Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of producing an aluminum alloy sheet which, in one embodiment, includes roll casting an aluminum alloy strip having a thickness of less than about 0.5 inch and, subsequently, preferably without intervening thermal treatments or surface cleaning, cold rolling the strip to a thickness of less than about 0.15 inch, after which the cold rolled strip is subjected to thermal treatment which is preferably either continuous annealing or solution heat treatment. The aluminum alloy, in a continuous annealing embodiment, is preferably selected from the group consisting of the 3XXX and 5XXX series. In another embodiment wherein solution heat treatment is employed, the aluminum alloy is preferably selected from the group consisting of 2XXX and 6XXX. The sheet may be converted into a motor vehicle body panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of producing aluminum alloy can body stock and can end stock which are particularly suitable for use in manufacturing aluminum alloy can bodies and ends for can bodies. The method for can body stock includes roll casting an aluminum alloy strip having a thickness of less than about 1 to 5 mm and, subsequently, batch annealing the strip, followed by cold rolling, continuous annealing, quenching and cold rolling to desired gauge. The aluminum alloy sheets may then be employed in manufacturing aluminum alloy can bodies. The process produces aluminum alloy sheet having an improved combination strength and caring properties with acceptable surface characteristics. Unique aluminum alloys usable in the claimed processes are also disclosed. In another embodiment, can ends are made by roll casting, followed by cold rolling preferably without prior thermal treatment, continuous annealing, quenching and cold rolling to the desired gauge.

Abstract: A method of producing aluminum can sheet having low earing characteristics. An aluminum alloy ingot is provided and is heated to a temperature between about 527.degree. to 571.degree. C. (980.degree. to 1060.degree. F.). After this, the ingot is hot rolled in a single-stand reversible hot mill to produce an intermediate gauge sheet. The intermediate gauge sheet is then cold rolled to produce a final gauge aluminum can sheet having low eating characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making an aluminum alloy sheet having controlled levels of strength properties for forming into a container panel. A body of an aluminum alloy consisting essentially of 0.45 to 0.60 wt. % Cu, 1.1 to 1.7 wt. % Mg, 0.3 to 0.6 wt. % Si, 0.3 to 0.55 wt. % Fe, 0.5 to 1.2 wt. % Mn, the remainder aluminum, incidental elements and impurities, is hot rolled to a gauge in the range of 0.12 to 0.16 inch to provide a hot rolled product. The hot rolled product is cold rolled to provide a reduction of 50 to 80% in thickness, then solution heat treated in a range of 850.degree. to 110.degree. F. and rapidly cooled before cold rollign to a final sheet gauge by providing a reduction of 30 to 90% in thickness.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making an improved aluminum alloy coated sheet stock useful for fabricating into easy-open ends for beverage containers. The method comprises the steps of providing a body of an aluminum base alloy consisting essentially of, by weight, 4.0 to 5.5% Mg, 0.2 to 0.7% Mn, 0.05 to 0.40% Cu, the balance being aluminum, incidental elements and impurities and rolling the body to produce an aluminum sheet stock. The sheet stock is subjected to a structure refining operation to precipitate finally divided magnesium containing constituent and thereafter the sheet stock is coated with an organic coating material and cured at a temperature sufficiently low and for a period of time to avoid dissolving the precipitated constituent to provide coated sheet stock having improved levels of tensile strength and high levels of formability.

Abstract: The present invention includes casting, e.g., such as by roll casting, or slab casting, an alloy having components in the composition range of about 0.5-1.2% iron, 0.7-1.3% manganese, and 0-0.5% silicon by weight, homogenizing the cast alloy at temperatures below about 1100.degree. F., preferably below about 1050.degree. F. to control the microstructure, and cold rolling to a final product gauge. Such a final product gauge for fin stock applications include thickness in the range of about 0.003-0.006 inch. The cold rolled alloy is then partially annealed to attain desired levels of strength and formability.

Abstract: Aluminum armor plate containing relatively high amounts of magnesium, 6-10%, along with about 0.1-1% manganese and up to 0.23% chromium is made by cold rolling aluminum alloy rolling stock to a cold reduction of at least 10% with or without prior hot rolling. Susceptibility to stress conversion cracking is overcome by heating the alloy to an elevated temperature of typically 600.degree. or 700.degree. F. or more followed by cooling the alloy at a controlled cooling rate of at least 10.degree. F. per minute. The heating and the cooling precede the cold rolling operation and may be associated with hot rolling if such is employed.

Abstract: A weldable aluminum base alloy product is disclosed which is characterized by high strength, including high resistance to ballistic penetration and resistance to stress-corrosion cracking. The alloy consists essentially of from above 5 wt. % to 7 wt. % copper, 0 to 0.8 wt. % manganese, 0.1 wt. % titanium, 0 to 0.25 wt. % vanadium, 0 to 0.25 wt. % zirconium and 0.10 to 0.30 wt. % magnesium with the balance consisting essentially of aluminum. The alloy is cold worked a minimum amount equivalent to 6% stretching at room temperature after solution heat treatment and quenching, preferably by stretching. The alloy is then aged, after cold working, for at least 2 hours at a temperature of at least 121.degree. C. (250.degree. F.).

Abstract: Aluminum alloy atomized powder containing 4 to 15% iron and 1 to 12% cerium or other rare earth metal, when properly compacted and shaped into a useful article, exhibits very high strength at relatively high temperatures. The iron content exceeds the cerium or rare earth metal content, and the powder may contain refractory elements such as W, Mo and others. The powder is produced by atomizing alloyed molten aluminum, preferably in a nonoxidizing atmosphere, and is compacted to a density approaching 100% under controlled conditions including controlled temperature conditions. The alloy may be subsequently shaped by conventional forging, extruding or rolling processes.

Abstract: Aluminum alloy atomized powder containing 4 to 12% iron and 1 to 7% cerium or other rare earth metal, when properly compacted and shaped into a useful article, exhibits very high strength at relatively high temperatures. The iron content exceeds the cerium or rare earth metal content, and the powder may contain refractory elements such as W, Mo and others. The powder is produced by atomizing alloyed molten aluminum, preferably in a nonoxidizing atmosphere, and is compacted to a density approaching 100% under controlled conditions including controlled temperature conditions. The alloy may be subsequently shaped by conventional forging, extruding or rolling processes.

Abstract: A weldable aluminum base alloy product is disclosed which is characterized by high strength, including high resistance to ballistic penetration and resistance to stress-corrosion cracking. The alloy consists essentially of from above 5 wt. % to 7 wt. % copper, 0 to 0.8 wt. % manganese, 0.1 wt. % titanium, 0 to 0.25 wt. % vanadium, 0 to 0.25 wt. % zirconium and 0.10 to 0.30 wt. % magnesium with the balance consisting essentially of aluminum. The alloy is cold worked a minimum amount equivalent to 6% stretching at room temperature after solution heat treatment and quenching, preferably by stretching. The alloy is then aged, after cold working, for at least 2 hours at a temperature of at least 121.degree. C. (250.degree. F.).