Abstract: New magnesium-zinc aluminum alloy bodies and methods of producing the same are disclosed. The new magnesium-zinc aluminum alloy bodies generally include 3.0-6.0 wt. % magnesium and 2.5-5.0 wt. % zinc, where at least one of the magnesium and the zinc is the predominate alloying element of the aluminum alloy bodies other than aluminum, and wherein (wt. % Mg)/(wt. % Zn) is from 0.6 to 2.40, and may be produced by preparing the aluminum alloy body for post-solutionizing cold work, cold working by at least 25%, and then thermally treating. The new magnesium-zinc aluminum alloy bodies may realize improved strength and other properties.

Abstract: New magnesium-zinc aluminum alloy bodies and methods of producing the same are disclosed. The new magnesium-zinc aluminum alloy bodies generally include 3.0-6.0 wt. % magnesium and 2.5-5.0 wt. % zinc, where at least one of the magnesium and the zinc is the predominate alloying element of the aluminum alloy bodies other than aluminum, and wherein (wt. % Mg)/(wt. % Zn) is from 0.6 to 2.40, and may be produced by preparing the aluminum alloy body for post-solutionizing cold work, cold working by at least 25%, and then thermally treating. The new magnesium-zinc aluminum alloy bodies may realize improved strength and other properties.

Abstract: New magnesium-zinc aluminum alloy bodies and methods of producing the same are disclosed. The new magnesium-zinc aluminum alloy bodies generally include 3.0-6.0 wt. % magnesium and 2.5-5.0 wt. % zinc, where at least one of the magnesium and the zinc is the predominate alloying element of the aluminum alloy bodies other than aluminum, and wherein (wt. % Mg)/(wt. % Zn) is from 0.6 to 2.40, and may be produced by preparing the aluminum alloy body for post-solutionizing cold work, cold working by at least 25%, and then thermally treating. The new magnesium-zinc aluminum alloy bodies may realize improved strength and other properties.

Abstract: One embodiment described herein is a sheet of material 200 formed into accurate and high value structures by implementing a plurality of elongated slots 202 that are obliquely placed along a fold line 204 which create one or more strips 206 consisting of a length w, a width s and an angle f to said fold line 204. The strips 206 are put into a state of plastic deformation through torsion which is controlled via the combination of said length w, width s, and angle f elements to create accurate, unique, complex and high value products or forms. The embodiments described allow for a greater degree of freedom of sheet material types, a greater degree of sheet material thicknesses, while simplifying implementation. This and other embodiments are also enclosed.

Abstract: New magnesium-zinc aluminum alloy bodies and methods of producing the same are disclosed. The new magnesium-zinc aluminum alloy bodies generally include 3.0-6.0 wt. % magnesium and 2.5-5.0 wt. % zinc, where at least one of the magnesium and the zinc is the predominate alloying element of the aluminum alloy bodies other than aluminum, and wherein (wt. % Mg)/(wt. % Zn) is from 0.6 to 2.40, and may be produced by preparing the aluminum alloy body for post-solutionizing cold work, cold working by at least 25%, and then thermally treating. The new magnesium-zinc aluminum alloy bodies may realize improved strength and other properties.

Abstract: One embodiment described herein is a sheet of material 200 formed into accurate and high value structures by implementing a plurality of elongated slots 202 that are obliquely placed along a fold line 204 which create one or more strips 206 consisting of a length w, a width s and an angle f to said fold line 204. The strips 206 are put into a state of plastic deformation through torsion which is controlled via the combination of said length w, width s, and angle f elements to create accurate, unique, complex and high value products or forms. The embodiments described allow for a greater degree of freedom of sheet material types, a greater degree of sheet material thicknesses, while simplifying implementation. This and other embodiments are also enclosed.

Abstract: A load-bearing chassis for a motor vehicle includes a three-dimensional structure formed by a sheet of material including a plurality of bend lines. Each bend line has adjacent strap-defining structures defining a bending strap with a longitudinal strap axis oriented and positioned to extend across the bend line. Preferably the bend lines are configured and positioned to form a load-bearing chassis member when the sheet of material is bent along the bend lines. The bend lines defining geometrical features of the chassis. A method of forming the chassis is also disclosed.

Abstract: An at least partially moveable motor-vehicle outer skin is already known per se. An actuator formed of a polymer and/or ion-exchanging and/or other material exhibiting various conformations is provided so that the outer skin can be moved. This material is moveable as a result of physical or chemical effects. The novel outer skin of a motor vehicle requires no expensive tools for the production thereof. The flat section of the outer skin of the bodywork of a motor vehicle is made of a flexible material. A flexible material such as material for convertible top covers is easily moveable yet the surface thereof cannot be increased. This material is tensed at least over one part of the rib of the motor vehicle, e.g. over a space frame. At least one mechanically moveable adjusting element is provided beneath or on top of the edge of the section enabling the outer skin to be deformed. The adjusting element is normally connected to the rib of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An at least partially moveable motor-vehicle outer skin is already known per se. An actuator formed of a polymer and/or ion-exchanging and/or other material exhibiting various conformations is provided so that the outer skin can be moved. This material is moveable as a result of physical or chemical effects. The novel outer skin of a motor vehicle requires no expensive tools for the production thereof. The flat section of the outer skin of the bodywork of a motor vehicle is made of a flexible material. A flexible material such as material for convertible top covers is easily moveable yet the surface thereof cannot be increased. This material is tensed at least over one part of the rib of the motor vehicle, e.g. over a space frame. At least one mechanically moveable adjusting element is provided beneath or on top of the edge of the section enabling the outer skin to be deformed. The adjusting element is normally connected to the rib of the motor vehicle.