Most dictionaries define dross as "scum on molten metal" with the implication that it has no value and is an undesirable material. While it is certainly an undesirable material and the source of much grief in operations that melt aluminum or aluminum alloys, the solid form of dross is a valuable co-product that can have a major effect upon the profitability of the producer's operation. This comes from the simple fact that, in addition to the oxides present in the dross, it often contains large quantities of entrapped useful aluminum alloy. This material can potentially be lost from the process stream during the normal removal and cleaning process unless great care is exercised at the generating source or is recovered in subsequent recycling efforts.
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