And Ageing, Solution Treating (i.e., For Hardening), Precipitation Hardening Or Strengthening Patents (Class 148/690)
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Patent number: 7285174Abstract: A method for producing metallic strips having a high-grade cube texture based on nickel, copper, aluminum, silver or alloys of these metals including austenitic iron-nickel alloys makes it possible to obtain, during a subsequent annealing process and with lower total degrees of forming, a recrystallization cube layer of a quality equal to that of one obtained using customary roll forming and produces a better quality cube texture with comparable total degrees of forming. To this end, a forming method is provided during which the materials are formed by cold drawing before their recrystallization annealing thereby rendering them high-grade. The tools used for this include: a) non-driven roll devices with an axially parallel flat pair of rolls or turk's head arrangements with two pairs of rolls or; b) fixed drawing jaws that are slanted toward one another. The strips produced according to the invention can be used, for example, as a coating support for producing strip-shaped high-temperature superconductors.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2002Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Leibniz-Institut fuer Festkoerper-und Werkstoffforschung Dresden e.V.Inventors: Joerg Eickemeyer, Dietmar Selbmann, Ralph Opitz
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Patent number: 7214281Abstract: An aluminum alloy extrusion product having improved strength and fracture toughness, the aluminum base alloy comprised of 1.95 to 2.5 wt. % Cu, 1.9 to 2.5 wt. % Mg, 8.2 to 10 wt. % Zn, 0.05 to 0.25 wt. % Zr, max. 0.15 wt. % Si, max. 0.15 wt. % Fe, max. 0.1 wt. % Mn, the remainder aluminum and incidental elements and impurities.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2005Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: Universal Alloy CorporationInventors: Iulian Gheorghe, Dean C. Malejan, Rene Mächler
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Patent number: 7025839Abstract: The heat treatment of an age-hardenable aluminium alloy, having alloying elements in solid solution includes the stages of holding the alloy for a relatively short time at an elevated temperature TA appropriate for ageing the alloy; cooling the alloy from the temperature TA at a sufficiently rapid rate and to a lower temperature so that primary precipitation of solute elements is substantially arrested; holding the alloy at a temperature TB for a time sufficient to achieve a suitable level of secondary nucleation or continuing precipitation of solute elements; and heating the alloy to a temperature which is at, sufficiently close to, or higher than temperature TA and holding for a further sufficient period of time at temperature TC for achieving substantially maximum strength.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2002Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research OrganizationInventors: Roger Neil Lumley, Ian James Polmear, Allan James Morton
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Patent number: 6962632Abstract: Disclosed are aluminum alloy hollow materials and processes for producing the same wherein an aluminum alloy hollow material is produced by subjecting an ingot of an aluminum alloy containing 0.3˜1.5 wt % Mn to port hole extrusion or port hole extrusion and drawing-elongation processing and wherein a difference in electric conductivity between individual portions in lengthwise direction of the hollow material is not more than 1.0 IACS %. According to the aluminum alloy hollow materials, preferential corrosion in welding potions in port hole extrusion can be prevented.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2004Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Assignee: Furukawa-Sky Aluminum Corp.Inventors: Kazuo Taguchi, Toshio Ohta
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Patent number: 6918975Abstract: A substantially unrecrystallized extrusion comprising about 3.6 to about 4.2 wt. % copper, about 1.0 to about 1.6 wt. % magnesium, about 0.3 to about 0.8 wt. % manganese, about 0.05 to 0.25% zirconium, the balance substantially aluminum, incidental elements and impurities. The extrusion has a longitudinal yield strength of at least about 50 ksi and a longitudinal tensile ultimate strength of at least about 70 ksi. On a preferred basis, the extrusions of this invention include very low levels of both iron and silicon, typically on the order of less than 0.1 wt. % each, and more preferably about 0.05 wt. % or less iron and about 0.03 wt. % or less silicon.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2001Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Alcoa Inc.Inventors: John Liu, Gary H. Bray, David A. Lukasak, Robert C. Pahl
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Patent number: 6908520Abstract: Disclosed are aluminum alloy hollow materials and processes for producing the same wherein an aluminum alloy hollow material is produced by subjecting an ingot of an aluminum alloy containing 0.3˜1.5 wt % Mn to port hole extrusion or port hole extrusion and drawing-elongation processing and wherein a difference in electric conductivity between individual portions in lengthwise direction of the hollow material is not more than 1.0 IACS %. According to the aluminum alloy hollow materials, preferential corrosion in welding potions in port hole extrusion can be prevented.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2001Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuo Taguchi, Toshio Ohta
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Publication number: 20040211498Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing an integrated monolithic aluminum structure, including the steps of: (a) providing an aluminum alloy plate from an aluminum alloy with a predetermined thickness (y), (b) shaping or forming the alloy plate to obtain a predetermined shaped structure, (c) heat-treating the shaped structure, (d) machining, e.g. high velocity machining, the shaped structure to obtain an integrated monolithic aluminum structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2004Publication date: October 28, 2004Inventors: Christian Joachim Keidel, Alfred Ludwig Heinz
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Patent number: 6802444Abstract: A method for treating alloy before and after friction stir welding, the method comprising the following steps. First solution heat treating a multiplicity of aluminum-zinc alloy engineered components for a first time period at a first temperature. First air cooling the components in ambient air at room temperature until the components are cooled to room temperature. Friction stir welding the components to form an assembly. Second solution heat treating the assembly for a second time period at a second temperature. Additional steps and embodiments are considered.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2003Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: George E. Petter, John D. Figert, Daniel J. Rybicki, Timothy H. Burns
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Publication number: 20040140025Abstract: A method for producing a heat treated aluminum alloy product in a shortened period of time, the method comprising: (a) providing a heat treatable aluminum alloy; (b) working the heat treatable aluminum alloy at a solutionizing temperature to form a product; (c) first stage cooling the product to a critical temperature at which precipitation of second phase particles of the heat treatable aluminum alloy is negligible, wherein the first stage cooling comprises a first stage cooling rate from about 15° F. per second to about 100° F. per second; (d) second stage cooling the product to ambient temperature; (e) heating the product to an artificial aging temperature; and (f) artificially aging the product at the artificial aging temperature for a predetermined artificial aging time to form the heat treated aluminum alloy product.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2003Publication date: July 22, 2004Inventors: Rajeev G. Kamat, William D. Bennon, Shawn J. Murtha
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Patent number: 6743312Abstract: A method of fabricating ball protective mask includes (1) aluminum extrusion: the aluminum extruded structure has a suitably shaped outer ring frame and densely packed hollow holes so that the cross section thereof forms a grid-like structure, two sides thereof being provided with lugs; (2) slicing; (3) deburring by punching; (4) punch forming: the slice is punched to form a curved mask to accomplish an inchoate form of the mask; (5) subjecting the mask to heat treatment to obtain a product with satisfactory surface hardness.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Yu Hsun Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jung-Tso Shih
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Patent number: 6692589Abstract: A process for forming a structure element, particularly an lower wing element of an aircraft, manufactured from a rolled, extruded or forged product made of an alloy of composition (% by weight) Cu=4.6-5.3, Mg=0.10-0.50, Mn=0.15-0.45, Si<0.10, Fe<0.15, Zn<0.20, Cr<0.10, other elements <0.05 each and <0.15 total, remainder Al. The product is treated by solution heat treating, quenching, controlled tension to more than 1.5% permanent deformation and aging.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2003Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Pechiney RhenaluInventors: Timothy Warner, Philippe Lassince, Philippe Lequeu
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Patent number: 6679958Abstract: An ageing process capable of producing an aluminum alloy with better mechanical properties than possible with traditional ageing procedures. The ageing process employs a dual rate heating technique that comprises a first stage in which the aluminum alloy is heated at a first heating rate to a temperature between 100 and 170° C. and a second stage in which the aluminum alloy is heated at a second heating rate to a hold temperature of 160 to 220° C. The first heating rate is at least 100° C./hour and the second heating rate is 5 to 50° C./hour. The entire ageing process is performed in a time of 3 to 24 hours.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2002Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Norsk HydroInventors: Ulf Tundal, Reiso Oddvin
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Patent number: 6630039Abstract: A method of producing an aluminum base alloy extruded product. The method comprises (a) providing a body of an aluminum base alloy; (b) homogenizing the body at an elevated temperature not exceeding its eutectic temperature for a sufficient period of time to provide a homogeneous distribution of the readily soluble alloy elements, (c) rapidly cooling the body; (d) reheating the body to a reheat temperature of at least 700° F. for a period of at least 0.5 hours; (e) extruding the body from the reheat temperature; (f) solution heat treating the body; and (g) quenching and aging the body.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Alcoa Inc.Inventors: David A. Lukasak, David A. King
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Patent number: 6627010Abstract: The present invention concerns procedures for producing an alloy from a eutectic alloy system, in order to form a workpiece for rolling or extrusion purposes by, for example, producing an Al—Mg—Si alloy, which can be precipitation-hardened, which alloy, after having been heated to a temperature above the solubility temperature of phases which can be precipitated, is kept at this temperature until the phases have dissolved and is cooled at a cooling rate which is rapid enough to avoid most of the precipitation of the phases and slow enough to avoid most of the precipitation of dispersoid particles. At cooling rates within this interval, most coarse phases which have a reductive effect on the processing rate can be avoided and, at the same time, the number of small dispersoid particles which have a reductive effect on the mechanical properties after hardening is limited.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1999Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Norsk Hydro ASAInventors: Oddvin Reiso, Ulf Tundal, John Erik Hafsås, Oddgeir Sjøthun
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Patent number: 6627012Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating lightweight alloy feedstock for gun frames. Specifically, the method for producing the work stock proposed in the present invention enables a gun manufacturer to readily machine or forge a suitable gun frame. The properties attained in the final product allow the gun manufacturer to reduce the overall weight of the gun without sacrificing durability.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Inventors: Wm. Troy Tack, Lawrence S. Kramer
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Patent number: 6602364Abstract: An aluminum alloy and a process for treating the aluminum alloy. The alloy contains 0.5 to 2.5% by weight of an alloying mixture of magnesium and silicon, in which the molar ratio of Mg/Si is 0.70 to 1.25, the alloy optionally containing an additional amount of silicon up to about ⅓ of any iron, manganese and chromium in the alloy, as expressed by weight percent, the balance of the alloy being aluminum, optional alloying elements and unavoidable impurities. The process entails an ageing technique that includes a first stage in which an extrusion of the aluminum alloy is heated at a rate above 100° C./hour to 100-170° C., a second stage in which the extrusion is heated at a rate of 5 to 50° C./hour to a final hold temperature, wherein the total ageing operation is performed in 3 to 24 hours.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2002Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: Norsk Hydro A.S.Inventors: Ulf Tundal, Reiso Oddvin
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Publication number: 20030143102Abstract: A first aluminum alloy of the present invention comprises Mg: 0.3-6 mass %, Si: 0.3-10 mass %, Zn: 0.05-1 mass %, Sr: 0.001-0.3 mass % and the balance being Al and impurities. A second aluminum alloy further contains one or more selective additional elements selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Mn, Cr, Zr, Ti, Na and Ca. Furthermore, a third aluminum alloy comprises Mg: 0.1-6 mass %, Si: 0.3-12.5 mass %, Cu: 0.01 mass % or more but less than 1 mass %, Zn: 0.01-3 mass %, Sr: 0.001-0.5 mass % and the balance being Al and impurities. Furthermore, a fourth aluminum alloy further includes one or more optional additional elements selected from the group consisting of Ti, B, C, Fe, Cr, Mn, Zr, V, Sc, Ni, Na, Sb, Ca, Sn, Bi and In.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2002Publication date: July 31, 2003Applicant: SHOWA DENKO K.K.Inventors: Hideaki Matsuoka, Masaki Yamanaka, Hiroki Yoshioka, Yasuo Okamoto, Masakatsu Kitamura
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Patent number: 6565684Abstract: A process for manufacturing a hollow pressure vessel, in which a billet is cast from an alloy with a composition in % by weight, Zn=6.25-8.0, Mg=1.2-2.2, Cu=1.7-2.8, Fe<0.20, Fe+Si<0.40, at least one of the elements selected from the group consisting of Cr, Zr, V, Hf and Sc in an amount of 0.05-0.3, and other elements <0.05 each and <0.15 total. The cast billet is homogenized with a temperature profile such that metal temperature is slightly less than incipient melting temperature at all times, cooled to ambient temperature and softening annealed for a duration of 20 to 40 h between 200 and 400° C. with cooling at a rate of less than 50° C./h down to a temperature of below 100° C., resulting in a billet hardness <54 HB. A slug is cut out of the softened billet, cold or slightly warm extruded with an extrusion start temperature <300° C.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: Societe Metallurgique de GerzatInventors: Christophe Sigli, Pierre Sainfort
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Patent number: 6524410Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating lightweight alloy feedstock for welded structures. Specifically, the method for producing the tubular stock proposed in the present invention enables a bicycle manufacturer to readily weld a lightweight yet high strength bicycle frame. The properties attained in the final product allow the bicycle manufacturer to reduce the overall weight of the bicycle without sacrificing durability.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2001Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: Tri-Kor Alloys, LLCInventors: Lawrence Stevenson Kramer, William Troy Tack
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Publication number: 20030000610Abstract: An aluminum alloy piping material for automotive piping excelling in corrosion resistance and workability and a method of fabricating the same. The aluminum alloy piping material comprises an aluminum alloy which comprises 0.3-1.5% of Mn, 0.01-0.20% of Fe, and 0.01-0.20% of Si, wherein the content of Cu as impurities is limited to 0.05% or less, with the balance consisting of Al and impurities, wherein, among Si compounds, Fe compounds, and Mn compounds present in the alloy matrix, the number of compounds with a particle diameter (equivalent circle diameter, hereinafter the same) of 0.5 &mgr;m or more is 3×104 or less per mm2. The aluminum alloy piping material has a tensile strength of 70-130 MPa (temper: O material). An ingot of an aluminum alloy having the composition is hot extruded. The resulting extruded pipe is cold drawn at a working ratio of 30% or more and annealed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Takahiro Koyama, Hirokazu Tanaka, Yoshifusa Shoji
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Publication number: 20020162609Abstract: The purpose of the invention is a process for the manufacture of a work-hardened product made of a high mechanical strength Al—Zn—Mg—Cu aluminium alloy consisting of:Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2002Publication date: November 7, 2002Inventor: Timothy Warner
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Publication number: 20020150498Abstract: A 7XXX series aluminum alloy having reduced quench sensitivity suitable for use in aerospace structural components, such as integral wing spars, ribs, extrusions and forgings comprises, in weight %: 6 to 10 Zn, 1.3 to 1.9 Mg, 1.4 to 2.2 Cu, wherein Mg≦Cu+0.3, one or more of 0 to 0.4 Zr, up to 0.4 Sc, up to 0.2 Hf, up to 0.4 Cr, up to 1.0 Mn and the balance Al plus incidental additions including Si, Fe, Ti and the like plus impurities. By controlling the Mg content to 1.3 to 1.7 wt. %, limiting Mg≦Cu+0.3 and 6.5≦Zn≦8.5, the alloy provides significantly improved combined strength and fracture toughness in heavy gauges.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2001Publication date: October 17, 2002Inventors: Dhruba J. Chakrabarti, John Liu, Jay H. Goodman, Gregory B. Venema, Ralph R. Sawtell
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Patent number: 6440359Abstract: An alloy of composition in wt. % (see table (I)) and incidental impurities up to 0.05 each 0.15 total, balance A1. The alloy can be extruded at high speed to provide extruded sections which meet T5 or T6 strength requirements.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1999Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Alcan International LimitedInventors: Nicholas Charles Parson, Jeffrey David Hankin, Kevin Paul Hicklin
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Publication number: 20020112797Abstract: A population of extrusion billets has a specification such that every billet is of an alloy of composition (in wt. %): Fe <0.35; Si 0.20-0.6; Mn <0.10; Mg 0.25-0.9; Cu <0.015; Ti <0.10; Cr <0.10; Zn <0.03; balance Al of commercial purity. After ageing to T5 or T6 temper, extruded sections can be etched and anodized to give extruded matt anodized sections having improved properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2002Publication date: August 22, 2002Inventors: Nicholas Charles Parson, Barry Roy Ellard, Graeme John Marshall
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Patent number: 6423163Abstract: A free-cutting aluminum alloy without lead as an alloy element, containing: (a) as alloy elements: 0.5 to 1.0 wt. % Mn; 0.4 to 1.8 wt. % Mg; 3.3 to 4.6 wt. % Cu; 0.4 to 1.9 wt. % Sn; 0 to 0.1 wt. % Cr; 0 to 0.2 wt. % Ti; (b) as impurities: up to 0.8 wt. % Si; up to 0.7 wt. % Fe; up to 0.8 wt. % Zn; up to 0.1 wt. % Pb; up to 0.1 wt. % Bi; up to 0.3 wt. % total of other impurities; and (c) the balance being substantially aluminum. The process includes the steps of semicontinuously casting the above alloy composition followed by homogenization annealing, cooling, heating to a working temperature for extrusion, extruding at a maximum temperature of 380° C., followed by press-quenching and aging. The aging may be a natural aging or an artificial aging. A cold working step and/or a tension straightening step also may be conducted after the press-quenching step. The extruding step includes indirectly extruding.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2001Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Impol Aluminum CorporationInventors: Anton Smolej, Vuka{haeck over (s)}in Dragojevi{haeck over (c)}, Edvard Sla{haeck over (c)}ek, Toma{haeck over (z)} Smolar
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Patent number: 6391129Abstract: The invention relates to an aluminium extrusion alloy comprising in weight percent: Mn 1.0-1.4, Cu 0.2-2.0, Mg 0.1-0.6, Si 0.15-1.0, Fe 0.8 max., Zn 0.25 max., Ti 0.15 max., Cr 0.35 max., Zr and/or V in total 0.25 max., others up to 0.05 each, total 0.15, balance aluminium, and with the proviso that (Cu+Mg)>0.7, and which aluminium extrusion alloy is particularly suitable for application in brazed assemblies, and the invention further relates to a method of its manufacture.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignees: Corus Aluminium N.V., Corus Aluminium Walzprodukte GmbHInventors: Timothy John Hurd, Klaus Vieregge, Louis Walter Marie Paul Tack, Arne Mulkers
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Patent number: 6375767Abstract: A population of extrusion billets has a specification such that every billet is of an alloy of composition (in wt. %) : Fe<0.35; Si 0.20-0.6; Mn<0.10; Mg 0.25-0.9; Cu<0.015; Ti<0.10; Cr<0.10; Zn<0.03; balance Al of commercial purity. After ageing to T5 or T6 temper, extruded sections can be etched and anodized to give extruded matte anodized sections having improved properties.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1998Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: Alcan International LimitedInventors: Nicholas Charles Parson, Barry Roy Ellard, Graeme John Marshall
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Publication number: 20020003015Abstract: A method of producing an aluminum base alloy extruded product. The method comprises (a) providing a body of an aluminum base alloy; (b) homogenizing the body at an elevated temperature not exceeding its eutectic temperature for a sufficient period of time to provide a homogeneous distribution of the readily soluble alloy elements, (c) rapidly cooling the body; (d) reheating the body to a reheat temperature of at least 700° F. for a period of at least 0.5 hours; (e) extruding the body from the reheat temperature; (f) solution heat treating the body; and (g) quenching and aging the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2001Publication date: January 10, 2002Inventors: David A. Lukasak, David A. King
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Patent number: 6322647Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1998Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Reynolds Metals CompanyInventors: Rajeev G. Kamat, Subhasish Sircar
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Publication number: 20010020501Abstract: A substantially unrecrystallized extrusion comprising about 3.6 to about 4.2 wt. % copper, about 1.0 to about 1.6 wt. % magnesium, about 0.3 to about 0.8 wt. % manganese, about 0.05 to about 0.25% zirconium, the balance substantially aluminum, incidental elements and impurities. The extrusion has a longitudinal yield strength of at least about 50 ksi and a longitudinal tensile ultimate strength of at least about 70 ksi. On a preferred basis, the extrusions of this invention include very low levels of both iron and silicon, typically on the order of less than 0.1 wt. % each, and more preferably about 0.05 wt. % or less iron and about 0.03 wt. % or less silicon.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2001Publication date: September 13, 2001Inventors: John Liu, Gary H. Bray, David A. Lukasak, Robert C. Pahl
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Patent number: 6258465Abstract: Provided is an energy absorbing member which makes it possible to induce contraction and deformation into a form of bellows, with Euler's buckle being restrained. An energy absorbing member comprises a hollow extrusion which is made of an aluminum alloy and has an outer portion and an inner rib connected to the outer portion, and the radius of the corner where the rib and the outer portion are connected to each other is not more than a half of the thickness of the rib. A similar energy absorbing member has plural inner ribs which are connected to the outer portion and cross each other, and the radius of the corner where the ribs cross each other is 1 mm or less.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1998Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko ShoInventors: Takashi Oka, Hiroyuki Yamashita, Masakazu Hirano
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Patent number: 6223436Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for supporting a seat back in a vehicle comprising an aluminum I-beam formed in a generally U-shaped configuration, and having opposing ends supported with respect to the vehicle for forming a seat back frame. Also provided is a method of manufacturing a vehicle seat back frame, comprising: a) extruding an aluminum I-beam; b) cutting the I-beam to a desired length; c) age-hardening the I-beam; and d) bending the I-beam into a substantially U-shaped configuration to form a vehicle seat back frame.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1998Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Eugene S. Dudash, Mark Stanisz, Eric A. Smitterberg, L. Keith Hensley, Sanford E. Cook, Kevin J. Fudale
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Patent number: 6168067Abstract: A method for reducing material property degradation during friction stir welding. More specifically, the method includes the steps of solution heat treating first and second structural members at a first predetermined temperature schedule. The first and second structural members are then quenched to a predetermined temperature at which the structural members are in a nonequilibrium state and have an incomplete temper. The first structural member is then positioned adjacent to the second structural member, thereby defining an interface therebetween. Thereafter, the first and second structural members are joined to form a structural assembly by friction stir welding the material along the interface prior to precipitation heat treating the structural assembly. The structural assembly is then aged, such as by precipitation heat treating, at a second predetermined temperature schedule to stabilize the material properties of the resulting structural assembly, thereby completing the temper of the material.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: McDonnell Douglas CorporationInventors: Douglas J. Waldron, Richard G. Pettit
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Patent number: 6159315Abstract: Stress relieving of an age hardenable aluminium alloy product after solution heat treatment and quenching, is carried out by a permanent cold plastic deformation applied by the steps of:(a) applying a stress-relieving cold mechanical stretch to said product, and(b) applying a stress-relieving cold compression to said product.This combined treatment gives improved strength and toughness and at least comparable distortion after machining.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1997Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Assignee: Corus Aluminium Walzprodukte GmbHInventors: Alfred Johann Peter Haszler, Alfred Ludwig Heinz, Otmar Martin Muller
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Patent number: 6136106Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing thin-walled pipes, which are made of a heat-resistant and wear-resistant aluminum-based material. The method comprises the spray-compacting of a thick-walled pipe made of a hypereutectic aluminum-silicon AlSi material, possibly a subsequent overaging annealing, and the hot deformation to a thin-walled pipe. Such a method is in particular united for the production of cylinder liners of internal combustion engines, since the produced liners exhibit the required properties in regard to wear resistance, heat resistance and reduction of pollutant emission.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1998Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Erbsloh AktiengesellschaftInventors: Bernhard Commandeur, Rolf Schattevoy, Klaus Hummert
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Patent number: 6120625Abstract: There are provided a continuous frictional extrusion process for continuously producing a deformed fine grain solid metal composition suitable for semi-solid forming. The process is featured by a large range of produce dimension and by precise control of the process parameter, such as total deformation, extrusion temperature and speed. The total deformation is controlled to be larger than a Mises effective strain of 2.3 to obtain a deformed fine grain structure with enough distortion energy stored, having a grain size less than 30 .mu.m and a subgrain size less than 2 .mu.m. A method combining the continuous extrusion process of preparing semi-solid raw material with semi-solid forming of shaped articles is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1998Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Inventors: Youdong Zhou, Jian Lu, Navtej Singh Saluja, Alfredo Riviere V.
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Patent number: 6113850Abstract: An A-rated, aluminum alloy suitable for machining, said alloy consisting essentially of: about 4-5.75 wt. % copper, about 0.2-0.9 wt. % bismuth, about 0.12-1.0 wt. % tin, the ratio of bismuth to tin ranging from about 0.8:1 to 5:1, up to about 0.7 wt. % iron, up to about 0.4 wt. % silicon, up to about 0.3 wt. % zinc, the balance aluminum, incidental elements and impurities. On a preferred basis, this alloy contains about 4.4-5.0 wt. % copper, about 0.4-0.75 wt. % bismuth, about 0.2-0.5 wt. % tin, the ratio of bismuth to tin ranging from about 1:1 to 3:1, about 0.2 wt. % or less iron and about 0.2 wt. % or less silicon. The alloy is substantially lead-free, cadmium-free and thallium-free. There is further disclosed an improved method for making screw machine stock or wire, rod and bar product from this alloy by casting, preheating, extruding, solution heat treating, cold finishing and aging the same.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1994Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Charles W. Bartges, Gerald D. Scott, Thomas J. Klemp, M. Elise Hyland, James A. Brock, Colleen Spillard
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Patent number: 5993576Abstract: A wear-resistant wrought Al alloy having a desirable high fatigue strength, toughness and flexure strength when subjected to a quenching and an age hardening heat treatment. The Al alloy contains 8.0 to 13.0% by weight of Si, 0.1 to 0.5% by weight of Fe, 1.5 to 5.0% by weight of Cu, 0.4 to 1.5% by weight of Mg, 0.05 to 0.5% by weight of Cr, 0.05 to 0.5% by weight of Ni, an element selected from the group consisting of 0.005 to 0.05% by weight of Sr and 0.05 to 0.3% by weight of Sb, and the remainder being Al and unavoidable impurities, wherein there is no more than 0.04% by weight of Mn as an unavoidable impurity. The Al alloy having Si particles being finely dispersed therein, wherein an average diameter of an equivalent circle of Si particles is not more than 5.00 .mu.m and an average roundness of Si particles is not less than 0.50. The amounts of Fe, Cr and Ni contained in the alloy and the amount of Mn as an impurity are such to prevent Si particles and other intermetallic compounds from enlarging.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akira Ichinose, Akira Hideno, Nobuaki Ohara
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Patent number: 5964967Abstract: A treatment process for a composite comprising a matrix of a precipitation hardenable aluminum alloy and a particulate or short fiber ceramic reinforcement. The process includes hot and/or cold working the composite, subjecting the composite to a controlled heating step in which the composite is raised from ambient temperature to a temperature of from 250 to 450.degree. C. at a rate of temperature increase less than 1000.degree. C. per hour, and subjecting the resulting heat treated composite to a solution treating step.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1994Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignees: The Secretary of State for Defence in Her Britannic Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Defence Research AgencyInventors: Timothy Frederick Bryant, Simon Brian Dodd, Stephen Mark Flitcroft, William Sinclair Miller, Roger Moreton, Christopher John Peel
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Patent number: 5961752Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Northwest Aluminum CompanyInventor: S. Craig Bergsma
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Patent number: 5951794Abstract: Methods for making an aluminum drive shaft for automobiles or trucks or other drive shaft applications from aluminum alloy tube and methods for making drive shafts. The method includes providing an aluminum tube member is joined to drive shaft end members. The method includes the steps of (a) providing a 6000 series type alloy; (b) extruding the alloy within about 500.degree. to 800.degree. F. into a hollow elongate tube; (c) drawing the tube to a reduction of at least 15% in metal cross-sectional area; (d) solution heat treating the alloy at a temperature of at least about 990.degree. F. and then quenching; and (e) reducing the diameter of the tube and increasing the tube wall thickness to provide a relatively short tube length of reduced diameter, a transition section and thicker wall thickness at one or both ends of a drive shaft suitable length of said tube. The transition section has a non-linear wall. In a preferred embodiment, the transition section has central circumferential stiffener section.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventor: John A. Dickson, Jr.
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Patent number: 5932037Abstract: A method of making a pressurized gas cylinder comprises providing an ingot of composition (in wt %); Zn 5.0-7.0; Mg 1.5-3.0; Cu 1.0-2.7; recrystallization inhibitor 0.05-0.40; Fe up to 0.30; Si up to 0.15; other impurities up to 0.05 each and 0.15 in total, balance Al of at least commercial purity, if necessary homogenizing the ingot at a temperature of at least 470.degree. C. and for a time sufficient to reduce the volume fraction of S phase to a value below 1.0%, extruding the ingot preferably by cold backward extrusion, and forming and over-aging the resulting pressurized gas cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1996Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignee: Luxfer Group LimitedInventors: Nigel John Henry Holroyd, Warren Hepples
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Patent number: 5916385Abstract: An essentially lead-free aluminum alloy is provided for extruded screw machine stock. The alloy consists essentially of from about 4.5% to about 6% copper, a maximum of about 0.4% silicon, a maximum of about 0.7% iron, not more than about 0.3% zinc, from about 0.1% to about 1% bismuth, from about 0.1% to about 0.5% tin, balance aluminum and unavoidable impurities. The screw machine stock is prepared by extruding a homogenized billet to the desired shape, then the shape is subjected to a thermomechanical treatment involving at least one heat-treatment and cold working.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1998Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Assignee: Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical CorporationInventors: Norman Leroy Coats, II, Larry Eugene Farrar, Jr.
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Patent number: 5911845Abstract: A high-strength extruded article of an age-hardening aluminum alloy capable of educing an achromatic dark gray color after the anodizing treatment thereof and a method for the production thereof are disclosed. The method comprises subjecting an alloy billet comprising 0.9 to 3.0% by weight of Si, 0.3 to 0.6% by weight of Mg, less than 0.3% by weight of Fe, and the balance of Al and unavoidable impurities or an alloy billet comprising 0.005 to 0.1% by weight of Ti either alone or in combination with 0.001 to 0.02% by weight of B besides the components mentioned above to a soaking treatment at a temperature in the range of from 350 to 480.degree. C. for 2 to 12 hours, extruding the soaked alloy billet at a billet temperature in the range of from 380 to 450 .degree. C., and subjecting the extruded alloy to an aging treatment at a temperature in the range of from 170 to 200.degree. C. for 2 to 8 hours.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1997Date of Patent: June 15, 1999Assignee: YKK CorporationInventors: Kazuyuki Fukagawa, Shoso Yamamoto, Hiroshi Chiba, Mitsunao Satomura, Kengo Kawase
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Patent number: 5888320Abstract: A method of producing an aluminum product having high formability high fracture toughness, high strength and improved corrosion resistance, the method comprising: (a) providing stock including an aluminum base alloy consisting essentially of about 0.7 to 1.0 wt. % silicon, not more than about 0.3 wt. % iron, not more than about 0.5 wt. % copper, about 0.8 to 1.1 wt. % magnesium, about 0.3 to 0.4 wt. % manganese, and about 0.5 to 0.8 wt. % zinc, the remainder substantially aluminum, incidental elements and impurities; (b) homogenizing the stock at a temperature ranging from about 950.degree. to 1050.degree. F. for a time period ranging from about 2 to 20 hours; (c) hot rolling at a temperature ranging from about 750.degree. to 950.degree. F. will increase; (d) solution heat treating at a temperature ranging from about 1000.degree. to 1080.degree. F. for a time period ranging from about 5 minutes to one hour; (e) cooling by quenching at a rate of about 1000.degree. F./second to a temperature of 100.degree. F.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical CorporationInventor: Ralph C. Dorward
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Patent number: 5876525Abstract: In order to simplify the production of a nigh-resistance bobbin body made of an aluminum alloy, the following process steps are performed: (a) extruding or flow extruding an essentially cylindrical bobbin blank; (b) cutting the bobbin blank to a length including the desired bobbin body length plus an overlength sufficient to form end flanges on the bobbin body; (c) shaping end flanges at both ends of the bobbin body from the overlength portion; hardening the bobbin body; and age-hardening (aging) the bobbin body. Various process parameters are described.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1993Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Hilebrandt-Spolen-Bobbins GmbHInventors: Michael Prechtel, Davorin Lenarcic
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Patent number: 5865911Abstract: Rolled plate products up to 6 inches thick or more and other products in an aluminum alloy consisting essentially of about 5.2 to 6.8% zinc, 1.7 to 2.4% copper, 1.6 to 2% magnesium, 0.03 to 0.3% zirconium, balance substantially aluminum and incidental elements and impurities, are useful in making structural members for commercial airplanes especially by machining or shaping such members from the plate. Such members include lower wing skins and wing spars and other members. The plate is made by operations comprising homogenization, hot rolling, solution heat treatment, stretching and artificial aging. Alternatively, the plate is shaped after stretching, which may include machining, and is then artificially aged.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1995Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Shelly M. Miyasato, Gary H. Bray, John Liu, James T. Staley
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Process for producing alsimgcu alloy products with improved resistance to intercrystalline corrosion
Patent number: 5858134Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the production of rolled or extruded products of high strength AlSiMgCu aluminium alloy with good intergranular corrosion resistance, comprising the following steps:casting a plate or billet with the following composition (by weight):Si: 0.7-1.3%Mg: 0.6-1.1%Cu: 0.5-1.1%Mn: 0.3-0.8%Zr: <0.20%Fe: <0.30%Zn: <1%Ag: <1%Cr: <0.25%other elements: <0.05% each and <0.15% in total remainder: aluminium; with: Mg/Si<1homogenising in the range 470.degree. C. to 570.degree. C.;hot working, and optionally cold working;solution heat treating in the range 540.degree. C. to 570.degree. C.;quenching;annealing, comprising at least one temperature plateau in the range 150.degree. C. to 250.degree. C., preferably in the range 165.degree. C. to 220.degree. C., the total period measured as the equivalent time at 175.degree. C. being in the range 30 h to 300 h.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1997Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Pechiney RhenaluInventors: Denis Bechet, Timothy Warner -
Patent number: 5820708Abstract: This invention relates to the extrusion of aluminium-lithium alloys, desirably in the form of relatively thin sections, which are particularly suitable for aerospace applications. The invention provides a method of extruding a lithium-containing aluminium alloy containing at least 0.1% by weight of copper, which method comprises: a) providing a billet of the alloy in an homogenised condition at a temperature suitable for extrusion, wherein the alloy contains at least 1.5% by weight of lithium, b) extruding the billet at a temperature and at an extrusion rate such that essentially all of the components thereof are in solid solution as the extrudate leaves the extrusion die, and c) cooling the extrudate at a rate sufficient to avoid substantially any precipitation of the components thereof taking place. Corrosion of the extruded sections after quenching and after ageing can be substantially reduced by means of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1995Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: Alcan International LimitedInventor: Martin Roy Jarrett
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Patent number: 5810952Abstract: A process for making an essentially lead-free screw machine stock alloy, comprising the steps of providing a cast aluminum ingot having a composition consisting essentially of about 0.55 to 0.70 wt. % silicon, about 0.15 to 0.45 wt. % iron, about 0.30 to 0.40 wt. % copper, about 0.8 to 0.15 wt. % manganese, about 0.80 to 1.10 wt. % magnesium, about 0.08 to 0.14 wt. % chromium, nor more than about 0.25 wt. % zinc, about 0.007 to 0.07 wt. % titanium, about 0.20 to 0.8 wt. % bismuth, about 0.15 to 0.25 wt. % tin, balance aluminum and unavoidable impurities; homogenizing the alloy at a temperature ranging from about 900.degree. to 1060.degree. F. for a time period of at least 1 hour; cooling to room temperature; cutting the ingot into billets; heating and extruding the billets into a desired shape; and thermomechanically treating the extruded alloy shape.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1996Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical CorporationInventors: Larry E. Farrar, Jr., Norman LeRoy Coats, II