Abstract: A method of improving the corrosion properties of an aluminum alloy product containing solid solution alloying elements includes the step of rapidly quenching the alloy product after it has been heated or hot deformed so as to maintain the alloying elements in solid solution to avoid microsegregation of the solid solution alloying elements and minimize preferential sites for corrosion onset.

Abstract: A method of producing an AA7000 series aluminum alloy wrought product or plate includes a two step solution heat treating sequence wherein the aluminum plate is subjected to a first solution heat treatment at a first elevated temperature or temperatures for a first period of time, followed by a second solution heat treatment at a lower temperature or temperatures for a second period of time. The two step solution heat treating sequence results in vastly improved exfoliation corrosion resistance in the final aluminum wrought or plate product. An improved process for making aluminum alloy products in the T7751 Temper also is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing an aluminum article comprising the steps of: (a) providing stock including an aluminum alloy comprising about 1.0 to 1.3 wt.% silicon, about 0.40 to 0.80 wt.% magnesium, about 0.02 to 0.20 wt.% of an element selected from the group consisting of manganese and chromium, not more than about 0.70 wt.% copper, the remainder substantially aluminum, incidental elements and impurities; (b) hot rolling the stock at a temperature ranging from about 980.degree. to 1025.degree. F. to obtain a gauge thickness ranging from about 0.20 to 0.10 inches; (c) solution heat treating at a temperature ranging from about 1000.degree. to 1030.degree. F. for a time period of about 3 to 10 minutes; (d) rapid quenching at a rate of about 500.degree. F./second to a threshold temperature of about 200.degree. F. for a time period ranging from about 2 to 10 minutes; (e) cooling to room temperature at a rate above 1.8.degree. F.

Abstract: A method of superplastic extrusion is provided for fabricating large, complex-shaped, high strength metal alloy components, such as large, thin cross section, closed-box panels or integrally "T-stiffened" aircraft skin panels. Superplastic extrusion is similar to conventional extrusion except that strain rate and temperature are carefully controlled to keep an ultra-fine grain high strength metal alloy within the superplastic regime where deformation occurs through grain boundary sliding. A high strength, heat treatable metal alloy is first processed, such as by equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE), to have a uniform, equiaxed, ultra-fine grain size in thick section billet form. Temperature and strain rate are controlled during superplastic extrusion of the ultra-fine grained billet so that the stresses required for metal flow are much lower than those needed in conventional extrusion.

Abstract: The aluminum conductor having increase of its electric resistivity kept small at ultra low temperature of 30.degree. K. or lower even after cyclic strain is given at ultra low temperature, by controlling the crystal structure of the high purity aluminum conductor with purity of 99.9-99.9999 wt % so as to consist of (i) a veritable single or a substantially single crystal consisting of a bundle of sub-grains which have their crystal axes in the same direction or in the directions within a couple of degrees of deviation as a whole which has a specific crystal axis of <111> or <100> or the crystal axes close thereto in the longitudinal direction of the aluminum conductor, or (ii) a polycrystal most of which grains have respective specific crystal axes of <111> and/or <100>, or the crystal axes close thereto with respect to each grain in the longitudinal direction of the aluminum conductor, and have specific grain size of 0.01 mm to 3.0 mm.

Abstract: There is provided a coil retainer for an engine valve to be mounted therewithin, said retainer prepared by forging of an aluminum-based alloy of the following composition; followed by special combined heat treatments to convert into an alloy material having a dendrite arm spacing value less than 15 micrometer; and the composition being composed ofSilicon: 8 to 17 weight percent;Copper: 2 to 5 weight percent;Magnesium: 0.2 to 10 weight percent;Manganese: 0.1 to 1.5 weight percent;the balance of the composition being aluminum and inevitable amount of impurities.

Abstract: Methods for making an aluminum drive shaft for automobiles or trucks or other drive shaft applications from aluminum alloy tube and methods for making said tube including using an aluminum alloy containing about 0.5 to 1.3% magnesium, about 0.4 to 1.2% silicon, and about 0.6 to 1.2% copper and preferred practices for making the tube. The preferred practices include extrusion temperature and other aspects of extrusion, along with cold drawing. One preferred practice includes reducing tube diameter and increasing wall thickness at one or both ends of the drive shaft tube shortly after solution heating and quenching and applies to various 6000 Series type aluminum alloys.

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: In a method of producing twisted aluminum products, an elongate heat-treatable aluminum article is twisted at first to have a value "tan .phi." of 0.5 or more, with the term .phi. denoting a helical angle of the thus twisted article. The twisted aluminum article is then subjected to a solid solution treatment and the step of aging, in this order.

Abstract: AA 7000 series alloys having high mechanical strength and a process for obtaining them. The alloys contain, by weight, 7 to 13.5% Zn, 1 to 3.8% Mg, 0.6 to 2.7% Cu, 0 to 0.5% Mn, 0 to 0.4% Cr, 0 to 0.2% Zr, others up to 0.05% each and 0.15% total, and remainder Al. Either wrought or cast alloys can be obtained, and the specific energy associated with the DEA melting signal of the product is lower than 3 J/g.

Abstract: An improved elongate aluminum alloy product, and a method of producing such a product, ideally suited for use as a component in a vehicle frame or subassembly, i.e., body-in-white. The alloy consists of essentially 0.45 to 0.7% magnesium, and about 0.35 to 0.6%, silicon, and about 0.1 to 0.35%, vanadium, and, 0.1-0.4% iron, preferably 0.15 to 0.3%, the balance substantially aluminum and incidental elements and impurities.

Abstract: An A-rated aluminum alloy suitable for machining, said alloy consisting essentially of: about 0.15-1.0 wt. % copper, about 1.01-1.5 wt. % tin, about 0.65-1.35 wt. % magnesium, about 0.4-1.1 wt. % silicon, about 0.00 2-0.35 wt. % manganese, up to about 0.5 wt. % iron, up to about 0.15 wt. % chromium and up to about 0.15 wt. % titanium, the remainder substantially aluminum. On a preferred basis, this alloy contains about 0.51-0.75 wt. % copper, about 1.1-1.3 wt. % tin, about 0.7-0.9 wt. % magnesium and about 0.45-0.75 wt. % silicon. The alloy is substantially free of lead, bismuth, nickel, zirconium and cadmium. 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 thermally processing the aforementioned alloy composition.

Abstract: A composition and method for producing a low density, high stiffness aluminum alloy which is capable of being processed into structural components having a desired combination of tensile strength, fracture toughness and ductility. The method includes the steps of forming, by spray deposition, a solid Al-Li alloy workpiece consisting essentially of the formula Al.sub.bal Li.sub.a Zr.sub.b wherein "a" ranges from greater than about 2.5 to 7 wt %, and "b" ranges from greater than about 0.13 to 0.6 wt %, the balance being aluminum, said alloy having been solidified at a cooling rate of about 10.sup.2 to 10.sup.4 K/sec. The method further includes several variations of selected thermomechanical process steps for: (1) eliminating any residual porosity which may be present in the workpiece as a result of the spray deposition step; and (2) producing components for a wide range of applications.

Abstract: A process for producing an aluminum-based alloy composition having improved combinations of strength and fracture toughness. The process includes casting an ingot consisting essentially of 2.5-5.5 percent copper, 0.10-2.30 percent magnesium, with minor amounts of grain refining elements, dispersoid additions and impurities and the balance aluminum. The amounts of copper and magnesium are controlled such that the solid solubility limit for these elements in aluminum is not exceeded. The alloy composition also includes 0.10-1.00 percent silver for improved mechanical properties. The ingot, in accordance with the inventive process, is homogenized and worked to produce a product. The product is solution heat treated to obtain a saturated solid solution and then aged to develop an improved combination of high strength and fracture toughness.

Abstract: Methods for making an aluminum alloy bicycle frame and for making tubes for such frames including use of an aluminum alloy containing about 0.5 to 1.3% magnesium, about 0.4 to 1.2% silicon, and about 0.6 to 1.2% copper and preferred practices for making extruded and drawn tubing of the alloy and making bicycle frames from the tubing. The preferred practices include extrusion temperature control and other aspects of extrusion and drawing.

Abstract: In a method of extruding a 6000-series-type aluminum alloy by casting, homogenizing, extruding and optionally, aging and/or heat treating, an alloy composition is provided having silicon 0.6-1.2 wt. %, magnesium 0.7-1.2 wt. %, copper 0.3-1.1 wt. %, manganese 0.1-0.8 wt. %, zirconium 0.05-0.25 wt. %, up to 0.5 wt. % iron, up to 0.15 wt. % chromium, up to 0.25 wt. % zinc, up to 0.10 wt. % titanium with the balance aluminum and incidental impurities wherein an effective amount of zirconium, in combination with effective amounts of manganese, produces a fibrous grain structure which contributes to a combination of high strength and fracture toughness in the extruded alloy. The fibrous grain structure also permits improvements in forming the extrusion by enabling lower temperatures to be utilized during the homogenization step.

Abstract: A novel method is disclosed for removing or eliminating anisotropic material properties typically found in conventionally rolled or otherwise processed aluminum-lithium alloy products obtained from conventional aluminum fabrication mills. The method comprises imparting a predetermined amount of strain to the conventionally rolled alloy sheet whereby the alloy experiences dynamic recrystallization. Through this process, the mill-imposed crystallographic texturing, which initially sets up the undesired anisotropic characteristics, is eliminated. A preferred technique for imparting strain to the sheet stock is superplastic forming.

Abstract: A process for producing an aluminum alloy in the form of mass includes: preparing as a material to be formed a mixed powder of aluminum and at least one kind of metal or non-metallic substance selected from the elements belonging to Groups 4a, 4b, 5a, 6a, 7a and 8a of the periodic table and boron, or a compact or a cast material formed of the mixed powder; placing the material to be formed in a die, and performing plastic deformation repeatedly on the material to be formed at 100.degree. to 400.degree. in an inert atmosphere while retaining at least part of the material to be formed in a confined state, so as to cause diffusion reaction between phases constituting the material to be formed, thereby forming the quasi-stable phase composed mainly of amorphous phases and/or supersaturated solid solution phases.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method manufacturing an aluminum alloy sheet comprising preparing an aluminum alloy ingot essentially consisting of 1.5 to 3.5% by weight of Mg, 0.3% to 1.0% by weight of Cu, 0.05 to 0.35% by weight of Si, 0.03 to 0.5% by weight of Fe, 0.005 to 0.15% by weight of Ti, 0.0002 to 0.05% by weight of B and a balance of Al, in which the ratio of Mg/Cu is in the range of 2 to 7, homogenizing the ingot in one step or in multiple steps, performed at a temperature within the range of 400.degree. to 580.degree. C., preparing an alloy sheet having a desired sheet thickness by subjecting the ingot to a hot rolling and a cold rolling, subjecting the alloy sheet to a heat treatment including heating the sheet up to a range of 500.degree. to 580.degree. C. at a heating rate of 3.degree. C./second or more, keeping it at the temperature reached for 0 to 60 seconds, and cooling at a cooling rate of 2.degree. C.

Abstract: The mechanical properties of aluminium alloy extrusion in a specified transverse direction are improved by upsetting the extrusion billet in at least one direction chosen with reference to the specified transverse direction. For example, the extrusion billet may be of generally circular cross-section with one or two opposite segments arising. The extrusion may be subjected to thermomechanical treatment and/or vibration treatment. A preferred final thermomechanical treatment is also described.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy containing about 0.5 to 1.3% magnesium, about 0.4 to 1.2% silicon, about 0.6 to 1.2% copper, about 0.1 to 1% manganese, the balance substantially being aluminum along with impurities and incidental elements, is made into wrought wire, rod, bar or tube products by extrusion and cold working, preferably drawing, operations. The method includes extrusion within about 300.degree. or 400.degree. up to about 650.degree. or 700.degree. F. and even possibly up to 750.degree. or 800.degree. F. on a less preferred basis. Following extrusion, the product may be cold drawn either before or after, or both before and after, solution heat treatment and quenching. Rapid quenching is preferred. The product can then be artificially aged, for instance by heating to 375.degree. F. The resulting product has a fine grain size and consistent and good properties so as to be useful in a number of applications.

Abstract: A rapidly solidified, low density aluminum base alloy consists essentially of the formula Al.sub.bal Li.sub.a Cu.sub.b Mg.sub.c Zr.sub.d wherein "a" ranges from about 2.2 to 2.5 wt %, "b" ranges from about 0.8 to 1.2 wt %, "c" ranges from about 0.4 to 0.6 wt % and "d" ranges from about 0.4 to 0.8 wt %, the balance being aluminum plus incidental impurities. The alloy is especially suited to be consolidated to produce a strong, tough, low density aircraft landing wheel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for improving aluminum alloy plate product properties by delaying final stretching of the plate product. During processing of the product, a time interval or intentional delay is provided between the final cold rolling step and the final stretching step. By delaying the final stretching procedure, an aluminum alloy plate product is provided with an improved fracture toughness without significant decrease in strength values. The method of intentionally delaying final stretching is particularly adapted for 2000 series aluminum alloys.

Abstract: A worked rod extrusion product for fabricating into products having high wear resistance surfaces, the product comprised of 11 to 13.5 wt. % Si, 0.5 to 1.45 wt % Cu, 0.8 to 3 wt. % Mg, 0.5 to 2.95 wt. % Ni, max 1 wt. % Fe, max 0.1 wt. % Cr, max 0.25 wt. % Zn, the balance aluminum, incidental elements and impurities.