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Myth 4 - Composite materials cost less than aluminum. |
Aircraft manufactures pay about $3.00 per pound for aluminum sheet, plate and extrusions. Comparable cost for composite materials is closer to $10 per pound with much higher costs for some of the more exotic materials. Aluminum scrap can be re-sold to a dealer for $0.35 per pound for solids, $0.25 per pound for chips. Solid composite scrap goes to the local landfill. Liquid resins and solvents must be segregated and labeled as to the ingredients. If mixed together as a soup, the mix must be sent to a lab for analysis. All of these liquids are considered hazardous material and come with a high price tag for disposal. |