Abstract: Methods of improving the corrosion resistance and hot working productivity of AA7000 series aluminum alloys include, in one mode, the steps of treating a stock material to form a globular microstructure, preferably by a thermal conversion treatment, and subsequently hot working the treated stock material, quenching it and aging it. The globular microstructure permits increasing the hot working rate to attain T6 properties using only a T5 temper practice and without adverse effect on the surface of the hot worked product as a result of the increased hot working rate. Consequently, an acceptable product is made at a significantly lower cost due to the increased hot working rates and fewer processing steps. The method also improves the corrosion resistance, particularly exfoliation corrosion resistance, of the product such that corrosion resistance generally attainable using only a T7 temper practice is achieved using only a T5 temper practice.

Abstract: A method for making aluminum alloy can stock from continuously cast aluminum alloy slabs includes the steps of continuous casting, hot rolling, hot line annealing, cold rolling, intermediate annealing and cold rolling to final gauge. After the material is cold rolled to final gauge, it is subjected to a heat treatment step which improves its formability. The method is suited for improved AA3000 series type alloys. Besides improved formability, the inventive method also provides increased alpha phase content and low earing percentage for improvements in can manufacture. An improved aluminum alloy product also is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing aluminum alloy sheet product includes casting a slab, homogenizing the cast slab, and hot rolling the homogenized slab to provide an intermediate gauge product. The temperature and other operating parameters of the hot rolling process are controlled so that the temperature of the intermediate gauge product exiting the hot rolling step is between about 500.degree. F. and 650.degree. F. Preferably, the temperature does not exceed 575.degree. F. The intermediate gauge product is then subjected to a cold reduction of 45% to 70%, annealed, and cold rolled to final gauge. The combination of controlling the hot rolling to provide a desired exit temperature of the intermediate gauge product and annealing prior to cold rolling to final gauge minimizes or eliminates the appearance of ridging or roping line defects in the aluminum sheet product when subjected to further straining in a forming or stamping operation.