Yamaha Motor to Adopt Recycled Aluminum Alloy for DiASil Cylinders

Yamaha Motor’s proprietary all-aluminium DiASil Cylinder

Photo Credit: Yamaha Motor

According to company reports, Yamaha Motor Co. will progressively replace virgin aluminum alloy with recycled aluminum alloy for its proprietary all-aluminum DiASil Cylinders, with the transition across all products using the cylinders scheduled for completion by 2030. The company estimates the switch could reduce CO₂ emissions by about 47,000 metric tons annually once fully implemented.

The DiASil Cylinder is an all-aluminum cylinder design that eliminates the need for an iron sleeve or plating. Yamaha Motor developed and began commercial use of the technology in 2002, and it is now used in a range of the company's motorcycle and scooter models. The design provides wear and seizure resistance, heat dissipation, lower weight and improved recyclability.

Yamaha has historically used virgin aluminum alloy because conventional recycled materials can contain trace impurities that make it difficult to meet the material requirements of DiASil Cylinders. These include specifications for metal microstructure, surface properties and corrosion resistance.

To overcome the material constraints, Yamaha developed a recycled aluminum alloy designed to deliver properties comparable to virgin material while remaining compatible with existing production processes. The company used thermodynamic calculations for material design, followed by bench testing and vehicle evaluations. Yamaha said the recycled alloy met the functional requirements for the cylinders and has been approved for practical use.

The conversion will initially begin with commuter motorcycle models produced in Indonesia. Yamaha plans to expand the use of the recycled alloy to other markets and products over time.

The initiative forms part of Yamaha Motor Group’s Environmental Plan 2050, which targets carbon neutrality across the company’s supply chain by 2050. As an intermediate measure, Yamaha aims to replace 100% of the aluminum raw materials used at its major production facilities in Japan and overseas with sustainable alternatives by 2030.

Source: Yamaha Motor

SUNSHINE Spotlight: Yamaha Motor plans to replace virgin aluminum alloy with recycled material in DiASil Cylinders, starting with commuter models in Indonesia and targeting a company-wide rollout by 2030.