Abstract: Described herein are 7xxx series aluminum alloys with unexpected properties and novel methods of producing such aluminum alloys. The aluminum alloys exhibit high strength and are highly formable. The alloys are produced by continuous casting and can be hot rolled to a final gauge and/or a final temper. The alloys can be used in automotive, transportation, industrial, and electronics applications, just to name a few.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for producing thick gauge aluminum alloy articles such as plates, shates, slabs, sheet plates or the like. A method for producing thick gauge aluminum alloy articles can include continuously casting an aluminum alloy article and hot or warm rolling the aluminum alloy article. Also provided herein is a continuous casting system for producing thick gauge aluminum alloy articles. The disclosed thick gauge aluminum alloy articles can be provided in any suitable temper.

Abstract: Disclosed are welds formed from improved resistance spot welding. Resistance spot welding includes positioning a first metal sheet and a second metal sheet between two electrodes, contacting the two electrodes together on to opposing surfaces of the first metal sheet and the second metal sheet, and applying at least a minimum current to the first metal sheet and the second metal sheet through the two electrodes to form a weld having a minimum weld size to join the first metal sheet with the second metal sheet. At least one of the first metal sheet and the second metal sheet is a fusion alloy where the composition of at least one outer layer of the sheet is different from the composition of the core of the sheet.

Abstract: Moving metal strips can be heat treated with any number or combination of dimensionally variable tempers across widths, lengths, or thicknesses of a metal strip. To provide dimensionally variable heat treatment, an apparatus can include one or more heating units suitable to increase the temperature of a metal strip moving proximate the apparatus to a heat treatment temperature. The apparatus can also include one or more cooling units positioned near the heating units to absorb heat and cool the metal strip to minimize the amount of heat transferred from a first region of the metal strip that is to be treated to a second region of the metal strip that is not to be treated.

Abstract: Systems and methods of threading a metal substrate on a rolling mill include receiving a coil of the metal substrate. The method also includes uncoiling the metal substrate from the coil while the coil and guiding the metal substrate to a work stand of the rolling mill with a threading system.

Abstract: A rotating magnet heater for metal products, such as aluminum strip, can include permanent magnet rotors arranged above and below a moving metal strip to induce moving or time varying magnetic fields through the metal strip. The changing magnetic fields can create currents (e.g., eddy currents) within the metal strip, thus heating the metal strip. A magnetic rotor set can include a pair of matched magnetic rotors on opposite sides of a metal strip that rotate at the same speed. Each magnetic rotor of a set can be positioned equidistance from the metal strip to avoid pulling the metal strip away from the passline. A downstream magnetic rotor set can be used in close proximity to an upstream magnetic rotor set to offset tension induced by the upstream magnetic rotor set.

Abstract: Systems and methods of non-contact tensioning of a metal strip during metal processing include passing the metal strip adjacent a magnetic rotor. The magnetic rotor is spaced apart from the metal strip by a first distance. The systems and methods also include tensioning the metal strip through the magnetic rotor by rotating the magnetic rotor. Rotating the magnetic rotor induces a magnetic field into the metal strip such that the metal strip is tensioned in an upstream direction or a downstream direction. In other aspects, rotating the magnetic rotor induces a magnetic field into the metal strip such that a force normal to a surface of the metal strip is applied to the metal strip.

Abstract: Systems and methods of pre-ageing of a metal strip during metal processing include passing the metal strip adjacent a magnetic rotor of a reheater. The systems and methods also include heating the metal strip through the magnetic rotor by rotating the magnetic rotor. Rotating the magnetic rotor induces a magnetic field into the metal strip such that the metal strip is heated.

Abstract: Systems and methods of hot forming a metal blank include receiving the metal blank at a heater and positioning the blank adjacent a magnetic rotor of the heater. The systems and methods also include heating the metal blank through the magnetic rotor by rotating the magnetic rotor. Rotating the magnetic rotor induces a magnetic field into the metal blank such that the metal blank is heated.

Abstract: A non-contact heating apparatus uses a series of rotating magnets to heat, levitate, and/or move metal articles therethrough. A first series of rotating magnets heats the metal article to a desired temperature. A second series of rotating magnets levitates the metal article within the heating apparatus and maintains desired tension in the metal article, including urging the metal article through the heating apparatus. The heating apparatus can extend sufficiently far to soak the metal article at the desired temperature for a desired duration. The rotating magnets can be positioned outside of an electrically non-conductive, heat resistant chamber filled with an inert or mildly reactive gas, through which the metal article passes in the heating apparatus.

Abstract: A compact heat treatment line can include a short heating zone capable of rapidly bringing a metal strip to a suitable solutionizing temperature through the use of magnetic rotors, such as permanent magnet magnetic rotors. A fast and efficient soaking zone can be achieved as well, such as through the use of magnetic rotors to levitate the metal strip within a gas-filled chamber. Magnetic rotors can further levitate the metal strip through a quenching zone, and can optionally reheat the metal strip prior to final coiling. Magnetic rotors used to heat and/or levitate the metal strip can also provide tension control, can facilitate initial threading of the metal strip, and can cure coatings and/or promote uniformity of coatings/lubricants applied to the metal strip without overheating. Such a heat treatment line can provide continuous annealing and solution heat treating in a much more compacted space than traditional processing lines.

Abstract: A rolling mill with oil-cooled top and bottom work rolls at the entry side and a water spray header at the exit side of the bottom work roll. Water cooling is used below the pass line, reducing the heat in the mill substantially without the risk of generating drip-related surface defects during rolling. Water cooling can be used on the bottom work roll and a portion of the oil no longer needed to cool the bottom work roll can be diverted to the top work roll. In some cases, the coolant portion of the flatness control can be operated solely through water-cooling the bottom roll.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention provides aluminum alloy comprising the following composition, all values in weight %: Si 0.25-1.5 Cu 0.3-1.5 Fe up to 0.5 Mn up to 0.1 all other elements including Mg being incidental and present (if at all) then in an amount less than or equal to 0.05 individually, and less than or equal to 0.15 in aggregate, the balance being aluminum. In a second aspect, the invention provides a composite aluminum sheet product comprising a core layer and at least one clad layer wherein the at least one clad layer is an aluminum alloy comprising the following composition, all values in weight %: Si 0.25-1.5 Cu 0.3-1.5 Fe up to 0.5 Mn up to 0.1 all other elements including Mg being incidental and present (if at all) then in an amount less than or equal to 0.05 individually, and less than or equal to 0.15 in aggregate, the balance being aluminum.

Abstract: This application discloses methods of preparing a work roll for applying a dulled gloss finish on a metal substrate surface. The resulting finish has a fairly uniform glossiness with a slightly matted appearance and with minimal directionality. The work rolls have an Ra value of from 0.2 to 0.4 ?m and an Rz value of less than 3.0 ?m. Methods of forming a dulled gloss finish on a metal substrate are also described herein.

Abstract: Described herein are novel aluminum containing alloys. The alloys are highly formable and can be used for producing highly shaped aluminum products, including bottles and cans.

Abstract: This application discloses a multilayer aluminum material comprising an aluminum alloy core and aluminum alloy cladding, wherein the aluminum alloy cladding contains 0.1-1.0 wt % Cu, 0.1-0.5 wt % Fe, 0.1-1.0 wt % Mn, 3-15 wt % Si, 0.005-0.15 wt % Ti and >3-?7 wt % Zn, remainder Al. The aluminum alloy cladding can also optionally contain one or more of 0.001-0.3 wt % Mg, 0.001-0.01 wt % Ni or 0.001-0.05 wt % of at least one of Sr, Ca or Na. A process for producing the material is also described. The material can be produced in sheet form and is suitable for brazing application. The metal forms fabricated from the multilayer aluminum material by a process comprising brazing steps are also described.

Abstract: Described herein are aluminum alloys, and methods of making the aluminum alloys, that are advantageous for use as lithographic printing plates. The aluminum alloys, and methods of making the aluminum alloys described herein provide lithographic printing plates without surface defects, but with the mechanical and physical properties currently demanded by the printing industry.

Abstract: Described herein are tools and systems for friction stir welding, including cooling and clamping systems. Also disclosed are process parameters for friction stir welding aluminum metals, in some cases thick gauge aluminum metals, to other metals. The tool and process parameters can be used in transportation, electronics, industrial and motor vehicle applications, just to name a few.

Abstract: Provided herein are aluminum alloys and aluminum sheets including alloys that have a natural dark gray color when anodized. The alloys do not require any absorptive or electrolytic coloration process separate from the anodization process to achieve the dark gray coloration. Also provided herein are methods for making such aluminum alloys.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel processes to increase productivity on a continuous anneal and solution heat treatment line for heat-treatable automotive aluminum sheet products with high T4 and after-paint bake strengths and reduced roping. As a non-limiting example, the processes described herein can be used in the automotive industry. The disclosed heat treatable alloys and processes also may be applicable to the marine, aerospace, and transportation industries.