Abstract: The invention is a class of new 6XXX series high strength aluminum alloys with a fine grain structure and methods of manufacture and extrusion. Aluminum alloys of the invention comprise from about 0.90 percent to about 1.2 percent by weight silicon, up to about 0.5 percent by weight iron, from about 0.05 percent to about 0.3 percent by weight copper, up to about 0.75 percent by weight manganese, from about 0.70 percent to about 1.0 percent by weight magnesium, up to about 0.25 percent by weight chromium, up to about 0.05 percent by weight zinc, up to about 0.1 percent by weight titanium, with the balance consisting essentially of aluminum. The alloys are cast and homogenized, then extruded, quenched and artificially aged to produce a fine grain crystallization in the final aluminum product exhibiting superior yield strength and elongation properties.

Abstract: A substantially recrystallized extrusion may include from about 0.7 to about 1.3 wt % silicon, up to about 0.50 wt % iron, from about 0.03 to about 0.2 wt % copper, up to about 0.5 wt % manganese, from about 0.6 to about 1.2 wt % magnesium, up to about 0.05 wt % chromium, up to about 0.2 wt % zinc, up to about 0.10 wt % titanium and the balance consisting essentially of aluminum and incidental elements and impurities. The disclosed alloy may be homogenized at a temperature above 1030° F. (554.4 ° C.) and have a recrystallized grain structure. Extrusions made from the disclosed alloys and having a wall thickness ranging from about 0.050 to about 0.500 inches (1.5-˜12.5 mm) provides a tensile yield strength of greater than 42 ksi (290 MPa).

Abstract: A method of press quenching a 6020 aluminum alloy comprising the steps of providing an ingot or billet of 6020 aluminum alloy consisting essentially of about 0.5 to about 0.6% silicon, about 0.7 to about 0.8% magnesium, about 0.55 to about 0.65% copper, about 0.35 to about 0.45% iron, about 0.01 to about 0.04% manganese, about 1.05 to about 1.15% tin, and about 0.04 to about 0.06% chromium; homogenizing the billet, cooling the billet, reheating the billet, extruding the billet, quenching the extrusion, and artificially aging the extrusion. The alloy has enhanced productivity, strength, and machinability and can be used as a direct replacement for lead containing alloy 6262 T-6.

Abstract: A method of press quenching a 6020 aluminum alloy comprising the steps of providing an ingot or billet of 6020 aluminum alloy consisting essentially of about 0.5 to about 0.6% silicon, about 0.7 to about 0.8% magnesium, about 0.55 to about 0.65% copper, about 0.35 to about 0.45% iron, about 0.01 to about 0.04% manganese, about 1.05 to about 1.15% tin, and about 0.04 to about 0.06% chromium; homogenizing the billet, cooling the billet, reheating the billet, extruding the billet, quenching the extrusion, and artificially aging the extrusion. The alloy has enhanced productivity, strength, and machinability and can be used as a direct replacement for lead containing alloy 6262 T-6.

Abstract: 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.

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: 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: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An alloy product having improved combinations of strength, density, toughness and corrosion resistance, said alloy product consisting essentially of about 7.6 to 8.4% zinc, about 1.8 to 2.2% magnesium, about 2 to 2.6% copper and at least one element selected from zirconium, vanadium and hafnium present in a total amount not exceeding about 0.5%, preferably about 0.05 to 0.25% zirconium, the balance aluminum and incidential elements and impurities. The alloy product, suitable for aerospace applications, exhibits high yield strength, at least about 10% greater yield strength than its 7X50-T6 counterpart, with good toughness and corrosion resistance properties typically comparable to or better than those of its 7X50-T76 counterpart. Upper wing members made from this alloy typically have a yield strength over 84 ksi, good fracture toughness and an EXCO exfoliation resistance level of "EC" or better, typically "EB".