Vanadium, Niobium Or Tantalum Containing Patents (Class 148/418)
  • Patent number: 10221469
    Abstract: Provided is an Al—Mg alloy plate for molding, having excellent press formability, little stretcher strain (SS) mark generation, and not generating any new issues such as reduced bending properties as a result of age-hardening at room temperature, while using more accurate and simple structural indicators. As a result, the Al—Mg aluminum alloy plate comprising a specific composition including Cu has a plate structure having an average particle diameter of 0.5-6.0 nm in a minute particle (cluster) particle distribution measured using an X-ray scattering method, controls the volume fraction to at least 0.03%, is unlikely to have serration, and suppresses SS mark generation during press forming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Aruga, Katsushi Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20150007909
    Abstract: This aluminum alloy sheet is a 6000-series aluminum alloy sheet of a specific composition which, after rolling, has undergone solution hardening and reheating as tempering treatments. The aluminum alloy sheet in differential scanning calorimetry gives a curve in which the exothermic-peak heights A, B, and C in respective specific temperature ranges have relationships within specific given ranges to thereby raise the increase in 0.2% proof stress through low-temperature short-time artificial age-hardening to 100 MPa or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Katsushi Matsumoto, Yasuhiro Aruga, Hisao Shishido
  • Patent number: 8852364
    Abstract: Provided is material for an aluminum alloy exhibiting a sufficient heat resistance, tensile strength as well as stress corrosion cracking resistance necessary for use as automobile parts. Also, provided are a forged part forged from such aluminum alloy and an aluminum alloy high strength bolt made thereof. The aluminum alloy (by mass) is consisted of (by mass) 1.0 to 1.7% of Si, 0.05 to 0.5% of Fe, 0.8 to 1.5% of Cu, 0.6 to 1.2% of Mn, 0.9 to 1.5% of Mg, 0.05 to 0.5% of Zn, 0.05 to 0.3% of Zr, 0.01 to 0.2% of V, and when needed, Ti exceeding 0% and not more than 0.05%, and, when further needed, Ni exceeding 0% and not more than 0.7%, the remainder being Al and unavoidable impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumihiko Gejima
  • Publication number: 20140261909
    Abstract: A high-strength aluminum-magnesium silicon alloy and its manufacturing process which includes a composition adjusting step to add vanadium (V) and zirconium (Zr) in an aluminum-magnesium silicon alloy to refine grains of the alloy; a material casting step, a material preheating step, a hot forging step and a heat treatment step to melt magnesium and silicon atoms into an aluminum base to cause a lattice distortion and achieve a strengthening effect and precipitate Mg2Si from the grains of the alloy, and the precipitated particles act as obstacles to dislocation movement. Therefore, the alloy product has a yield strength improved by 31%, the ultimate strength by 39%, the hardness by 34%, and the fatigue strength by 55%. Therefore, the alloy product can be used in components with a high strength requirement such as the aluminum alloy wheels and the control arms of a car suspension system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: SUPER ALLOY INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Henry SHIH, Chuan Chao TSENG, Cheng Chia CHANG
  • Publication number: 20140096878
    Abstract: A high-strength aluminum alloy extruded material contains Si: 0.70 to 1.3 mass %; Mg: 0.45 to 1.2 mass %; Cu: 0.15 to less than 0.40 mass %; Mn: 0.10 to 0.40 mass %; Cr: more than 0 to 0.06 mass %; Zr: 0.05 to 0.20 mass %; Ti: 0.005 to 0.15 mass %, Fe: 0.30 mass % or less; V: 0.01 mass % or less; the balance being Al and unavoidable impurities Crystallized products in the alloy have a particle diameter of a is 5 ?m or less. Furthermore, an area ratio of a fibrous structure in a cross section parallel to an extruding direction during hot extrusion is 95% or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: SUMITOMO LIGHT METAL INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Hidenori HATTA, Takero WATANABE
  • Publication number: 20140083575
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy material exhibiting excellent bendability can be produced without performing a straightening step, and can be bent without developing orange peel. The aluminum alloy material is a T4-tempered material formed of an Al—Cu—Mg—Si alloy including 1.0 to 2.5 mass % of Cu, 0.5 to 1.5 mass% of Mg, and 0.5 to 1.5 mass % of Si, with the balance being aluminum and unavoidable impurities, a matrix that forms an inner part of the aluminum alloy material having a microstructure formed by recrystallized grains having an average crystal grain size of 200 ?m or less, and the aluminum alloy material having a ratio “tensile strength/yield strength” determined by a tensile test of 1.5 or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Tadashi Minoda, Yasuhiro Nakai
  • Patent number: 8287668
    Abstract: New 2xxx aluminum alloys containing vanadium are disclosed. In one embodiment, the aluminum alloy includes 3.3-4.1 wt. % Cu, 0.7-1.3 wt. % Mg, 0.01-0.16 wt. % V, 0.05-0.6 wt. % Mn, 0.01 to 0.4 wt. % of at least one grain structure control element, the balance being aluminum, incidental elements and impurities. The new alloys may realize an improved combination of properties, such as in the T39 or T89 tempers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: ALCOA, Inc.
    Inventors: Jen C. Lin, Ralph R. Sawtell, Gary H. Bray, Cindie Giummarra, Andre Wilson, Gregory B. Venema
  • Patent number: 8002913
    Abstract: An AA7000-series alloy including 3 to 10% Zn, 1 to 3% Mg, at most 2.5% Cu, Fe <0.25%, and Si >0.12 to 0.35%, and a method of manufacturing these aluminum alloy products. More particularly, disclosed are aluminum wrought products in relatively thick gauges, in particular i.e. about 30 to 300 mm thick. While typically practiced on rolled plate product forms, this method may also find use with manufacturing extrusions or forged product shapes. Representative structural component parts made from the alloy product include integral spar members, and the like, which are machined from thick wrought sections, including rolled plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Aleris Aluminum Koblenz GmbH
    Inventors: Sunil Khosla, Andrew Norman, Hugo Van Schoonevelt
  • Patent number: 7909947
    Abstract: High strength heat treatable aluminum alloys that can be used at temperatures from about ?420° F. (?251° C.) up to about 650° F. (343° C.) are described. The alloys are strengthened by dispersion of particles based on the L12 intermetallic compound Al3X. These alloys comprise aluminum, copper, magnesium, at least one of scandium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, and lutetium; and at least one of gadolinium, yttrium, zirconium, titanium, hafnium, and niobium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Awadh B. Pandey
  • Patent number: 7883590
    Abstract: A method of forming high temperature heat treatable aluminum alloys that can be used at temperatures from about ?420° F. (?251° C.) up to about 650° F. (343° C.) are described. The alloys are strengthened by dispersion of particles based on the L12 intermetallic compound Al3X. These alloys comprise aluminum, copper, magnesium, at least one of scandium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, and lutetium; and at least one of gadolinium, yttrium, zirconium, titanium, hafnium, and niobium. Lithium is an optional alloying element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Awadh B. Pandey
  • Patent number: 7879162
    Abstract: High strength aluminum magnesium alloys that can be used at temperatures from about ?420° F. (?251° C.) up to about 650° F. (343° C.) are described. The alloys are strengthened by dispersion of particles based on the L12 intermetallic compound Al3X. These alloys comprise aluminum, magnesium, at least one of scandium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, and lutetium; and at least one of gadolinium, yttrium, zirconium, titanium, hafnium, and niobium. These alloys may also optionally contain zinc, copper, lithium and silicon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Awadh B. Pandey
  • Patent number: 7875133
    Abstract: High temperature heat treatable aluminum alloys that can be used at temperatures from about ?420° F. (?251° C.) up to about 650° F. (343° C.) are described. The alloys are strengthened by dispersion of particles based on the L12 intermetallic compound Al3X. These alloys comprise aluminum, copper, magnesium, at least one of scandium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, and lutetium; and at least one of gadolinium, yttrium, zirconium, titanium, hafnium, and niobium. Lithium is an optional alloying element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Awadh B. Pandey
  • Patent number: 7811395
    Abstract: High strength heat treatable aluminum alloys that can be used at temperatures from about ?420° F. (?251° C.) up to about 650° F. (343° C.) are described. The alloys are strengthened by dispersion of particles based on the L12 intermetallic compound Al3X. These alloys comprise aluminum, copper, magnesium, at least one of scandium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, and lutetium; and at least one of gadolinium, yttrium, zirconium, titanium, hafnium, and niobium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Awadh B. Pandey
  • Publication number: 20100201155
    Abstract: In a car body or component of a car body with at least one first component of sheet metal of a first aluminium alloy (A) and at least one second component of sheet metal of a second aluminium alloy (B), the first and second aluminium alloy are of type AlMgSi and in the sheet metal of the second aluminium alloy (B) a substantial part of the elements Mg and Si, which are required to achieve artificial ageing in solid solution, is present in the form of separate Mg2Si and/or Si particles in order to avoid artificial ageing. As well as common recycling of process scrap in the production of the various components and simple scrap recycling of the body parts from the end of life car, by reduction of the hardening capacity of the second component during artificial ageing of the body as part of the paint baking cycle, the car body has an improved impact protection for pedestrians in comparison with solutions according to the prior art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Novelis, Inc.
    Inventors: Corrado Bassi, Juergen Timm
  • Publication number: 20100192888
    Abstract: A high strength aluminum alloy casting obtained by casting an aluminum alloy comprised of 7.5 to 11.5 wt % of Si, 3.8 to 4.8 wt % of Cu, 0.45 to 0.65 wt % of Mg, 0.4 to 0.7 wt % of Fe, 0.35 to 0.45 wt % of Mn, and the balance of Al and not more than 0.2 wt % of unavoidable impurities, wherein this aluminum alloy has 0.1 to 0.3 wt % of Ag added to it or contains 0.1 to 1.0 wt % of at least one element selected from the group of second additive elements comprised of Rb, K, Ba, Sr, Zr, Nb, Ta, V, and Pd and rare earth elements, and a method of production of a high strength aluminum alloy casting comprising the steps of filling a melt of an aluminum alloy in a mold to obtain a casting, taking out the aluminum alloy casting from the mold, solubilizing the high strength aluminum alloy casting by heating in a temperature range of 495 to 505° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicants: DENSO CORPORATION, Nippon Light Metal Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouji Yamada, Tomoyuki Hatano, Susumu Miyakawa, Hiromi Takagi, Hiroshi Horikawa, Akio Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20100059151
    Abstract: A heat-treated high-strength Al—Cu—Mg—Si aluminum alloy product exhibits excellent extrudability and high strength. The high-strength Al—Cu—Mg—Si aluminum alloy product obtained by extrusion is characterized in that the microstructure of the entire surface of the cross section of the aluminum alloy product is formed of recrystallized grains, the grains have an average aspect ratio (L/t) of 5.0 or less (wherein L is the average size of the grains in the extrusion direction, and t is the average thickness of the grains), and the orientation density of the grains in the microstructure, for which the normal direction to the {001} plane is parallel to the extrusion direction in comparison with the grains orientated to random orientations, is 50 or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Shingo Iwamura, Tadashi Minoda, Katsuya Kato
  • Publication number: 20100012229
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing AlMn strip or sheet for making components by brazing, as well as the products obtained by said method. In particular this method is related to fin materials used in heat exchangers. The fins can be delivered with or without a cladding depending on application. Rolling slabs are produced from a melt which contains 0.3-1.5% Si, ?0.5% Fe, ?0.3% Cu, 1.0-2.0% Mn, ?0.5% Mg, ?4.0% Zn, ?0.3% each of elements from group IVb, Vb, or VIb elements, and unavoidable impurity elements, as well as aluminium as the remainder in which the rolling slabs prior to hot rolling are preheated at a preheating temperature of less than 550° C., preferably between 400 and 520° C., more preferably between 450 and 520° C. to control the number and size of dispersoid particles, and the preheated rolling slab is hot rolled into a hot strip. The strip is thereafter cold rolled into a strip with a total reduction of at least 90%, and the cold rolled strip is heat treated to obtain a 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Anders Oskarsson, Hans-Erik Ekström, Richard Westergärd, Stian Tangen
  • Publication number: 20090266452
    Abstract: An extrudable aluminum alloy composition includes, in weight percent, between 0.60 and 0.90 manganese, between 0.45 and 0.75 copper, between 0.05 and 0.24 magnesium, less than 0.30 iron, less than 0.30 silicon, less than 0.05 titanium, less than 0.05 vanadium, and a Cu/Mg ratio higher or equal to 3. It also relates to aluminum alloy heat exchanger extruded or drawn tube and extruded or drawn aluminum alloy tubing having the above-described aluminum alloy composition. It also relates to a heat exchanger comprising a plurality of extruded or drawn tube sections having the above-described aluminum alloy composition and a process for manufacturing same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: Nicholas Charles Parson
  • Publication number: 20090260725
    Abstract: High temperature heat treatable aluminum alloys that can be used at temperatures from about ?420° F. (?251° C.) up to about 650° F. (343° C.) are described. The alloys are strengthened by dispersion of particles based on the L12 intermetallic compound Al3X. These alloys comprise aluminum, copper, magnesium, at least one of scandium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, and lutetium; and at least one of gadolinium, yttrium, zirconium, titanium, hafnium, and niobium. Lithium is an optional alloying element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Awadh B. Pandey
  • Publication number: 20090260723
    Abstract: High strength heat treatable aluminum alloys that can be used at temperatures from about ?420° F. (?251° C.) up to about 650° F. (343° C.) are described. The alloys are strengthened by dispersion of particles based on the L12 intermetallic compound Al3X. These alloys comprise aluminum, copper, magnesium, at least one of scandium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, and lutetium; and at least one of gadolinium, yttrium, zirconium, titanium, hafnium, and niobium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Awadh B. Pandey
  • Publication number: 20080173378
    Abstract: An AA7000-series alloy including 3 to 10% Zn, 1 to 3% Mg, at most 2.5% Cu, Fe <0.25%, and Si <0.12%. Also, a method of manufacturing aluminum wrought products in relatively thick gauges, i.e. about 30 to 300 mm thick. While typically practiced on rolled plate product forms, this method may also find use with manufacturing extrusions or forged product shapes. Representative structural component parts made from the alloy product include integral spar members, and the like, which are machined from thick wrought sections, including rolled plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Aleris Aluminum Koblenz GmbH
    Inventors: Sunil Khosla, Andrew Norman, Hugo Van Schoonevelt
  • Publication number: 20080173377
    Abstract: An AA7000-series alloy including 3 to 10% Zn, 1 to 3% Mg, at most 2.5% Cu, Fe <0.25%, and Si >0.12 to 0.35%, and a method of manufacturing these aluminum alloy products. More particularly, disclosed are aluminum wrought products in relatively thick gauges, in particular i.e. about 30 to 300 mm thick. While typically practiced on rolled plate product forms, this method may also find use with manufacturing extrusions or forged product shapes. Representative structural component parts made from the alloy product include integral spar members, and the like, which are machined from thick wrought sections, including rolled plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Aleris Aluminum Koblenz GmBH
    Inventors: Sunil Khosla, Andrew Norman, Hugo Van Schoonevelt
  • Publication number: 20080020879
    Abstract: In a silent chain for an automobile engine timing drive, the pins which interconnect the link plates of the chain have a vanadium carbide layer formed on their surfaces by diffusion penetration. The vanadium carbide layer is composed of two parts: an inner part, on the steel base material of the pin, being a V8C7 layer, and an outermost part being a V2C layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventor: Kenichi Nagao
  • Patent number: 6974633
    Abstract: An extruded structural member having improved damage tolerance containing a base section (6); a stiffening section having at least one pair of structural stiffeners (10), the structural stiffeners integral with the base section (6) and projecting outwardly thereof; and at least one intra-stiffener (90) area positioned between the pair of structural stiffeners (10), the intra-stiffener area (90) having a microstructure with intentionally increased amounts of fiber texture to reduce the rate of fatigue crack growth in the extruded structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Garratt, Gary H. Bray, Diana K. Denzer, Patrick Ulysse
  • Patent number: 6918970
    Abstract: A cast article from an aluminum alloy has improved mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. The cast article has the following composition in weight percent: Silicon 6.0-25.0, Copper 5.0-8.0, Iron 0.05-1.2, Magnesium 0.5-1.5, Nickel 0.05-0.9, Manganese 0.05-1.2, Titanium 0.05-1.2, Zirconium 0.05-1.2, Vanadium 0.05-1.2, Zinc 0.05-0.9, Strontium 0.001-0.1, Phosphorus 0.001-0.1, and the balance is Aluminum, wherein the silicon-to-magnesium ratio is 10-25, and the copper-to-magnesium ratio is 4-15. The aluminum alloy contains a simultaneous dispersion of three types of Al3X compound particles (X=Ti, V, Zr) having a L12 crystal structure, and their lattice parameters are coherent to the aluminum matrix lattice. A process for producing this cast article is also disclosed, as well as a metal matrix composite, which includes the aluminum alloy serving as a matrix containing up to about 60% by volume of a secondary filler material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Lee, Po-Shou Chen
  • Patent number: 6696175
    Abstract: The present invention provides aluminum alloys and layers formed in aluminum alloys as well as methods for their manufacture. Aluminum alloys of the present invention are provided with at least one discrete layer of uncrystallized grains formed therein. Alloys of the present invention can be formed, for example, by a process that includes a final partial anneal that permits softening of the material to essentially an O-temper condition. Processes of the present invention recrystallized substantially the entire material by leave a discrete layer of preferably less than 50 microns of the material unrecrystallized. In preferred embodiments, the aluminum material is a core material that is clad on one or both sides and the discrete unrecrystallized layer forms at the boundary between the clad and the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Pechiney Rolled Products
    Inventors: Scott L. Palmer, Zayna Connor, H. Scott Goodrich
  • Patent number: 6685782
    Abstract: A suitable alloy of the alloy AlMgSi type employed for the manufacture of components having high capacity to absorb kinetic energy by plastic deformation contains, in wt. %, silicon 0.40 to 0.80 magnesium 0.40 to 0.70 iron max. 0.30 copper max. 0.20 manganese max. 0.15 vanadium 0.05 to 0.20 chromium max. 0.10 titanium max. 0.10 zinc max. 0.10 and further elements each individually at most 0.05, in total at most 0.15 and the remainder aluminium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Alcan Technology & Management Ltd.
    Inventor: Pius Schwellinger
  • Patent number: 6592687
    Abstract: A cast article from an aluminum alloy, which has improved mechanical properties at elevated temperatures, has the following composition in weight percent: Silicon 14-25.0, Copper 5.5-8.0, Iron 0.05-1.2, Magnesium 0.5-1.5, Nickel 0.05-0.9, Manganese 0.05-1.0, Titanium 0.05-1.2, Zirconium 0.05-1.2, Vanadium 0.05-1.2, Zinc 0.05-0.9, Phosphorus 0.001-0.1, and the balance is Aluminum, wherein the silicon-to-magnesium ratio is 10-25, and the copper-to-magnesium ratio is 4-15. The aluminum alloy contains a simultaneous dispersion of three types of Al3X compound particles (X═Ti, V, Zr) having a L12 crystal structure, and their lattice parameters are coherent to the aluminum matrix lattice. A process for producing this cast article is also disclosed, as well as a metal matrix composite, which includes the aluminum alloy serving as a matrix and containing up to about 60% by volume of a secondary filler material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Lee, Po-Shou Chen
  • Publication number: 20020014406
    Abstract: The first Al-based target material for sputtering contains 0.01-10 atomic % of at least one intermetallic compound-forming element, and an intermetallic compound having a maximum diameter of substantially 50 &mgr;m or less. The second Al-based target material for sputtering has a microstructure comprising an alloy phase containing 20 atomic % or less of the intermetallic compound-forming element and Al and an Al matrix phase comprising substantially pure Al, the maximum diameter of the intermetallic compound in the alloy phase being substantially 50 &mgr;m or less. The content of the intermetallic compound forming element based on the whole structure is 0.01-10 atomic %. These target materials are produced by pressure-sintering a rapid solidification powder at 400-600° C. After the pressure sintering, the target material is preferably hot-rolled at 400-600° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventor: HIROSHI TAKASHIMA
  • Patent number: 6120621
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy strip useful for can stock having a thickness of less than or equal to about 30 mm, and containing large (Mn,Fe)Al.sub.6 intermetallics as principal intermetallic particles in said strip. The intermetallic particles have an average surface size at a surface of the strip and an average bulk size in a bulk of the strip, the average surface size being greater than the average bulk size. The strip article may be produced by supplying a molten aluminum alloy having a composition consisting, in addition to aluminum, essentially by weight of: Si between 0.05 and 0.15%; Fe between 0.3 and 0.6%; Mn between 0.6 and 1.2%; Mg between 1.1 and 1.8%; Cu between 0.2 and 0.6%; and other elements: less than or equal to 0.05% each element with a maximum of 0.2% for the total of other elements; and casting the molten alloy in a continuous caster having opposed moving mold surfaces to an as-cast thickness of less than or equal to 30 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Iljoon Jin, John Fitzsimon
  • Patent number: 6056835
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a superplastic aluminum alloy capable of being used for plastic working such as extrusion, forging and rolling. An object of the present invention is to provide an ingot-made high speed superplastic aluminum alloy in which superplasticity is developed at a strain rate higher than that of conventional static recrystallization type superplastic aluminum alloys, and a process for producing the same. The superplastic aluminum alloy of the invention has structure which is obtained by adding to a basic alloy containing from at least 4.0 to 15% by weight of Mg and from 0.1 to 1.0% by weight of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Mm, Zr, V, W, Ti, Ni, Nb, Ca, Co, Mo and Ta, and further selective elements of Sc, Cu. Li, Sn, In and Cd, which contains from 0.1 to 4.0% by volume fraction of spheroidal precipitates of intermetallic compounds having a particle size from 10 to 200 nm, and which has a mean grain size from 0.1 to 10 .mu.m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Miyake, Tetsuya Suganuma
  • Patent number: 6048415
    Abstract: A heat treatable 7000 series aluminum alloy has a micro-structure with a crystal grain size of 45 .mu.m or less and an aspect ratio (longitudinal/long transverse ratio of crystal grain) of preferably 4 or less, whereby its corrosion resistance is improved outstandingly by applying a solution heat treatment and hardening and subsequently, applying an aging treatment at 100 to 145.degree. C. for 5 to 50 hr, a reversion treatment at 140 to 195.degree. C. for 0.5 to 30 hr. and a re-aging treatment at 100 to 145.degree. C. for 5 to 50 hr. to thereby make an electroconductivity to 38-40 IACS %, and render the micro-structure so as to have a minimum distance for the .eta. phase on the crystal grain boundary of 20 nm or more and a maximum size for the .eta.' phase in the crystal grain of 20 nm or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Manabu Nakai, Takehiko Eto
  • Patent number: 6019939
    Abstract: Aluminum brazing alloy composition is (in wt. %): Mn 0.7-1.5, Cu 0.5-1.0, Fe not more than 0.4, Si not more than 0.15, Mg up to 0.8, V and/or Cr up to 0.3, Ti up to 0.1, others up to 0.05 each, 0.15 total, balance A1 of at least commercial purity. Improved properties include: post-brazed strength and sag resistance; corrosion resistance; ability to withstand interannealing and some homogenization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Alan Gray, Graeme John Marshall, Alan John Ernest Flemming
  • Patent number: 5980604
    Abstract: Spray atomization of molten metal and/or intermetallic matrix composites reinforced with ceramic particles is practiced by atomizing the matrix into micron sized droplets and depositing the semisolid droplets in a bulk deposition upon a temperature controlled substrate. The semiliquid droplets are injected with refinement particles while in a range of 0 to 40% by volume solid phase and deposited on the substrate surface while in a 40 to 90% by volume solid phase. Refined grain morphology, increased solid solubility, nonequilibrium phases, absence of macro segregation, and elimination of the need to handle fine reactive particles are all achieved by performing the spray deposition process under a controlled atmosphere. Materials fabricated by the process exhibit unusual combinations of properties, such as spatially varying properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Enrique J. Lavernia
  • Patent number: 5851320
    Abstract: An improved aluminum alloy containing specific additions of silicon and copper to improve wear resistance and improve solutionizing of the alloying constituents, and a process for forming a wear-resistant component from the alloy. The improved aluminum alloy is also characterized by good strength and sufficient ductility so as to permit forging of a wear-resistant component from the alloy. A preferred composition for the alloy, in weight percent, is about 13.0 to about 15.5 percent silicon; about 0.8 to about 2.0 percent copper; about 0.8 to about 1.3 percent magnesium, and the balance being aluminum and impurities. The aluminum alloy is particularly well suited to form pistons of the type used in compressors of automotive air conditioning systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro, A. S.
    Inventors: Lars Auran, Gary Hugh Rhinehart, Saumin Shantilal Mehta
  • Patent number: 5714018
    Abstract: A high-strength and high-toughness aluminum-based alloy having a composition represented by the general formula: Al.sub.a Ni.sub.b X.sub.c M.sub.d Q.sub.e, wherein X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of La, Ce, Mm, Ti and Zr; M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Y, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta and W; Q is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Si, Cu and Zn; and a, b, c, d and e are, in atomic percentage, 83.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.94,3, 5.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.10, 0.5.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.3, 0.1.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.2, and 0.1.ltoreq.e.ltoreq.2. The aluminum-based alloy has a high strength and an excellent toughness and can maintain the excellent characteristics provided by a quench solidification process even when subjected to thermal influence at the time of working. In addition, it can provide an alloy material having a high specific strength by virtue of minimized amounts of elements having a high specific gravity to be added to the alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Kita, Hidenobu Nagahama, Takeshi Terabayashi, Makoto Kawanishi
  • Patent number: 5616189
    Abstract: An alloy of aluminum containing magnesium, silicon and optionally copper in amounts in percent by weight falling within one of the following ranges:(1) 0.4.ltoreq.Mg.ltoreq.0.8, 0.2.ltoreq.Si.ltoreq.0.5, 0.3.ltoreq.Cu.ltoreq.3.5;(2) 0.8.ltoreq.Mg.ltoreq.1.4, 0.2.ltoreq.Si.ltoreq.0.5, Cu.ltoreq.2.5; and(3) 0.4.ltoreq.Mg.ltoreq.1.0, 0.2.ltoreq.Si.ltoreq.1.4, Cu.ltoreq.2.0; said alloyhaving been formed into a sheet having properties suitable for automotive applications. The alloy may also contain at least one additional element selected from the group consisting of Fe in an amount of 0.4 percent by weight or less, Mn in an amount of 0.4 percent by weight or less, Zn in an amount of 0.3 percent by weight or less and a small amount of at least one other element, such as Cr, Ti, Zr and V.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Iljoon Jin, John Fitzsimon, Michael J. Bull, Pierre H. Marois, Alok K. Gupta, David J. Lloyd
  • Patent number: 5593516
    Abstract: An aluminum-based alloy composition having improved combinations of strength and fracture toughness consists essentially of 2.5-5.5 percent copper, 0.10-2.30 percent magnesium, with minor amounts of grain refining elements, dispersoid additions and impurities and the balance aluminum. The amounts of copper and magnesium are controlled such that the solid solubility limit for these elements in aluminum is not exceeded. The inventive alloy composition may also include 0.10-1.00 percent silver for improved mechanical properties. The alloys are useful as high strength, high fracture toughness components for aircraft and aerospace structural parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventor: William A. Cassada, III
  • Patent number: 5580402
    Abstract: Disclosed is an aluminum alloy sheet having a chemical composition of an Si-containing Al--Mg--CU alloy. The aluminum alloy sheet exhibits a streak-shaped modulated structure at a diffraction grating points of an Al--Cu--Mg--system compound in the electron beam diffraction grating image. The above mentioned streak can be generated efficiently when the alloy essentially consists of 1.5 to 3.5% by weight of Mg, 0.3 to 1.0% by weight of Cu, 0.05 to 0.6% by weight of Si, and the balance of Al and inevitable impurities, and the ratio of Mg/Cu is in the range of 2 to 7. The alloy contains 0.01-0.50% of at least one element selected from the group consisting of Sn, Cd, and In.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: NKK Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Fujita, Masakazu Niikura, Shinji Mitao, Masataka Suga, Kohei Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 5578144
    Abstract: To provide a high-strength, high-ductility cast aluminum alloy, which enables a near-net shape product to be produced by improving the casting structure of an aluminum alloy, particularly by using specific constituents and controlling the cooling rate, and a process for producing the same. The high-strength, high-ductility cast aluminum alloy of the present invention is characterized in that it has a structure comprising fine grains of .alpha.-Al, having an average grain diameter of not more than 10 .mu.m, surrounded by a network of a compound of Al-lanthanide-base metal, the .alpha.-Al grains forming a domain, that the domain comprises an aggregate of .alpha.-Al grains which have been refined, cleaved, and ordered in a single direction and that it has a composition represented by the general formula Al.sub.a Ln.sub.b M.sub.c wherein a, b, and c are, in terms of by weight, respectively 75%.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.95%, 0.5%.ltoreq.b<15%, and 0.5%.ltoreq.c<15%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuaki Satou, Yukio Okochi
  • Patent number: 5571347
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved aluminum base alloy comprising an improved aluminum base alloy comprising 0.2 to 2 wt. % Si, 0.3 to 1.7 wt. % Mg, 0 to 1.2 wt. % Cu, 0 to 1.1 wt. % Mn, 0.01 to 0.4 wt. % Cr, and at least one of the elements selected from the group consisting of 0.01 to 0.3 wt. % V, 0.001 to 0.1 wt. % Be and 0.01 to 0.1 wt. % Sr, the remainder comprising aluminum, incidental elements and impurities. Also disclosed are methods of casting and thermomechanical processing of the alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Northwest Aluminum Company
    Inventor: S. Craig Bergsma
  • Patent number: 5516382
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy useful for drawing and/or ironing, particularly of drink cans. The alloy consists essentially of, in weight percent, Fe<0.25; Si<0.25; Mn from 1.05 to 1.6; Mg from 0.7 to 2.5; Cu from 0.20 to 0.6; Cr from 0 to 0.35; Ti from 0 to 0.1; V from 0 to 0.1; other elements: each <0.05; total<0.15; and remainder Al.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Pechiney Rhenalu
    Inventor: Guy-Michel Raynaud
  • Patent number: 5496426
    Abstract: An improved high strength aluminum alloy product having good combinations of strength, toughness, corrosion resistance and the ability to be subjected in sheet or strip form to roll forming or shaping operations to produce elongate stringer or other aerospace structural reinforcing members. The alloy consists essentially of about 7.6 to 8.4% zinc, about 1.8 to 2.2% magnesium, about 2 to 2.6% copper and at least one element selected from zirconium, vanadium and hafnium present in a total amount not exceeding about 0.5%, preferably about 0.05 to 0.25% zirconium, the balance aluminum and incidental elements and impurities. The improved strip is preferably produced by homogenizing, hot rolling and thermally treating or annealing at about 750.degree. to 850.degree. F., preferably around 800.degree. F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Shawn J. Murtha
  • Patent number: 5484492
    Abstract: A cast hypereutectic Al-Si alloy having 12% to 15% Si, and a method of producing such alloy. The alloy and a melt used in the method has at least one element of a first group of elements and at least one element of a second group of elements and further comprises Cu 1.5 to 5.5%; Ni 1.0 to 3.0%; Mg 0.1 to 1.0%; Fe 0.1 to 1.0%; Mn 0.1 to 0.8%; Zr 0.01 to 0.1; Zn 0 to 3.0%; Sn 0 to 0.2%; Pb 0 to 0.2%; Cr 0 to 0.1; Si modifier (Na, Sr) 0.001 to 0.1%; B (elemental) 0.05% maximum; Ca 0.03% maximum; P 0.05% maximum; and others 0.05% maximum each, the balance, apart from incidental impurities being Al. The element of the first group provides stable nucleant particles in the melt. The element of the second groups forms an intermetallic phase such that crystals of the phase form in advance of and nucleate primary Si to provide complex particles which promote nucleation of Al-Si eutectic on cooling of the melt below the eutectic solidification temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Comalco Aluminum Limited
    Inventors: Kevin P. Rogers, Christian Simensen
  • Patent number: 5460666
    Abstract: A method manufacturing an aluminum alloy sheet comprising preparing an aluminum alloy ingot essentially consisting of 1.5 to 3.5% by weight of Mg, 0.3 to 1.0% by weight of Cu, 0.05 to 0.6% by weight of Si, and a balance of Al, in which the ratio of Mg/Cu is in the range of 2 to 7, homogenizing the ingot in one step or in multiple steps, performed at a temperature within a range of 400 to 580.degree. C., preparing an alloy sheet having a desired sheet thickness by subjecting the ingot to a hot rolling and a cold rolling, subjecting the alloy sheet to heat treatment including heating the sheet up to a range of 500.degree. to 580.degree. C. at a heating rate of 3.degree. C./sec. or more, keeping it for 0 to 60 seconds at the temperature reached, and cooling it to 100.degree. C. or less at a looking rate of 2.degree. C./sec. or more, and keeping the alloy sheet at a temperature within a range of 180.degree. to 300.degree. C. for 3 to 60 seconds. Thus, a natural aging-retardated aluminum alloy sheet is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignees: NKK Corporation, Mitsubishi Aluminum Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Fujita, Kohei Hasegawa, Shinji Mitao, Masataka Suga, Masakazu Niikura, Koichi Ohori, Hiroshi Saitoh
  • Patent number: 5455003
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for the production of aluminum-copper-lithium alloys that exhibit improved strength and fracture toughness at cryogenic temperatures. Improved cryogenic properties are achieved by controlling the composition of the alloy, along with processing parameters such as the amount of cold-work and artificial aging. The ability to attain substantially equal or greater strength and fracture toughness at cryogenic temperature in comparison to room temperature allows for use of the alloys in cryogenic tanks for space launch vehicles and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph R. Pickens, William T. Tack
  • Patent number: 5441582
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method manufacturing an aluminum alloy sheet comprising preparing an aluminum alloy ingot essentially consisting of 1.5 to 3.5% by weight of Mg, 0.3% to 1.0% by weight of Cu, 0.05 to 0.35% by weight of Si, 0.03 to 0.5% by weight of Fe, 0.005 to 0.15% by weight of Ti, 0.0002 to 0.05% by weight of B and a balance of Al, in which the ratio of Mg/Cu is in the range of 2 to 7, homogenizing the ingot in one step or in multiple steps, performed at a temperature within the range of 400.degree. to 580.degree. C., preparing an alloy sheet having a desired sheet thickness by subjecting the ingot to a hot rolling and a cold rolling, subjecting the alloy sheet to a heat treatment including heating the sheet up to a range of 500.degree. to 580.degree. C. at a heating rate of 3.degree. C./second or more, keeping it at the temperature reached for 0 to 60 seconds, and cooling at a cooling rate of 2.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: NKK Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Fujita, Shinji Mitao, Kohei Hasegawa, Masataka Suga
  • Patent number: 5437746
    Abstract: An aluminium alloy sheet for various discs having good platability is described. The alloy consists essentially of 2 to 6 wt % of Mg, 0.1 to 0.5 wt % of Zn, 0.03 to 0.40 wt % of Cu, 0.01 to 0.30 wt % of Fe and the balance of Al.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Eiki Usui, Masahiro Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 5383986
    Abstract: Strength and ductility for a aluminum-lithium alloy wrought product in the transverse direction is improved by subjecting these types of alloys to improved T8 temper practice. The wrought product, after solution heat treating and quenching is subjected to a multiple step stretching sequence prior to aging, the total percent reduction for the multiple step stretching sequence ranging between 1 and 20 percent reduction. In the multiple step stretching sequence, each of the stretching steps may have the same or different amounts of percent reduction to achieve the desired total percent reduction. An aluminum-lithium alloy wrought product subjected to the improved T8 temper practice has increased tensile yield stress and percent elongation in its transverse direction to facilitate commercial application of the product in high strength applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventor: Alex Cho
  • Patent number: 5374321
    Abstract: This invention relates to aluminium alloys containing lithium which are particularly suitable for aerospace construction in that they possess improved cold rolling characteristics optionally with improved damage tolerance. A method of producing sheet or strip material is described which comprises the steps of: (a) providing, in a condition suitable for hot rolling, a billet of an alloy of the composition in weight percent: lithium 1.9 to 2.6; magnesium 0.4 to 1.4; copper 1.0 to 2,2; manganese 9 to 0.09; zirconium 0 to 0.25; at least one other grain-controlling element 0 to 0.5; nickel 0 to 0.5; zinc 0 to 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Kevin M. Gatenby, Ian G. Palmer, Roger Grimes