Abstract: A method of producing aluminum in a low temperature electrolytic cell containing alumina dissolved in an electrolyte. The method comprises the steps of providing a molten electrolyte having alumina dissolved therein in an electrolytic cell containing the electrolyte. A non-consumable anode and cathode is disposed in the electrolyte, the anode comprised of Cu—Ni—Fe alloys having single metallurgical phase. Electric current is passed from the anode, through the electrolyte to the cathode thereby depositing aluminum on the cathode, and molten aluminum is collected from the cathode.

Abstract: An improved Si—Cu—Mg—Al base alloy suitable for forming in the semi-solid condition into members such as vehicular members having improved properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved aluminum base alloy comprising an improved aluminum base alloy comprising 0.2 to 2 wt. % Si, 0.3 to 1.7 wt. % Mg, 0 to 1.2 wt. % Cu, 0 to 1.1 wt. % Mn, 0.01 to 0.4 wt. % Cr, and at least one of the elements selected from the group consisting of 0.01 to 0.3 wt. % V, 0.001 to 0.1 wt. % Be and 0.01 to 0.1 wt. % Sr, the remainder comprising aluminum, incidental elements and impurities. Also disclosed are methods of casting and thermomechanical processing of the alloy.

Abstract: A process for casting, thermally transforming and semi-solid forming an aluminum base alloy into an article, the process comprising the steps of: casting a molten body of aluminum base alloy comprising 2 to 7 wt. % Si, 0.3 to 1.7 wt. % Mg, 0.3 to 3 wt. % Cu, 0.05 to 0.4 wt. % Fe, and at least one of the group consisting of 0.01 to 1 wt. % Mn, 0.01 to 0.35 wt. % Cr, max. 0.2 wt. % Ti, max. 0.3 wt. % V to provide a solidified body, the molten aluminum base alloy being solidified at a rate between liquidus and solidus temperatures of the aluminum base alloy to provide a solidified body having a dendritic microstructure. Thereafter, heat is applied to the solidified body to bring the body to a superheated temperature of 3.degree. to 50.degree. C. above the solidus temperature of the aluminum base alloy while maintaining the body in a solid shape and effecting thermal transformation of the body having the dendritic structure when the body is heated to above the solidus temperature.

Abstract: A process for casting, thermally transforming and semi-solid forming an aluminum base alloy into an article, the process comprising the steps of: casting a molten body of aluminum base alloy comprising 2 to 5 wt. % Si, 0.3 to 1.7 wt. % Mg, 0.3 to 1.2 wt. % Cu, 0.05 to 0.4 wt. % Fe, and at least one of the group consisting of 0.01 to 1 wt. % Mn, 0.01 to 0.35 wt. % Cr, max. 0.2 wt. % Ti, max. 0.3 wt. % V to provide a solidified body, the molten aluminum base alloy being solidified at a rate between liquidus and solidus temperatures of the aluminum base alloy to provide a solidified body having a dendritic microstructure. Thereafter, heat is applied to the solidified body to bring the body to a superheated temperature of 3.degree. to 50.degree. C. above the solidus temperature of the aluminum base alloy while maintaining the body in a solid shape and effecting thermal transformation of the body having the dendritic structure when the body is heated to above the solidus temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved aluminum base alloy comprising an improved aluminum base alloy comprising 0.2 to 2 wt. % Si, 0.3 to 1.7 wt. % Mg, 0 to 1.2 wt. % Cu, 0 to 1.1 wt. % Mn, 0.01 to 0.4 wt. % Cr, and at least one of the elements selected from the group consisting of 0.01 to 0.3 wt. % V, 0.001 to 0.1 wt. % Be and 0.01 to 0.1 wt. % Sr, the remainder comprising aluminum, incidental elements and impurities. Also disclosed are methods of casting and thermomechanical processing of the alloy.

Abstract: A process for casting, thermally transforming and semi-solid forming an aluminum base alloy into an article, the process comprising the steps of: casting a molten body of aluminum base alloy to provide a solidified body, the molten aluminum base alloy being solidified at a rate between liquidus and solidus temperatures of the aluminum base alloy in a range of 5.degree. to 100.degree. C./sec. to provide an entire solidified body having a denditic microstructure. Thereafter, heat is applied to the solidified body to bring the body to a superheated temperature of 3.degree. to 50.degree. C. above the solidus temperature of the aluminum base alloy while maintaining a body in a solid shape and effecting thermal transformation of the body having the dendritic structure when the entire body is uniformly heated to the superheated temperature. The body having a non-dendritic structure is formed in a semi-solid condition into the article.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for carrying out the methods are disclosed for feeding alumina into a Soderberg type aluminum reduction cell (10), so as to maximize efficiency of the cell. The apparatus includes a continuous point feeder assembly (12) connected to the cell structure over an exposed peripheral portion of the cryolite bath. The feeder assembly includes as alumina feed hopper (40) and a pair of vertically disposed feeding bins (56). Each feeding bin receives alumina from the hopper. A piston and cylinder assembly (46) is connected to the feeder assembly and arranged to drive a crust breaking member (44) down through bath crust (17) to form a temporary opening.