Abstract: A method and an apparatus are shown for heat treating a rolling stock (3), particularly a strip, made of an age-hardenable aluminium alloy, particularly an alloy of the 6000 series, wherein the rolling stock (3) in the process of passing through an apparatus (1) is fed to a solution annealing operation and a quenching operation, and in a subsequent step the rolling stock (3) is subjected to hot exposure for age hardening. In order to provide advantageous conditions for the method it is proposed that in a first step during the hot exposure the rolling stock (3) which is in the process of passing through the apparatus (1) is heated, whereupon in a further step the heated rolling stock (3) is further subjected to the hot exposure.

Abstract: High strength heat treatable aluminum alloys that can be used at temperatures from about ?420° F. (?251° C.) up to about 650° F. (343° C.) are described. The alloys are strengthened by dispersion of particles based on the L12 intermetallic compound Al3X. These alloys comprise aluminum, copper, magnesium, at least one of scandium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, and lutetium; and at least one of gadolinium, yttrium, zirconium, titanium, hafnium, and niobium.

Abstract: A cold rolled strip (3) of aluminum is continuously transported along a transport path where a ramp of Direct Flame Impingement (DFI) burners (1) are located, for heating the strip. The ramp (1) is located perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the direction of movement of the strip (3), the DFI burners (1) are mutually located such that the whole width of the strip (3) is heated to the same, or substantially the same, temperature. The velocity of the strip (3) passing the ramp and the heating power of the burners (1) are adapted to heat treat the strip (3) such that annealing of the strip is carried out and the heat treated strip is wound to a coil (5).

Abstract: According to the present invention, a process for producing an aluminum alloy material, whereby reduction in toughness and in fatigue strength of the aluminum alloy material can be inhibited even after solution treatment is provided. Also, the following is provided: a process for producing an aluminum alloy material comprising at least the steps of subjecting a heat treatable aluminum alloy material to solution treatment and applying aging treatment to the aluminum alloy material subjected to solution treatment, which further comprises the following step between the solution treatment step and the aging treatment step: the step of subjecting the aluminum alloy material to plastic forming in a manner such that a given amount of equivalent strain is imparted to the aluminum alloy material from at least two directions while the aluminum alloy material subjected to solution treatment is maintained under temperature conditions that do not cause softening of the aluminum alloy material by over-aging.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an aluminium alloy sheet material. The method of producing aluminium alloy sheet material comprising the following steps: continuous strip casting of a sheet at a predetermined solidification rate ensuring material microstructure exhibiting primary particles having average size below 1 micrometer2, and (cold) rolling of the strip cast sheet to an appropriate gauge with optionally intermediate annealing during the cold rolling. It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel method of production of Al-alloy sheets applicable on heat exchanger sheet based components resulting in improved pitting corrosion applying (base) Al-alloy material with higher Fe-content.

Abstract: A cast aluminum alloy containing up to about 0.35% by weight chromium is heated to a first elevated temperature to homogenize the casting and dissolve the chromium content in an aluminum-based matrix phase. The alloy is then heated at a lower elevated temperature to cause the precipitation of a portion of the chromium as an aluminum-containing and chromium-containing intermetallic compound. A suitable amount of chromium is retained in solid solution in aluminum. Thus, the concentration of dissolved chromium in an aluminum alloy may be controlled to fall within specified ranges which result in improvements in both the strength and ductility of the alloy. Impurity amounts of iron may also be precipitated as intermetallic particles from the aluminum matrix to enhance the ductility of the aluminum-based alloy.

Abstract: Method for producing an open molded sheet metal part from a non-hardenable aluminum alloy that has the following steps: a) a sheet is prepared that is made of a non-hardenable aluminum alloy, the temper of which is H12, H14, H16, H18, H19, H22, H24, H26, H28, H32, H34, H36 or H38 according to European Standard EN 515:1993 and that in addition to aluminum includes at least magnesium and where necessary manganese; b) the aluminum is heated at least locally to a temperature between 200° C. and 350° C. within a period of 1 to 60 seconds; c) the heated sheet is placed in a cold forming die of a forming press and the sheet is formed, creating a molded sheet metal part.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods for the manufacture of aluminum alloy plates having reduced levels of residual stress as well as plates and products employing such plates. Processes of the present invention involve providing a solution heat-treated and quenched aluminum alloy plate with a thickness of at least 5 inches, and stress relieving the plate by performing at least one compressing step at a total rate of 0.5 to 5% permanent set along the longest or second longest edge of the plate. In the method, the dimension of the plate where the compression step is performed is along the longest or second longest edge of the plate, which is preferably no less than twice and no more than eight times the thickness of the plate. In further accordance with the present invention, there are provided stress-relieved alloys and plates that are provided with superior Wtot properties as well as reduced residual stress and heterogeneity values.

Abstract: A method for preparing a nanostructured aluminum alloy involves heating an aluminum alloy workpiece at temperature sufficient to produce a single phase coarse grained aluminum alloy, then refining the grain size of the workpiece at a temperature at or below room temperature, and then aging the workpiece to precipitate second phase particles in the nanosized grains of the workpiece that increase the ductility without decreasing the strength of the workpiece.

Abstract: Aluminum alloy products about 4 inches thick or less that possesses the ability to achieve, when solution heat treated, quenched, and artificially aged, and in parts made from the products, an improved combination of strength, fracture toughness and corrosion resistance, the alloy consisting essentially of: about 6.8 to about 8.5 wt. % Zn, about 1.5 to about 2.00 wt. % Mg, about 1.75 to about 2.3 wt. % Cu; about 0.05 to about 0.3 wt. % Zr, less than about 0.1 wt. % Mn, less than about 0.05 wt. % Cr, the balance Al, incidental elements and impurities and a method for making same. The instantly disclosed alloys are useful in making structural members for commercial airplanes including, but not limited to, upper wing skins and stringers, spar caps, spar webs and ribs of either built-up or integral construction.

Abstract: Described is a method for forming an internal frame configured to receive a flat screen display. Aggressive partial annealing is applied to a hard temper 5182 aluminum alloy material having magnesium content greater than or equal to 3.0 wt. %. The material is partial annealed to an extent that the hard temper aluminum alloy is substantially softened with respect to its initial hardened temper while not exceeding the point where recrystallization occurs. An internal frame for a flat screen display is formed from the partial annealed aluminum alloy.

Abstract: A hot pressing process, particularly for providing metal unions couplings for pneumatic, hydraulic and fluid-operated circuits, and a resulting metal union. The hot pressing process comprising: a step of preheating aluminum alloy bars, a step of pressing the part to be obtained, a thermal hardening treatment, and a thermal treatment for artificial aging. The standard cycle further provides for a step of solubilization of the pressed part, performed between the step of pressing the part to be obtained and the thermal hardening treatment. The alloy preferably comprising (weight percent): Si 0.6-1.4%, Fe 0.7%, Cu 0.2-0.5%, Mn 0.2-1%, Mg 0.6-1.2%, Cr 0.3%, Zn 0.3%, Ti 0.2%, Pb 0.4%, Bi 0.5-1.5%, balance aluminum. The process can include a solutionising step after the pressing step.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat treatment method of an aluminum alloy panel, which can prevent surface curvature of molded aluminum alloy panel. For this purpose, the present heat treatment methods comprise: cold rolling an aluminum alloy panel at a reduction ratio of 45 to 50% at a final pass in a cold rolling process; first heat-treating the cold-rolled aluminum alloy panel at 450 to 510° C. for 3 hours; rapidly cooling the heat-treated aluminum alloy panel at a rate 60° C./sec or higher after the first heat treatment; and second heat-treating the rapidly cooled aluminum alloy panel at 200 to 220° C.

Abstract: The present invention are to provide a method for producing an aluminum-alloy shaped product that exhibits high-temperature mechanical strength superior to that of a conventional aluminum-alloy forged product. The present invention provides a method for producing an aluminum-alloy shaped product, comprising a step of forging a continuously cast rod of aluminum-alloy serving as a forging material, in which the aluminum-alloy contains Si in an amount of 10.5 to 13.5 mass %, Cu in an amount of 2.5 to 6 mass %, Mg in an amount of 0.3 to 1.5 mass % and Ni in an amount of 0.8 to 4%, and satisfies a relational expression of “Ni(% bymass)?(?0.68×Cu(% by mass)+4.

Abstract: A wear-resistant aluminum alloy material excellent in workability and wear-resistance is provided. A wear-resistant aluminum alloy material excellent in workability includes Si: 13 to 15 mass %, Cu: 5.5 to 9 mass %, Mg: 0.2 to 1 mass %, Ni: 0.5 to 1 mass %, P: 0.003 to 0.03 mass %, and the balance being Al and inevitable impurities. An average particle diameter of primary Si particles is 10 to 30 ?m, an area occupancy rate of the primary Si particles in cross-section is 3 to 12%, an average particle diameter of intermetallic compounds is 1.5 to 8 ?m, and an area occupancy rate of the intermetallic compounds in cross-section is 4 to 12%.

Abstract: A method for the heat treatment of a casting produced by high pressure die casting, that may exhibit blister forming porosity in the as-cast condition, of an age-hardenable aluminium alloy, includes solution treating the casting by heating the casting to and within a temperature range enabling solute elements to be taken into solid solution. The casting then is cooled to terminate the solution treatment by quenching the casting to a temperature below 100° C. The cooled casting is held in a temperature range enabling natural and/or artificial ageing. The solution treatment is conducted to achieve a level of solute element solution enabling age-hardening without expansion of pores in the casting causing unacceptable blistering of the casting.

Abstract: Method for making an aluminium-magnesium alloy in the form of a rolled product, having the composition in weight percent of: Mg 4.8-5.6, Mn 0.05-0.4, Zn 0.40-0.6, Cu 0.06-0.35, Cr 0.25 max., Fe 0.35 max., Si 0.25 max., Zr 0.12 max., Ti 0.3 max., others (each) max. 0.05, (total) max. 0.15, and balance aluminium.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy material for high-temperature/high-speed molding containing 2.0 to 8.0 mass % of Mg, 0.05 to 1.0 mass % of Mn, 0.01 to 0.3 mass % of Zr, 0.06 to 0.4 mass % of Si and 0.06 to 0.4 mass % of Fe, with the balance being made of aluminum and inevitable impurities; an aluminum alloy material for high-temperature/high-speed molding containing 2.0 to 8.0% of Mg, 0.05 to 1.5% of Mn and 0.05 to 0.4% of Cr, Fe being restricted to 0.4% or less and Si being restricted to 0.4% or less, the grain diameter of a Cr-base intermetallic compound formed by melt-casting being 20 ?m or less, and grains of intermetallic compounds with a grain diameter in the range from 50 to 1,000 nm as Mn-base and Cr-base precipitates being present in a distribution density of 350,000 grains/mm2 or more, the aluminum alloy material being used for high-temperature/high-speed molding by subjecting the alloy material to cooling at a cooling rate of 20° C./min or more immediately after molding at a temperature range from 200 to 550° C.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods for the manufacture of aluminum alloy plates having reduced levels of residual stress as well as plates and products employing such plates. Processes of the present invention involve providing a solution heat-treated and quenched aluminum alloy plate with a thickness of at least 5 inches, and stress relieving the plate by performing at least one compressing step at a total rate of 0.5 to 5% permanent set along the longest or second longest edge of the plate. In the method, the dimension of the plate where the compression step is performed is along the longest or second longest edge of the plate, which is preferably no less than twice and no more than eight times the thickness of the plate. In further accordance with the present invention, there are provided stress-relieved alloys and plates that are provided with superior Wtot properties as well as reduced residual stress and heterogeneity values.

Abstract: A sheet of a 6000 type aluminum alloy containing Si and Mg as main alloy components and having an excellent formability sufficient to allow flat hemming, excellent resistance to denting, and good hardenability during baking a coating, which exhibits an anisotropy of Lankford values of more than 0.4 or the strength ratio for cube orientations of the texture thereof of 20 or more, and exhibits a minimum bend radius of 0.5 mm or less at 180° bending, even when the offset yield strength thereof exceeds 140 MPa through natural aging; and a method for producing the sheet of the aluminum alloy, which includes the steps of subjecting an ingot to a homogenization treatment, cooling to a temperature lower than 350° C. at a cooling rate of 100° C./hr or more, optionally to room temperature, heating again to a temperature of 300 to 500° C. and subjecting it to hot rolling, cold rolling the hot rolled product, and subjecting the cold rolled sheet to a solution treatment at a temperature of 400° C.

Abstract: A method of creep forming a metallic component is provided. The method includes the steps of applying static loading and cyclic loading and/or vibration to the component during the creep forming thereof to act as a source of additional energy.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming complex structures from aluminum alloys, particularly from naturally hard AlMg alloys, naturally hard AlMgSc alloys and/or age-hardenable AlMgLi alloys. The method, in a simple manner by means of as few process steps as possible, forms complex structures from the alloys such that they almost assume their final shape without any significant spring-back. Simultaneously, the loss of material is to be kept as low as possible. This is achieved by means of the following steps: elastic forming of a component to be formed into a defined contour under the effect of external force; and heating-up of the elastically formed component to a temperature higher than the temperature required for a creep formation and relaxation of stresses of the alloy, so that the component is formed while retaining the contour.

Abstract: A method is described for making an aluminum alloy foil suitable for application to fins used in heat exchangers. The method comprises providing an aluminum alloy composition containing about 0.27% to about 0.55% by weight of iron, about 0.06% to about 0.55% by weight of silicon and optionally up to about 0.20% by weight of copper; continuously casting a coiled strip from the molten aluminum alloy; cold rolling the continuously cast coil to a final gauge of about 0.076 mm to about 0.152 mm and partially annealing the aluminum alloy sheet at a temperature below about 260° C., with a maximum overheat of about 10° C. to anneal the aluminum alloy foil substantially without any recrystallization.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy sputter target having a sputter target face for sputtering the sputter target is disclosed. The sputter target face has a textured-metastable grain structure. The textured-metastable grain structure has a grain orientation ratio of at least 35 percent (200) orientation. The textured-metastable grain structure is stable during sputtering of the sputter target. The textured-metastable grain structure has a grain size of less than 5 ?m. The method forms aluminum alloy sputter targets by first cooling an aluminum alloy target blank to a temperature of less than ?50° C. Then deforming the cooled aluminum alloy target blank introduces plastic strain into the target blank and reduces the grain size of the grains to form a textured-metastable grain structure. Finally, finishing the aluminum alloy target blank forms a finished sputter target that maintains the textured-metastable grain structure of the finished sputter target.

Abstract: A method of performing manufacturing operations on a workpiece made of a high strength alloy is disclosed in which a local area of a workpiece is heated to micro-structurally soften the local area. The local area of the workpiece becomes softened and more ductile. A manufacturing operation involving deformation of the heat softened area is performed with the metal in the heat softened region being more ductile and having less strength than the surrounding portions thereof. Manufacturing operations may include riveting, clinching, hydro-forming, and magnetic pulse joining.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wrought aluminium-magnesium alloy product, having a composition (in wt. %) of: 3.1<Mg<4.5; 0.4<Mn<0.85; 0.4<Zn<0.8; 0.06<Cu<0.35; Cr<0.25; Fe<0.35; Si<0.2; Zr<0.25; Ti<0.3; others≦0.05, each up to a total of max. 0.15, and balance aluminium.

Abstract: Aluminium-magnesium alloy in the form of a rolled product or an extrusion, having the composition in weight percent:—Mg 4.5-5.6 Mn 0.05-0.4 Zn 0.40-0.8 Cu 0.06-0.35 Cr 0.25 max. Fe 0.35 max. Si 0.25 max. Zr 0.12 max. Ti 0.3 max. others (each) max. 0.05, (total) max. 0.15 balance aluminium.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy plate to be subjected to a bake coating contains silicon (Si) and magnesium (Mg) with the balance being aluminum (Al) and inevitable impurities. In order to set the content of Mg2Si in a range of 0.50% by weight≦Mg2Si≦1.00% by weight, when the Si content by weight percent is taken on an x-axis of rectangular coordinates and the Mg content by weight percent is taken on a y-axis of the rectangular coordinates, the Si and Mg contents are set in a region in a diagram formed by sequentially connecting a point A (0.18, 0.31), a point B (1.3, 0.31), a point C (1.3, 0.64), a point D (0.37, 0.64), a point E (0.37, 1.0), a point F (0.18, 1.0) and the point A (0.18, 0.31). Thus, a bake-hard effect can be obtained, and the aluminum alloy plate can be produced at a relatively low manufacturing cost.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of reducing grain sizes of materials, and methods of forming sputtering targets. The invention includes a method for producing a sputtering target material in which a metallic material is subjected to plastic working at a processing percentage of at least 5% and a processing rate of at least 100%/second. In particular applications the metallic material comprises one or more of aluminum, copper and titanium.

Abstract: A hydro-forming method for an aluminum alloy is provided which comprises: loading a tube component made of an aluminum alloy on a die of a hydro-forming apparatus; bringing a first die and a second die together in a state in which the tube component is loaded, and sealing and axially compressing the tube component by operation of a hydraulic cylinder disposed on each side of the tube component; heating the tube component to a temperature within a predetermined temperature range; forming the tube component along forming surfaces formed on the first die and the second die by providing an axial compressing force of the hydraulic cylinders and supplying hydraulic pressure into the tube component, when the tube component is heated to the predetermined temperature; and taking the formed tube component out of the first and second dies, and cooling the tube component.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of converting an ingot of a 6000 series aluminium alloy to self-annealing sheet, comprises subjecting the ingot to a two-stage homogenisation treatment, first at at least 560° C. and then at 450° C. to 480° C., then hot rolling the homogenised ingot at a starting hot roll temperature of 450° C. to 480° C. and a finishing hot roll temperature of 320° C. to 360° C. The resulting hot rolled sheet has an unusually low Cube recrystallisation component.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy sputter target having a sputter target face for sputtering the sputter target. The sputter target face has a textured-metastable grain structure. The textured-metastable grain structure has a grain orientation ratio of at least 35 percent (200) orientation. The textured-metastable grain structure is stable during sputtering of the sputter target. The textured-metastable grain structure has a grain size of less than 5 &mgr;m. The method forms aluminum alloy sputter targets by first cooling an aluminum alloy target blank to a temperature of less than −50 ° C. Then deforming the cooled aluminum alloy target blank introduces plastic strain into the target blank and reduces the grain size of the grains to form a textured-metastable grain structure. Finally, finishing the aluminum alloy target blank forms a finished sputter target that maintains the textured-metastable grain structure of the finished sputter target.

Abstract: A process for producing an aluminum alloy semi-molten billet for use as a transporation unit, including the steps of: producing an aluminum alloy having a composition consisting essentially of, in weight %, 0.5 or less Cu, 5.0 to 10.0 Si, 0.2 to 0.7 Mg, 0.35 or less Zn, 0.55 or less Fe, 0.5 or less Mn, 0.005 to 0.5 Ti, and the balance aluminum; introducing working strain into a melt of the aluminum alloy by means of molding flask-assisted cold forging at a distortion rate of 10 to 40%, at a working introduction velocity of 10 mm or less per second, and at a temperature of 200° C. or lower; and, thereafter heat-treating such a strain introduced melt at temperatures in a range of 576 to 585° C.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of reducing grain sizes of materials, and methods of forming sputtering targets. The invention includes a method for producing a sputtering target material in which a metallic material is subjected to plastic working at a processing percentage of at least 5% and a processing rate of at least 100%/second. In particular applications the metallic material comprises one or more of aluminum, copper and titanium.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a solderable aluminum alloy having an aluminum alloy which is formable into a substrate. The aluminum alloy has 0.05-4.5% by weight of tin added to the aluminum alloy to be formed into the substrate. The invention is also directed to a process for preparing a solderable aluminum substrate. The process includes preparing an aluminum slug with 0.05-4.5% of tin added to the aluminum slug; then rolling the aluminum slug to the desired thickness for the substrate; finally forming the rolled slug into the final shaped of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of reducing grain sizes of materials, and methods of forming sputtering targets. The invention includes a method for producing a sputtering target material in which a metallic material is subjected to plastic working at a processing percentage of at least 5% and a processing rate of at least 100%/second. In particular applications the metallic material comprises one or more of aluminum, copper and titanium.

Abstract: A process for the production of a base foil of an aluminum alloy is provided which comprises a first heating step in which a cold-rolled plate derived from a continuously cast-rolled plate is maintained at a temperature between higher than 350° C. and lower than 450° C. for longer than 0.5 hour, the cast-rolled plate being comprised of a Al-Fe-Si type aluminum alloy, the aluminum alloy containing Fe in a content between more than 0.3% by weight and less than 1.2% by weight and Si in a content between more than 0.20% by weight and less than 1% by weight and having a Si/Fe ratio between above 0.4 and below 1.2, and a second heating step in which the resultant plate is maintained at a temperature between higher than 200° C. and lower than 330° C. for longer than 0.5 hour. The base foil is substantially free of macroscopic and microscopic rib patterns on its rolled and mat surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing hot-rolled aluminum strip for can making, especially in rolling plant whose yearly production capacity is below 250,000 tons, having a reversing roughing stage for the feed material, which is used hot, and immediately thereafter finishing rolling of the strip, which is followed by heat treatment of the strip coiled up into coils. In this case, during the last finishing rolling passes, recrystallization in the rolled material is suppressed by means of controlled temperature management of the hot strip and the recrystallization is specifically brought about only outside the rolling train, directly following the finishing rolling.

Abstract: The first Al-based target material for sputtering contains 0.01-10 atomic % of at least one intermetallic compound-forming element, and an intermetallic compound having a maximum diameter of substantially 50 &mgr;m or less. The second Al-based target material for sputtering has a microstructure comprising an alloy phase containing 20 atomic % or less of the intermetallic compound-forming element and Al and an Al matrix phase comprising substantially pure Al, the maximum diameter of the intermetallic compound in the alloy phase being substantially 50 &mgr;m or less. The content of the intermetallic compound forming element based on the whole structure is 0.01-10 atomic %. These target materials are produced by pressure-sintering a rapid solidification powder at 400-600° C. After the pressure sintering, the target material is preferably hot-rolled at 400-600° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of producing an aluminum alloy sheet which, in one embodiment, includes roll casting an aluminum alloy strip having a thickness of less than about 0.5 inch and, subsequently, preferably without intervening thermal treatments or surface cleaning, cold rolling the strip to a thickness of less than about 0.15 inch, after which the cold rolled strip is subjected to thermal treatment which is preferably either continuous annealing or solution heat treatment. The aluminum alloy, in a continuous annealing embodiment, is preferably selected from the group consisting of the 3XXX and 5XXX series. In another embodiment wherein solution heat treatment is employed, the aluminum alloy is preferably selected from the group consisting of 2XXX and 6XXX. The sheet may be converted into a motor vehicle body panel.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Described is a method for producing a diffusion bonded sputtering target assembly which is thermally treated to precipitation harden the backing plate without compromising the diffusion bond integrity. The method includes heat treating and quenching to alloy solution and artificially age the backing plate material after diffusion bonding to a target. Thermal treatment of the diffusion bonded sputtering target assembly includes quenching by partial-immersion in a quenchant and is performed after diffusion bonding and allows for various tempers in the backing plate.

Abstract: A metallic alloy composition is manufactured into products such as press formed or stamped products or rolled products such as sheet, strip, rod, wire or band by one or more cold working steps with intermediate or final flash annealing. The method can include cold rolling an iron, nickel or titanium aluminide alloy and annealing the cold worked product in a furnace by infrared heating. The flash annealing is preferably carried out by rapidly heating the cold worked product to an elevated temperature for less than one minute. The flash annealing is effective to reduce surface hardness of the cold worked product sufficiently to allow further cold working. The product to be cold worked can be prepared by casting the alloy or by a powder metallurgical technique such as tape casting a mixture of metal powder and a binder, roll compacting a mixture of the powder and a binder or plasma spraying the powder onto a substrate.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of reducing grain sizes of materials, and methods of forming sputtering targets. The invention includes a method for producing a sputtering target material in which a metallic material is subjected to plastic working at a processing percentage of at least 5% and a processing rate of at least 100%/second. In particular applications the metallic material comprises one or more of aluminum, copper and titanium.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed is an aluminum alloy plate for super plastic molding capable of cold pre-molding before super plastic molding. The alloy plate comprises Mg at from 2.0 to 8.0% (weight %, the same shall apply hereinafter) Be at from 0.0001 to 0.01%, at least one of Mn at from 0.3 to 2.5%, Cr at from 0.1 to 0.5%, Zr at from 0.1 to 0.5% and V at from 0.1 to 0.5%. Additionally, the alloy plate may comprise an Fe amount and an Si amount each within a range of 0.0 to 0.2%; amounts of Na and Ca within ranges of 3 ppm or less and 5 ppm or less, respectively; while the remainder of the alloy plate consists of Al and inevitable impurities. The resulting alloy plate a crystalline structure is a non-recrystallized crystal structure; the 90° critical bending radius is 7.5 times the plate thickness or less; and the yield strength ratio before and after the final annealing is 70% or more. The invention also discloses production methods for the alloy plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing anodic coatings with superior corrosion resistance and other properties on aluminum and aluminum alloy surfaces by cryogenically treating the aluminum prior to anodizing. The invention also relates to the anodic coatings and to the anodically coated articles produced by the process. The anodized coating has a thickness of 0.001 to 0.5 mm and a time to penetration of at least 5 hours for aqueous solutions of HCl.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing components from critical cold forming of light metal strip, preferably naturally hard Al alloys of the AlMg or AlMg—Mn types, in which the desired component is manufactured from the strip by at least one cold forming step and the plasticity is improved before the cold forming by means of a soft annealing. According to the invention, it is proposed that the region of the longitudinal edges of the cold-slit strips is heated in a depth in the strip width of at least 1 mm to a maximum of 10 mm in such a way that a temperature of over 150° C. is reached over a time span of more than 0.1 seconds to a maximum of 10 seconds.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A metallic alloy composition is manufactured into products such as press formed or stamped products or rolled products such as sheet, strip, rod, wire or band by one or more cold working steps with intermediate or final flash annealing. The method can include cold rolling an iron, nickel or titanium aluminide alloy and annealing the cold worked product in a furnace by infrared heating. The flash annealing is preferably carried out by rapidly heating the cold worked product to an elevated temperature for less than one minute. The flash annealing is effective to reduce surface hardness of the cold worked product sufficiently to allow further cold working. The product to be cold worked can be prepared by casting the alloy or by a powder metallurgical technique such as tape casting a mixture of metal powder and a binder, roll compacting a mixture of the powder and a binder or plasma spraying the powder onto a substrate.