Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a forged and rolled Al-Zn-Cu-Mg alloy plate product having improved fatigue properties in the long transverse direction. The method comprises providing a body of an Al-Zn-Cu-Mg alloy, working said body by a forging operation to reduce its thickness in a C direction by at least 30% and rolling or working the forged body to provide a forged and rolled plate product having improved fatigue properties in the long transverse direction.

Abstract: A process for biaxially orienting amorphous polymers such as polymethyl methacrylate. The process includes steps of biaxially orienting a feedstock material in a deformation zone; reducing temperature of the material in a cooling zone; and annealing the material in an annealing zone. The process and apparatus produce a biaxially oriented material having enhanced optical quality and impact strength.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for producing biaxially oriented polymer sheet. This process includes the steps of introducing a polymer slab into a deformation zone defined between working surfaces of a set of working tools including a first working tool and an opposed second working tool. The polymer slab is worked in the deformation zone to reduce slab gauge, during which the polymer material being worked flows bi-directionally while the material is not restricted in the lateral direction to produce biaxially oriented polymer sheet. At least the portion of the slab being worked is at a temperature above the glass transition temperature and below the melting temperature of the polymer material. The working surface of at least one working tool in the deformation zone is ultrasonically excited during working of the polymer slab.