Constellium SE has successfully produced an aluminium slab using hydrogen combustion at its primary R&D centre in France.
It was the first industrial-scale hydrogen casting at Constellium’s C-TEC facility, performed in a 12-tonne furnace and monitored by Batscan technology, which observed no quality impact from hydrogen combustion on the metal.
The 12-tonne aluminium slab will be further processed at the company’s Neuf-Brisach site for use in electric vehicles.
According to Ludovic Piquier, Constellium’s Senior Vice-President, Manufacturing Excellence and Chief Technical Officer, the announcement represents a “pivotal step” in decarbonising the company’s industrial activities.