Abstract: A method of producing aluminum alloy sheet product includes casting a slab or ingot, homogenizing the cast slab, and hot rolling the homogenized slab to provide an intermediate gauge product. The temperature and other operating parameters of the hot rolling process are controlled so that the temperature of the ingot at the beginning of hot rolling is maintained at a temperature between 925° F. (496° C.) and 1025° F. (552° C.), and the temperature of the intermediate gauge product exiting the hot rolling step is between about 500° F. (260° C.) and 600° F. (316° C.). The intermediate gauge product is then subjected to a cold reduction of 45% to 70%, annealed, and cold rolled to final gauge.

Abstract: A method of producing aluminum alloy sheet product includes casting a slab, homogenizing the cast slab, and hot rolling the homogenized slab to provide an intermediate gauge product. The temperature and other operating parameters of the hot rolling process are controlled so that the temperature of the intermediate gauge product exiting the hot rolling step is between about 500.degree. F. and 650.degree. F. Preferably, the temperature does not exceed 575.degree. F. The intermediate gauge product is then subjected to a cold reduction of 45% to 70%, annealed, and cold rolled to final gauge. The combination of controlling the hot rolling to provide a desired exit temperature of the intermediate gauge product and annealing prior to cold rolling to final gauge minimizes or eliminates the appearance of ridging or roping line defects in the aluminum sheet product when subjected to further straining in a forming or stamping operation.

Abstract: The mold formed of resin-bonded sand includes a vertical sprue in fluid flow communication with a horizontal chamber reservoir underlying the mold cavity defining the thin wall structure. The thin wall cavity portion is positioned about a common horizontal level above the reservoir. Vertical runners feed the metal from the horizontal reservoir up into the cavity. The number and location of these runners are such as to fill the cavity from several points of entry with uniform temperature metal before any solidification occurs.