Abstract: An efficient and effective process for manufacturing of hardened aluminum components is achieved by coordinating the material preparation steps with the forming steps. The resulting product is a hardened aluminum component with desirable strength characteristics. The process includes initial heating of sheet material in order to prepare it for further processing. The sheet material is then quenched to promote appropriate material conditioning. A product forming sub-process is then undertaken in a relatively short period of time following the quenching. The product forming is done while the material is in a relatively ductile condition, thus easing forming operations, and avoiding product spring-back problems. Lastly, the component is naturally aged, to provide the final hardening operations. The resulting product has very desirable strength characteristics, due to the combined forming and hardening process.

Abstract: By utilizing a roll bonding process and appropriately forming steps, a load bearing structure is created which is capable of handling and appropriately transferring loads. One preferred method includes the combination of roll bonding and hydroforming to efficiently create structural components. While various product configurations are possible, one version includes a waffle-type structure produced by appropriate roll bonding of material sheets. This waffle-type structure can also undergo additional forming steps to create several structural components capable of handling and carrying loads in a very efficient and effective manner. More significantly, this process enables the use of structural aluminum for load bearing components which are efficiently and cost effective when manufactured.

Abstract: An efficient and effective process for manufacturing of hardened aluminum components is achieved by coordinating the material preparation steps with the forming steps. The resulting product is a hardened aluminum component with desirable strength characteristics. The process includes initial heating of sheet material in order to prepare it for further processing. The sheet material is then quenched to promote appropriate material conditioning. A product forming sub-process is then undertaken in a relatively short period of time following the quenching. The product forming is done while the material is in a relatively ductile condition, thus easing forming operations, and avoiding product spring-back problems. Lastly, the component is naturally aged, to provide the final hardening operations. The resulting product has very desirable strength characteristics, due to the combined forming and hardening process.

Abstract: By utilizing a roll bonding process and appropriately forming steps, a load bearing structure is created which is capable of handling and appropriately transferring loads. One preferred method includes the combination of roll bonding and hydroforming to efficiently create structural components. While various product configurations are possible, one version includes a waffle-type structure produced by appropriate roll bonding of material sheets. This waffle-type structure can also undergo additional forming steps to create several structural components capable of handling and carrying loads in a very efficient and effective manner. More significantly, this process enables the use of structural aluminum for load bearing components which are efficiently and cost effective when manufactured.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy composition having an unusually high iron and silicon content, which is particularly improved by manganese additions contains preferably 0.5 to 1.1% wt Fe, preferably 0.3 to 0.7% wt Si, between 0.005 to 0.03% wt Ti, with the iron to silicon ratio maintained between 1.8 and 2.2:1. Most preferably, the alloy contains 0.10 to 0.8% wt manganese. A nominal alloy composition is as follows: 0.8% Fe, 0.4% Si, 0.015% Ti, and 0.4% Mn. The alloy is cast between a pair of cooling molds to produce a cast ingot, the ingot is hot rolled and subsequently cold rolled to thickness reductions of at least 25% and at most 70%, blanks are punched from the cold rolled sheet and the blanks are annealed at temperatures exceeding 350° C. but less than 525° C. and are subsequently deformed by impact extrusion to form long-necked cans which are stoved at temperatures as high as 275° C.

Abstract: An engine oil pan includes a reservoir for oil flowing from the engine and a heat exchanger for cooling the oil, with the heat exchanger having at least one passage formed by fluid expansion.

Abstract: A method of forming a non-planar article such as an automotive heat shield from a preform comprising planar sheets superposed upon one another and bonded to one another at selected locations using a roll bond process. The preform is positioned between a male tool and a female tool, the male tool having a protuberant portion and the female tool defining a cavity adapted to accomodate the protuberant portion of the male tool. The preform is then deformed by pushing the protuberant portion against the preform and pressurized fluid is thereafter introduced between the sheets to space them from one another on the unbonded portions.