Can framed stencils be recycled?

[liudr]

I have accumulated quite a number of framed (470mm*370mm?) stencils in the past couple of years. The frames seem to be aluminum while the stencil sheet is steel. I can't break them apart because the manufacturer used strong glue and tape between the frame and stencil sheet. I'm wondering, is there any way to recycle these?

[MR]

Of course - the frame is aluminum, the stencil is stainless. If you cannot or don't want to do that your recycler might do that for you.
It took me a few minutes to disassemble a relatively large stencil, I only had to take off the tape and push the stencil down, the glue was still in-place attached to the frame, it could be hammered off.
We also process Aluminum with our CNC so we recycle Aluminum anyway from time to time. I'd say it's worth at least 1-2 coffees.

On the other side maybe the company which makes the framed stencil will take it back and make a new one out of it, talk with them if they're nearby. If you get the stencil from abroad, recycling is probably best.
I think 1kg Aluminum (chips from the CNC) is worth around 2.50$ (closest nearby), a little bit further I'd get a little bit more for it here. Block materials are worth more. New material for processing is around 5-6$ per kg.

[SeanB]

Easiest way to get the stainless off the alloy is heat, heating to over 150C will definitely cause the adhesive to let go, allowing you to separate them while hot. Then 2 piles of recycling and you are done.

[liudr]

Thanks for the suggestions. The manufacturer is indeed overseas so it's not possible to ship the stencils back for recycling. I don't have a large enough oven (not for food) to cook the glue to easily separate the frame and the sheet. I know that we have a university nearby that takes aluminum scraps that they use for a shop class where they melt the aluminum for students to mold into pieces. I'll reach out to see if they are willing to recycle the whole thing.