry.
The patent supports the company's target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and contributes to national manufacturing initiatives including Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat through indigenous technology development.
India's largest aluminium producer develops bismuth-based alloy offering superior strength and machinability without hazardous elements.
Vedanta Aluminium has secured a patent for a bismuth-aluminium alloy that eliminates the use of lead and tin, marking the company's first new product development patent in sustainable metallurgy.
The alloy was developed by Vedanta Aluminium's in-house research and development team in response to growing regulatory pressure on traditional machinable alloys containing hazardous elements. Industries have increasingly sought alternatives to conventional alloys such as AA6262 and AA6020, which face scrutiny due to their lead and tin content.
Laboratory testing indicates the new alloy demonstrates significant performance improvements over standard grades currently in use. The bismuth-based formulation shows 8% higher tensile strength, 21% higher yield strength, and 17% greater hardness compared to conventional alternatives. Surface finish quality improved by up to 30%, while the alloy's chip formation characteristics enhance cutting efficiency during machining operations.
The material has been engineered for applications across automotive, electronics, and textile manufacturing sectors. Potential uses include automotive components such as ABS manifolds, hydraulic systems, transmission parts, and air conditioning units, as well as electronic housings and precision parts for cameras and mobile devices.
According to Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, the development aligns with the company's environmental objectives while maintaining industrial performance standards. "This patent validates our efforts at pushing the boundaries of material science, while embedding sustainability into every stage of our value chain," Kumar stated.
The innovation addresses limitations present in standard grades like AA6061 and AA6082, which industries have adopted as temporary alternatives to lead-containing alloys. These standard grades present challenges including reduced tool life, higher cutting loads, and longer processing times during manufacturing operations.
Vedanta Aluminium produces 2.42 million tonnes of aluminium annually, representing more than half of India's total aluminium production. The company ranked second globally in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 for the aluminium industry.
The patent supports the company's target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and contributes to national manufacturing initiatives including Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat through indigenous technology development.