• Pathbreaking
lead- and tin-free bismuth-aluminium alloy reinforces Vedanta Aluminium’s
commitment its Net Zero 2050 vision through sustainable, homegrown technology
• Lab
tests show up to 30% smoother finish, 8% higher tensile strength, 21% higher
yield strength, and 17% greater hardness compared to conventional alloys
• Engineered
for automotive, electronics, and textile industries
Vedanta
Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, has achieved a major
milestone with the grant of its first new product development patent for a
lead- and tin-free bismuth-aluminium alloy. This innovation addresses the
global phaseout of hazardous elements like lead and tin, offering a
sustainable, high-machinability solution for critical industrial applications.
This
patent marks a breakthrough in sustainable material innovation, combining engineering
excellence with environmental responsibility. Developed by Vedanta Aluminium’s
in-house R&D team, this alloy represents a major step forward in
sustainable metallurgy. By replacing hazardous elements such as lead and tin
with bismuth, the alloy not only meets global environmental standards but also
delivers exceptional machinability and mechanical strength.
The
alloy is engineered for components used across automotive, electronics, and
textile sectors, where machining operations are central to production.
Applications include automotive parts such as ABS manifolds, hydraulic
manifolds, valve blocks, transmission sleeves, air conditioning components,
steering yokes, drive shafts, and electrical connectors, as well as electronic
components like camera and clock parts and mobile phone housings.
Rajiv Kumar, CEO, Vedanta Aluminium,
said, “Innovation and sustainability are at the heart of Vedanta Aluminium’s
R&D efforts, driving us to create solutions that advance our environmental
goals while delivering world-class breakthrough products. This patent validates
our efforts at pushing the boundaries of material science, while embedding
sustainability into every stage of our value chain. The bismuth-aluminium alloy
represents the future of responsible manufacturing.”
The
inspiration for this innovation stemmed from an increasing customer demand for
sustainable, high-performance alternatives to traditional machinable alloys
such as AA6262 and AA6020, which contain lead and tin. With these alloys under
regulatory scrutiny, industries have been using standard grades like AA6061 and
AA6082, which pose limitations such as poor surface finish, reduced tool life,
higher cutting load, and longer operation times.
Vedanta
Aluminium’s newly developed bismuth-aluminium alloy addresses these challenges
by combining sustainability with performance, enabling industries to transition
to cleaner, more efficient materials without compromise.
Lab
trials of the new alloy demonstrate remarkable performance metrics:
• Higher Strength and Durability: 8%
higher tensile strength, 21% higher yield strength, and 17% greater hardness
compared to conventional grades.
• Superior Machinability:
Smaller, easily breakable chip formation enhances cutting efficiency and
reduces operational time.
• Improved Tool Life and Surface Finish: Up
to 30% smoother surface finish and significantly extended tool lifespan, even
under high-speed machining conditions.
The
patented alloy underscores Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment to sustainable
product development and supports national initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and
‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ by fostering indigenous technological innovation. It also
contributes to the company’s long-term ambition of achieving Net Zero Carbon
Emissions by 2050.
Through
innovations like this, Vedanta Aluminium continues to lead India’s transition
toward sustainable industrial growth, setting new benchmarks in eco-conscious
metallurgy and advanced manufacturing.
