Abstract: Provided herein are new aluminum alloy materials which are useful in replacing copper in a heat exchanger. The aluminum alloy materials are also useful in manufacturing components of heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems for indoor and outdoor units. The alloys are well-suited for tubing in a heat exchanger. The alloys display high strength and good corrosion resistance. Also provided herein are methods for making the aluminum alloy materials.

Abstract: A decoating system includes a dust cyclone and cooled conveyor. The dust cyclone is configured to receive an exhaust gas from a decoating kiln, filter organic particulate matter from the exhaust gas as dust, and discharge the dust at a discharge temperature. The cooled conveyor is configured to receive the dust from the dust cyclone and cool the dust to a dust processing temperature that is less than the spontaneous reaction temperature.

Abstract: Described herein are corrugated heat protection tubes and methods of making the same. The heat protection tubes have improved heat resistance, improved abrasion resistance, and minimize or eliminate worker exposure to glass fiber insulating materials. The corrugated heat protection tubes can be used in automotive, transportation, and industrial applications, just to name a few.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using full-width hot sprays to pre-heat rolling mills prior to processing of metal sheet or plate are described herein. The hot sprays may be individually controlled. Using hot sprays can allow the rolling mill to reach operating temperature and achieve a desired thermal crown so that metal sheet or plate may be processed immediately within tolerances for flatness and gauge accuracy. Pre-heating of rolling mills can eliminate the need of the rolling mill to operate in a transitional period of work roll heating and can increase efficiency by eliminating or reducing scrap material and mill downtime. Hot sprays may also be incorporated with existing coolant systems to provide thermal control systems for rolling mills with bi-directional temperature controls.

Abstract: Provided herein are ultra-high strength aluminum alloys and products prepared therefrom, along with methods of processing the ultra-high strength aluminum alloys. The aluminum alloys described herein are high solute alloys, including significant amounts of zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), and other elements in addition to aluminum. The aluminum alloys described herein are amenable to post-aging processing without cracking.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved water-based, polyamide-containing synthetic polymer coating compositions and related products and processes. The coating composition comprises 1 to 40% dry weight of polyamide powder, and can contain higher polyamide content than organic solvent-based coating products containing polyamide and polyurethane. The improved coating compositions are suitable for coating of metal substrates, such as aluminum sheets and panels. The improved coating compositions are also suitable for industrial coil coating processes, forming a thin and uniform coating layer when applied to a metal substrate, such as an aluminum sheet surface. Methods and processes related to production and uses of the coating compositions are described, as well as products produced by the processes using the coating compositions, such as roller shutters and architectural panels.

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 conveying system, such as a conveying system for material including non-ferrous metals, includes a conveying belt and a stabilizer. The conveying belt includes a conveying surface and is adapted to convey the material on the conveying surface. The stabilizer is configured to apply a stabilizing force onto the material on the conveyor belt such that the material is stabilized while being conveyed. A method of stabilizing material on a conveyor belt includes receiving the material on the conveying surface of the conveyor belt, conveying the material at a conveying speed with the conveyor belt, and applying the stabilizing force onto the material with a stabilizer such that vertical displacement of at least some of the material is dampened and/or minimized at the conveying speed.

Abstract: The surface roughness of a polymer film laminated to a metal substrate can be improved through the use of sufficient heating after application of a wax layer to the polymer film. In some cases, a thin liquid film or layer of a waterborne wax dispersion can be applied to the surface of a metal substrate laminated with a polymer film. After heating the polymer film and wax layer to a point at which the polymer film and wax layer begin to become molten, the surface roughness of the polymer film can become improved due to the presence of the wax.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for reducing macrosegregation in cast metals. Techniques include providing an eductor nozzle capable of increasing mixing in the fluid region of an ingot being cast. Techniques also include providing a non-contacting flow control device to mix and/or apply pressure to the molten metal that is being introduced to the mold cavity. The non-contacting flow control device can be permanent magnet or electromagnet based. Techniques additionally can include actively cooling and mixing the molten metal before introducing the molten metal to the mold cavity.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides 6xxx series aluminum alloys and methods of making the same, such as through casting and rolling. The disclosure also provides products made from such alloys. The disclosure also provides various end uses of such products, such as in automotive, transportation, electronics, aerospace, and industrial applications, among others.

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: Provided herein are systems and methods for containing a viscous material, such as coolant, applied to cool a roll or a roll processed engineering material such as a metal strip. In particular, a viscous material containment system can include a housing, a viscous material delivery system, a plurality of movable seals and a plurality of gas delivery devices. A method for cooling a roll can include applying a vicious material, such as coolant, to the roll and containing the viscous material on the roll using the viscous material containment system. In some cases, the viscous material containment system can be used to facilitate removal of the viscous material from the roll.

Abstract: A non-contact steering device includes one or more magnetic rotors positioned near a metal strip. Each rotor includes one or more permanent magnets and rotates to impart a changing magnetic field on the metal strip passing nearby. The magnetic rotors can rotate around an axis of rotation that is parallel to the longitudinal direction of travel of the metal strip. The magnetic rotors can be positioned to impart forces on the strip in any combination of laterally, vertically, or longitudinally. A control mechanism can control the rotor speed, rotor direction, vertical position of the rotors, vertical spacing between rotors, and/or lateral position of the rotors. In some cases, the control mechanism can be coupled to sensors, such as a light curtain and a laser distance sensor, in order to provide closed loop feedback control of a metal strip passing through the non-contact magnetic rotor steering device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring the thermal crown of rolls in-situ (e.g., at high temperature) either inside or outside the rolling mill can include sensors that measure propagation times of mechanical waves through the rolls. In some embodiments, one or more sensors are used to measure the propagation times of ultrasonic waves traveling inside the roll and normal to the roll's axis. These measurements can be taken when the roll is still hot and can be used to determine in real-time the thermal expansion at various points along the roll.

Abstract: Provided herein are new clad aluminum alloy products and methods of making these alloys. These alloy products possess a combination of strength and other key attributes, such as corrosion resistance, formability, and joining capabilities. The alloy products can be used in a variety of applications, including automotive, transportation, and electronics applications.

Abstract: Systems and methods for efficiently performing rotary batch decoating can use time-offset batch reactors. A first batch reactor can operate out of phase with a second batch reactor, so that the burning of pyrolysis gases from the first reactor can be used to provide fuel to the incinerator used to heat the material in the second reactor. After the first reactor is dumped and filled with new material, the pyrolysis gases from the second reactor can be used to provide fuel to the incinerator, which heats the material in the first reactor.

Abstract: Provided herein are new aluminum alloy products and methods of making these alloys. The aluminum alloy products are age-hardenable, display high strength and formability, and allow for the use of recycled scrap. The aluminum alloys can serve as the core in a clad aluminum alloy product. The alloy products can be used in a variety of applications, including automotive, transportation, and electronics applications.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel, high-forming multi-layer aluminum alloy packages that include a core layer and one or more cladding layers. The alloy packages have excellent bake-hardening properties and are highly recyclable. The packages also display exceptional bendability and elongation properties. Also provided herein are novel aluminum alloy compositions for use as cladding layers. The compositions contain up to 0.6 wt. % Fe and one or more of Mn, Ni, Ti, Co, Nb, Cr, V, Zr, Hf and Ta.

Abstract: Systems and methods for making aluminum alloy products are described including those that decrease the tendency for hot tearing or shrinkage porosity to occur during casting by introducing forced convection during the casting process. The forced convection may result in formation of high circularity grains during the solidification process, thereby increasing the permeability of the liquid aluminum alloy and decreasing the tendency for hot tearing or shrinkage porosity to occur.