Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus suitable for accomplishing the method that significantly simplifies the process of making a solution heat treated feedstock. The method comprises continuously casing an aluminum alloy to produce a cast feedstock. Any apparatus which accomplishes continuous casting is appropriate for use with the present invention. Once the cast feedstock is formed, it is hot rolled and quenched during hot rolling to form the solution heat treated feedstock. The apparatus which accomplishes the method of the present invention comprises a continuous caster, at least one hot mill stand, and at least one quenching apparatus before or in the at least one hot mill stand.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy is formed by continuously casting an aluminum alloy having a magnesium concentration of at least about 4.7 percent. Controlled forming and annealing steps in conjunction with the alloy form an aluminum sheet product that is useful for forming beverage container ends and tabs.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy that can be fabricated into aluminum sheet having novel properties is provided. The strip stock is suitable for the fabrication of both container ends and container bodies in thinner gauges than are typically presently employed, has low earing characteristics and may be derived from recycled aluminum scrap. The alloy preferably has a magnesium concentration of from about 2 to about 2.8 weight percent and a manganese concentration of from about 0.9 to about 1.6 weight percent. The process preferably includes continuous chill block casting the alloy melt into a strip, hot rolling the strip to a first thickness, annealing the hot rolled strip and then cold rolling the annealed strip to a final thickness. Cold rolling preferably includes two stages with an intermediate anneal step between the two stages. The process increases tensile and yield strength while decreasing earing percentage, even in very thin gauges, such as 0.010 inches.

Abstract: A process for the production of strip stock from an alloy is provided. The strip stock produced from the alloy is suitable for the fabrication of both container ends and container bodies in thinner gauges than are typically employed, has low earing characteristics and may be derived from recycled aluminum scrap. The alloy preferably has a magnesium concentration of from about 2 to about 2.8 weight percent and a manganese concentration of from about 0.9 to about 1.6 weight percent. The process preferably includes continuous chill block casing the alloy melt into a strip, hot rolling the strip to a first thickness, annealing the hot rolled strip and then cold rolling the annealed strip to a final thickness. Cold rolling preferably includes two stages, with an intermediate anneal step between the two stages. The process increases tensile and yield strength while decreasing earing texture, even in very thin gauges, such as 0.010 inches.

Abstract: An aluminum sheet having novel properties is provided. The strip stock is suitable for the fabrication of both container ends and container bodies in thinner gauges than are typically employed, has low earing characteristics and may be derived from recycled aluminum scrap. An alloy particularly suited to the fabrication of the aluminum sheet preferably has a magnesium concentration of from about 2 to about 2.8 weight percent and a manganese concentration of from about 0.9 to about 1.6 weight percent. A process particularly suited to the fabrication of the aluminum sheet preferably includes continuous chill block casting the alloy melt into a strip, hot rolling the strip to a first thickness, annealing the hot rolled strip and then cold rolling the annealed strip to a final thickness. Cold rolling preferably includes two stages with an intermediate anneal step between the two stages. The process increases tensile and yield strength while decreasing earing percentage, even in very thin gauges, such as 0.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing aluminum-containing strip stock which is suitable for drawing and ironing and has reduced earing. A continuously-cast, aluminum-containing strip is introduced into a hot-mill operation to provide a thickness reduction of at least 70 percent with the exit temperature of the strip being minimized. The strip is allowed to crystallize to form grain having an annealed texture. This strip is then subjected to cold rolling to reduce the thickness at least 30 percent. The cold-rolled strip is annealed at an intermediate annealing temperature. The annealed strip is then subjected to further cold rolling sufficient to optimize the balance between the 45.degree. earing and yield strength.

Abstract: An aluminum container scrap alloy is processed by a modified chill roll cast process into a highly formable sheet material suitable for use as a container end stock, by employing at least a 60% cold reduction followed by an anneal for about two hours at a temperature of from about 825.degree. F. to about 900.degree. F., followed by cold reduction to final gauge.

Abstract: A composition and method whereby aluminum scrap, including consumer scrap, is recycled into aluminum sheet and aluminum containers. Aluminum scrap is melted in a heated furnace to form a melt composition. The melt is adjusted to form the present composition, consisting essentially of silicon, 0.1-1.0%; iron 0.1-0.9%; manganese 0.4-1.0%; magnesium 1.3-2.5%; copper 0.05-0.4%; and titanium, 0-0.2%, the balance being essentially aluminum. Aluminum scrap comprising consumer scrap, plant scrap, and can making scrap is heated to form the melt composition, which requires a minimum amount of adjustment to arrive at the present alloy composition. The composition is then cast and fabricated into sheet having strength and formability properties making it suitable for container manufacture. Container manufacture according to the process and composition of the present invention comprises drawn-and-ironed can body manufacture and easy-opening end manufacture.

Abstract: A composition and method whereby aluminum scrap, including consumer scrap, is recycled and fabricated into aluminum sheet and aluminum containers. Aluminum scrap is melted in a heated furnace to form a melt composition. The melt is adjusted to form the present composition, consisting essentially of silicon, 0.1-1.0%; iron 0.1-0.9%; manganese 0.4-1.0%; magnesium 1.3-2.5%; copper 0.05-0.4%; and titanium, 0-0.2%, the balance being essentially aluminum. Aluminum scrap comprising consumer scrap, plant scrap, and can making scrap is heated to form the melt composition, which requires a minimum amount of adjustment to arrive at the present alloy composition. The composition is then cast and fabricated into sheet having strength and formability properties making it suitable for container manufacture. Container manufacture according to the process and composition of the present invention comprises drawn-and-ironed can body manufacture and easy-opening end manufacture.