MELTED
DOWN.
MELTED
DOWN.
The World, One Can at a Time
01
02
03
04
Based in Lincoln, Nebraska, Alumin8 is an aluminum recycling startup that melts down aluminum cans and produces it into unique art products. Alumin8 was started to initiate reducing aluminum waste in the area and to give students the opportunity to connect with the community.
This site walks through the story of Alumin8’s creators, the melting process, what’s next for this new Lincoln startup and a brief on the makers of this content.
MELTED
DOWN.
01 THEIR STORY.
SMALL BEGINNINGS AND BIG IDEAS
01
02
03
04
A Spark
​
While most college students were going to class and working on homework, a group of engineer students were busy melting cans in their apartment and dreaming of a sustainability movement. They became Alumin8, a startup company founded by six University of Nebraska, Lincoln students. Alumin8 believes that rethinking recycling by turning cans into something new, can have a profound impact on the world.
​
An Innovation
​
Through the Green Fund Grant, a shed full of cans and many trial and errors, Alumin8 ignited. They now have their own office space at Turbine Flats which also lends them equipment and a shed. The Alumin8 RSO on campus allows underclassmen to get involved by collecting cans and learning about the complex process. And every month, they melt around 80 cans and turn them into intricate art pieces which they plan to sell on Etsy.
TOGETHER, ALUMIN8 Has Saved enough energy to Power...
150,000 hrs
of a 14W CFL light bulb
22,500 hrs
of a computer
15,000 hrs
of a TV
63 hrs
of New York City
02 THE PROCESS.
FROM EMPTY CANS TO TIMELESS ART
01
02
03
04
Heated
Before they can get to the fun, Alumin8 spends a few hours waiting for their large kiln to heat up to 1900 degrees. They then place a sturdy, heat-resistant pot called a crucible into the kiln, and slowly fill it with old aluminum and cans. The crucible could hold up to 500 melted down cans. They add a compound called borax that will separate the pure aluminum from the impurities like paint and other metals. After only an hour, they have pure aluminum, ready to pour.
Designed
​
With silver mocks, face masks and goggles on, the final step begins. Alumin8 choreographs a careful dance slowly moving the burning crucible with metal tongs from the kiln to the garage. They pour the silver substance into a tank full of colorful Orbeez, ready to mold. After a few minutes waiting for the steam to slow, Alumin8 pulls a twisted, abstract art piece from the tank, and the process is complete.
 |  Crucible in Kiln |  Kiln Heating Up |  Cutting the Pure Aluminum |  Placing Pure Aluminum in Crucible |  Tossing Cans Down Hole in Kiln |  Crucible Melting Aluminum in Kiln |  Packages of Orbez |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Expanded Orbez |  Pouring Orbez into Fish Tank |  Adjusting the Fish Tank and Orbez |  Mold Ready for Aluminum to be Poured |  Gearing Up |  Game Planning |  Ready for Action |  Removing Crucible from Kiln |
 Pouring Melted Aluminum over Orbez |  Pouring Melted Aluminum over Orbez |  Pouring Melted Aluminum over Orbez |  What is Left in Crucible after Pour |  Pulling out the Structure |  Pulling out the Structure |  Finished Product |
03 WHAT'S NEXT.
HOW ALUMIN8 CONTINUES
01
02
03
04
Recruiting
Every Tuesday the group meets to recruit the next Alumin8 executive team and future new members. The team sets up a booth in the UNL Union where they inform students on about Alumin8 and answer any questions people may have. The group is looking for students to take their role as they move on after graduation.
Expansion
The UNL Alumin8 group is working to expand their efforts to other colleges and universities. They believe this is an opportunity every student should be able to have, no matter where you reside or what their major is. The group believes students can learn valuable skills when being a part of Alumin8 while working to make a better future for future generations.
 2017 Earth Day Block Party |  2017 Earth Day Block Party |  2017 Earth Day Block Party |  2017 Earth Day Block Party |  2017 Earth Day Block Party |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 2017 Earth Day Block Party |  2017 Sustainability Kick Off |  2017 Sustainability Kick Off |  2017 Sustainability Kick Off |  2017 Sustainability Kick Off |
04 OUR GROUP.
THE STORYTELLERS AT WORK
01
02
03
04
"We decided to make our project about Alumin8 because of how important recycling is and Alumin8's mission to make a better tomorrow. Alumin8 was started for the purpose of bettering the Lincoln community and giving students a chance to make a difference through innovation and ultimately working to make a better planet.
The inspiring story of Alumin8's creators drew our attention from the beginning. It was an eye-opening experience first how Alumin8 is working to make an impact. Our group feels a sense of humble accomplishment from being able to tell their story in a creative way. Sustainability is something we believe everyone should be aware of, and we hope this site will raise awareness for Alumin8."
