Abstract: The present invention includes a process for manufacturing metal sheets or plates and a machined metal part as well as machined products, structural components and their uses in various applications. Manufacture of a metal sheet or plate by a process of the present invention comprises casting of a rolling ingot, optionally followed by homogenisation, one or more hot or cold rolling operations, optionally separated by one or more re-heating operations, to obtain a sheet, or plate and optionally one or more sheet or plate cutting or finishing operations. The sheet is pre-machined on one or both sides so as to obtain a pre-machined stock, and subjected to solution heat treatment, quenching treatment, and optionally, one or more of the following steps: controlled stretching, aging treatment, and/or cutting.

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: The present invention relates to a method for producing Al—Zn—Cu—Mg type alloy plates comprising between 4 and 12% zinc, less than 4% magnesium and less than 4% copper, other elements?0.5% each, and the remainder aluminum. The method comprising hot rolling, solution heat-treatment, quenching, controlled stretching with permanent elongation greater than 0.5% and aging, wherein the elapsed time D between the end of quenching and the start of controlled stretching is less than 2 hours. The invention further relates to plates and products produced or capable of being produced using such methods.

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: The present invention relates to an extruded, rolled and/or forged product made of an aluminium alloy. Alloys of the present invention may comprise (by mass): Zn 6.7-7.5% Cu 2.0-2.8% Mg 1.6-2.2% at least one element selected from the group composed of: Zr 0.08-0.20% Cr 0.05-0.25% Sc 0.01-0.50% Hf 0.05-0.20% and V 0.02-0.20% Fe+Si<0.20% other elements ?0.05 each and ?0.15 total, balance aluminium. Products of the present invention in some embodiments have an improved compromise between static mechanical strength and damage tolerance.

Abstract: The present invention includes a process for manufacturing metal sheets or plates and a machined metal part as well as machined products, structural components and their uses in various applications. Manufacture of a metal sheet or plate by a process of the present invention comprises casting of a rolling ingot, optionally followed by homogenisation, one or more hot or cold rolling operations, optionally separated by one or more re-heating operations, to obtain a sheet, or plate and optionally one or more sheet or plate cutting or finishing operations. The sheet is pre-machined on one or both sides so as to obtain a pre-machined stock, and subjected to solution heat treatment, quenching treatment, and optionally, one or more of the following steps: controlled stretching, aging treatment, and/or cutting.