Abstract: Disclosed is a cartridge case for various caliber ammunition that consists essentially of a powdered metal and/or powdered metal alloy that is formed into the cartridge case through an injection mold processing. Also disclosed is a method for forming a cartridge case, which may include use of Metal Injection Molding (“MIM”) processes to produce the cartridge case which retains a primer, propellant, and/or a bullet. The method can include metal injection molding an initial part, and also at least one of tapering and trimming the initial part to form the finished cartridge case. Further embodiments can include the use of Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis to develop an optimized MIM design.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy member resistant to cracking and having high strengths and excellent stress corrosion cracking resistance is manufactured by crushing a 7xxx aluminum alloy extrudate. Specifically, a 7xxx aluminum alloy extrudate containing Zn of 3.0-8.0%, Mg of 0.4-2.5%, Cu of 0.05-2.0%, and Ti of 0.005-0.2%, in mass percent, and prepared through press quenching is subjected to a reversion treatment, to crushing within 72 hours after the reversion treatment, and then to aging. The reversion treatment includes heating at a temperature use rate of 0.4° C./second or more, holding in a temperature range of 200-550° C. for longer than 0 second, and cooling at a rate of 0.5° C./second or more. The ratio of the tensile residual stress ?rs to the 0.2% yield stress ?0.2 after aging and the total content X of Mg and Zn satisfy a condition specified by Expression (1): Y??0.1 X+1.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the formability of press-formed high strength, age-hardenable aluminum alloy sheet is disclosed. The sheet is partially formed when in an overaged condition, for example in a T7 or T8 temper condition, to form a preform. After an annealing and solutionizing process the preform is promptly further deformed in a second forming operation and subsequently aged to develop high strength. The method may be employed to form components of more complex shape from higher strength aluminum alloys such as 6000 series and 7000 series alloys.

Abstract: Aluminum or aluminum alloy sputter targets and methods of making same are provided. The pure aluminum or aluminum alloy is mechanically worked to produce a circular blank, and then the blank is given a recrystallization anneal to achieve desirable grain size and crystallographic texture. A 10-50% additional strain is provided to the blank step after the annealing to increase the mechanical strength. Further, in a flange area of the target, the strain is greater than in the other target areas with the strain in the flange area being imparted at a rate of about 20-60% strain. The blank is then finished to form a sputtering target with desirable crystallographic texture and adequate mechanical strength.

Abstract: A system and a method of processing an F-temper aluminum alloy. An F-temper aluminum alloy blank may be heated and positioned in the die set such that the blank does not touch the die set. The blank may be formed into a part and quenched when the die set is closed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to extruded, rolled and/or forged products. Also provided are methods of making such products based on aluminum alloy wherein a liquid metal bath is prepared comprising 2.0 to 3.5% by weight of Cu, 1.4 to 1.8% by weight of Li, 0.1 to 0.5% by weight of Ag, 0.1 to 1.0% by weight of Mg, 0.05 to 0.18% by weight of Zr, 0.2 to 0.6% by weight of Mn and at least one element selected from Cr, Sc, Hf and Ti, the quantity of said element, if it is selected, being 0.05 to 0.3% by weight for Cr and for Sc, 0.05 to 0.5% by weight for Hf and 0.01 to 0.15% by weight for Ti, the remainder being aluminum and inevitable impurities. The products and methods of the present invention offer a particularly advantageous compromise between static mechanical strength and damage tolerance and are particularly useful in the field of aeronautical design.

Abstract: Disclosed is an Al—Mg—Si aluminum alloy sheet that can prevent ridging marks during press forming and has good reproducibility even with stricter fabricating conditions. In an Al—Mg—Si aluminum alloy sheet of a specific composition, hot rolling is performed on the basis of a set relationship between the rolling start temperature Ts and the rolling finish temperature Tf° C., whereby the relationship of the cube orientation distribution profile in the horizontal direction of the sheet with the cube orientation alone or another crystal orientation distribution profile at various locations in the depth direction of the sheet is made more uniform, suppressing the appearance of ridging marks that develop during sheet press forming.

Abstract: It has been commonly believed that very thick gauge high strength aluminum alloy product such as AA2139 plate cannot be formed to the required sharp angles to form the highly protective underbody armor for the MRAP vehicles. The present process and method of manufacture provides a means for strategically combining the metallurgical process of manufacturing high strength aluminum alloys and the forming process of V shaped hull to improve the formability of the very thick gauge high strength alloy product so much that even the very thick gauge (thicker than 1 inch) plate can be formed to severe forming angles. This combined process allowed successful manufacturing of high performance V shaped hulls for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the formability of press-formed high strength, age-hardenable aluminum alloy sheet is disclosed. The sheet is partially formed when in an overaged condition, for example in a T7 or T8 temper condition, to form a preform. After an annealing and solutionizing process the preform is promptly further deformed in a second forming operation and subsequently aged to develop high strength. The method may be employed to form components of more complex shape from higher strength aluminum alloys such as 6000 series and 7000 series alloys.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a process for producing an aluminum alloy material, whereby reduction in toughness and in fatigue strength of the aluminum alloy material can be inhibited even after solution treatment is provided. Also, the following is provided: a process for producing an aluminum alloy material comprising at least the steps of subjecting a heat treatable aluminum alloy material to solution treatment and applying aging treatment to the aluminum alloy material subjected to solution treatment, which further comprises the following step between the solution treatment step and the aging treatment step: the step of subjecting the aluminum alloy material to plastic forming in a manner such that a given amount of equivalent strain is imparted to the aluminum alloy material from at least two directions while the aluminum alloy material subjected to solution treatment is maintained under temperature conditions that do not cause softening of the aluminum alloy material by over-aging.

Abstract: New 6xxx aluminum alloy bodies and methods of producing the same are disclosed. The new 6xxx aluminum alloy bodies 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 6xxx aluminum alloy bodies may realize improved strength and other properties.

Abstract: A method for preparing a nanostructured aluminum alloy involves heating an aluminum alloy workpiece at temperature sufficient to produce a single phase coarse grained aluminum alloy, then refining the grain size of the workpiece at a temperature at or below room temperature, and then aging the workpiece to precipitate second phase particles in the nanosized grains of the workpiece that increase the ductility without decreasing the strength of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method of creep forming a metallic component is provided. The method includes the steps of applying static loading and cyclic loading and/or vibration to the component during the creep forming thereof to act as a source of additional energy.

Abstract: The high-purity aluminum sputter target is at least 99.999 weight percent aluminum and has a grain structure. The grain structure is at least 99 percent recrystallized and has a grain size of less than 200 ?m. The method forms high-purity aluminum sputter targets by first cooling a high-purity target blank to a temperature of less than ?50 ° C. and then deforming the cooled high-purity target blank introduces intense strain into the high-purity target. After deforming, recrystallizing the grains at a temperature below 200 ° C. forms a target blank having at least 99 percent recrystallized grains. Finally, finishing at a low temperature sufficient to maintain the fine grain size of the high-purity target blank forms a finished sputter target.

Abstract: An Al/Cu/Mg/Mn alloy for the production of semi-finished products with high static and dynamic strength properties has the following composition: 0.3–0.7 wt % silicon (Si), max. 0.15 wt. % iron (Fe), 3.5–4.5 wt % copper (Cu), 0.1–0.5 wt. % manganese (Mn), 0.3–0.8 wt. % magnesium (Mg), 0.5–0.15 wt % titanium (Ti), 0.1–0.25 wt % zirconium (Zr), 0.3–0.7 wt. % silver (Ag), max. 0.05 wt. % others individually, max 0.15 wt. % others globally, the remaining wt. % aluminum (Al). The invention further relates to a semi-finished product made for such an alloy and a method of production of a semi-finished product made for such an alloy.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an Al—Mg—Si series alloy plate includes the steps of hot-rolling and subsequently cold-rolling an Al—Mg—Si series alloy ingot. The Al—Mg—Si series alloy ingot consists of Si: 0.2 to 0.8 mass %, Mg: 0.3 to 1 mass %, Fe: 0.5 mass % or less, Cu: 0.5 mass % or less, at least one of elements selected from the group consisting of Ti: 0.1 mass % or less and B: 0.1 mass % or less and the balance being Al and inevitable impurities. Heat-treating for holding a rolled ingot at 200 to 400° C. for 1 hour or more is performed after a completion of the hot-rolling but before a completion of the cold-rolling.

Abstract: A method to increase the toughness of the aluminum-lithium alloy C458 and similar alloys at cryogenic temperatures above their room temperature toughness is provided. Increasing the cryogenic toughness of the aluminum-lithium alloy C458 allows the use of alloy C458 for cryogenic tanks, for example for launch vehicles in the aerospace industry. A two-step aging treatment for alloy C458 is provided. A specific set of times and temperatures to age the aluminum-lithium alloy C458 to T8 temper is disclosed that results in a higher toughness at cryogenic temperatures compared to room temperature. The disclosed two-step aging treatment for alloy 458 can be easily practiced in the manufacturing process, does not involve impractical heating rates or durations, and does not degrade other material properties.

Abstract: The heat treatment of an age-hardenable aluminium alloy, having alloying elements in solid solution includes the stages of holding the alloy for a relatively short time at an elevated temperature TA appropriate for ageing the alloy; cooling the alloy from the temperature TA at a sufficiently rapid rate and to a lower temperature so that primary precipitation of solute elements is substantially arrested; holding the alloy at a temperature TB for a time sufficient to achieve a suitable level of secondary nucleation or continuing precipitation of solute elements; and heating the alloy to a temperature which is at, sufficiently close to, or higher than temperature TA and holding for a further sufficient period of time at temperature TC for achieving substantially maximum strength.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing an integrated monolithic aluminum structure, including the steps of: (a) providing an aluminum alloy plate from an aluminum alloy with a predetermined thickness (y), (b) shaping or forming the alloy plate to obtain a predetermined shaped structure, (c) heat-treating the shaped structure, (d) machining, e.g. high velocity machining, the shaped structure to obtain an integrated monolithic aluminum structure.

Abstract: An Al—Mg—Si series alloy ingot consisting essentially of Si:0.2-0.8 wt %, Mg:0.3-0.9 wt %, Fe:0.35 wt % or less, Cu:0.20 wt % or less and the balance of aluminum and inevitable impurities is prepared. The alloy ingot is homogenized, then subjected to rough hot rolling and finish hot rolling, and finally to cold rolling. One of the rough hot rolling is controlled such that material temperature immediately before one of the rough hot rolling is from 350 to 440° C., cooling rate between one of the rough hot rolling and rough hot rolling subsequent thereto is 50° C./min or more, material temperature immediately after one of the rough hot rolling is from 250 to 340° C. and plate thickness immediately after one of the rough hot rolling is 10 mm or less. The cold rolling is controlled such that rolling reduction is 30% or more.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a strip of aluminium or an aluminium alloy for electrolytically roughened lithographic printing plates, in which the alloy is continuously cast as a strip and then rolled to final thickness, is such that the cast strip is rolled to final thickness with a thickness reduction of at least 90% without any further heating. The resultant microstructure in the region close to the surface of the strip leads to improved electrolytic etching behaviour.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a hollow pressure vessel, in which a billet is cast from an alloy with a composition in % by weight, Zn=6.25-8.0, Mg=1.2-2.2, Cu=1.7-2.8, Fe<0.20, Fe+Si<0.40, at least one of the elements selected from the group consisting of Cr, Zr, V, Hf and Sc in an amount of 0.05-0.3, and other elements <0.05 each and <0.15 total. The cast billet is homogenized with a temperature profile such that metal temperature is slightly less than incipient melting temperature at all times, cooled to ambient temperature and softening annealed for a duration of 20 to 40 h between 200 and 400° C. with cooling at a rate of less than 50° C./h down to a temperature of below 100° C., resulting in a billet hardness <54 HB. A slug is cut out of the softened billet, cold or slightly warm extruded with an extrusion start temperature <300° C.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing of an aluminum-magnesium-lithium product, comprising the steps of subsequently: (a) providing an aluminum alloy consisting of (in weight %): Mg 3.0-6.0, Li 0.4-3.0, Zn up to 2.0, Mn up to 1.0, Ag up to 0.5, Fe up to 0.3, Si to 0.3, Cu up to 0.3, 0.02-0.5 selected from the group consisting of (Sc 0.010-0.40, Hf 0.010-0.25, Ti 0.010-0.25, V 0.010-0.30, Nd 0.010-0.20, Zr 0.020-0.25, Cr 0.020-0.25, Y 0.005-0.20, Be 0.0002-0.10), balance consisting essentially of aluminum and incidental elements and impurities; (b) casting the aluminum alloy into an ingot; (c) preheating the ingot; (d) hot rolling the preheated ingot to a hot worked intermediate product; (e) cold rolling the hot worked intermediate product to a rolled product in both the length and in the width direction with a total cold rolling reduction of at least 15%; (f) solution heat treating the cold rolled product in the temperature range of 465 to 565° C. for a soaking time in the range of 0.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is a process for the manufacture of a work-hardened product made of a high mechanical strength Al—Zn—Mg—Cu aluminium alloy consisting of:

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a strip of aluminium or an aluminium alloy for electrolytically roughened lithographic printing plates, in which the alloy is continuously cast as a strip and then rolled to final thickness, is such that the cast strip is rolled to final thickness with a thickness reduction of at least 90% without any further heating. The resultant microstructure in the region close to the surface of the strip leads to improved electrolytic etching behaviour.

Abstract: A process of producing a shaped article suitable for use as an automotive body panel intended for finishing by painting and, if necessary, baking. The process comprises obtaining a sheet article made of an aluminum alloy of the 2000 or 6000 series in a T4 or T4P temper and that exhibits an increase in hardness after painting and optionally baking, shaping the sheet article by forming to produce an intermediate shaped article, and subjecting the intermediate shaped article to a thermal spiking treatment prior to painting and optionally baking. The thermal spiking treatment involves heating the intermediate shaped article from ambient temperature to a temperature in a range of 150 to 300° C. with or without holding at that temperature for a period of time to enhance the increase in hardness. The process may also include the painting and optionally baking step. The invention includes the shaped articles, either prior to or after painting and optionally baking, produced by the process.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aluminium extrusion alloy comprising in weight percent: Mn 1.0-1.4, Cu 0.2-2.0, Mg 0.1-0.6, Si 0.15-1.0, Fe 0.8 max., Zn 0.25 max., Ti 0.15 max., Cr 0.35 max., Zr and/or V in total 0.25 max., others up to 0.05 each, total 0.15, balance aluminium, and with the proviso that (Cu+Mg)>0.7, and which aluminium extrusion alloy is particularly suitable for application in brazed assemblies, and the invention further relates to a method of its manufacture.

Abstract: The process for manufacturing a metallic component, such as a wheel part for the rolling system of a vehicle, which includes, in an initial stage, forming the component of a metallic material in a semi-solid state and having a thixotropic structure, and in a subsequent cold-treatment stage, cold-treating at least part of said component by blasting it with projectiles with a view to plastic deformation thereof. A wheel in which a metallic disk is welded to a wheel rim and in which the metallic disk is obtained by the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A method for producing new superplastic alloys by inducing in an alloy the formation of precipitates having a sufficient size and homogeneous distribution that a sufficiently refined grain structure to produce superplasticity is obtained after subsequent PSN processing. An age-hardenable alloy having at least one dispersoid phase is selected for processing. The alloy is solution heat-treated and cooled to form a supersaturated solid solution. The alloy is plastically deformed sufficiently to form a high-energy defect structure useful for the subsequent heterogeneous nucleation of precipitates. The alloy is then aged, preferably by a multi-stage low and high temperature process, and precipitates are formed at the defect sites. The alloy then is subjected to a PSN process comprising plastically deforming the alloy to provide sufficient strain energy in the alloy to ensure recrystallization, and statically recrystallizing the alloy.

Abstract: Described is a method for producing a diffusion bonded sputtering target assembly which is thermally treated to precipitation harden the backing plate without compromising the diffusion bond integrity. The method includes heat treating and quenching to alloy solution and artificially age the backing plate material after diffusion bonding to a target. Thermal treatment of the diffusion bonded sputtering target assembly includes quenching by partial-immersion in a quenchant and is performed after diffusion bonding and allows for various tempers in the backing plate.

Abstract: A method for making a superplastically formable, aluminum alloy product which consists essentially of: about 2-3.8 wt. % magnesium; at least one dispersoid-forming element selected from the group consisting of: up to about 1.6 wt. % manganese, up to about 0.2 wt. % zirconium, and up to about 0.3 w. % chromium; at least one nucleation-enhancing element for recrystallization selected from: about 0.11-1.0 wt. % silicon, up to about 1.5 wt. % copper, and combinations thereof. Said alloy product has greater than about 300% elongation at a strain rate of about 0.0001-0.003/sec and a superplastic forming temperature between about 1000-1100° F. due, in part to the preferred thermomechanical processing steps applied to its intermediate plate or slab product forms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a product comprising an aluminum base alloy consisting of (in weight %): Cu 3.8-4.9, Mg 1.2-1.8, Mn 0.1-0.9, Fe max. 0.12, Si max. 0.10, Ti max. 0.15, Zn max. 0.20, Cr max. 0.10, impurities each max. 0.05, total max. 0.15, balance aluminum. The product having a minimum L-0.2%yield strength of 300 MPa or more, a minimum LT-0.2%yield strength of 270 MPa, a minimum T-L fracture toughness KC(ao) of 100 MPa.m or more for a 700 mm wide CCT-panel, and has in both L/ST- and LT/ST-sections an average grain size of at least 6 according to ASTM E-112. Further the invention relates to a method for the manufacturing of such a product.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of forming a component made of an artificially and plastically formable material which can be hardened by artificial aging. The component is first shot-peen-formed in the unhardened condition and is subsequently, artificially aged. During artificial aping it is subjected to an exterior pressure load causing a creep of the impact-body-forming material to conform to a mold having the desired shape.

Abstract: A continuously cast and rolled sheet of an aluminum alloy having Mg in a content of 3 to 6% by weight is annealed, followed by strain correction, heat and hold treatment at a given temperature between 240° C. and 340° C. for one hour or more, and slowly cooling treatment, to thereby provide an aluminum alloy sheet having enhanced resistance to stress corrosion cracking and improved shape fixability. The slowly cooling treatment is carried out at a cooling rate chosen from a preset cooling zone corresponding to a present temperature zone S defined in obliquely lined surround form in the accompanying drawing.

Abstract: Stress relieving of an age hardenable aluminium alloy product after solution heat treatment and quenching, is carried out by a permanent cold plastic deformation applied by the steps of:(a) applying a stress-relieving cold mechanical stretch to said product, and(b) applying a stress-relieving cold compression to said product.This combined treatment gives improved strength and toughness and at least comparable distortion after machining.

Abstract: A process for fabricating an aluminum alloy rolled sheet particularly suitable for use for an automotive body, the process comprising: (a) providing a body of an alloy comprising: about 0.8 to about 1.5 wt. % silicon, about 0.15 to about 0.65 wt. % magnesium, about 0.00 to about 0.1 wt. % copper, about 0.01 to about 0.1 wt. % manganese, about 0.05 to about 0.3 wt. % iron; and the balance being substantially aluminum and incidental elements and impurities; (b) working the body to produce a the sheet; (c) solution heat treating the sheet; and (d) rapidly quenching the sheet. In a preferred embodiment, the solution heat treat is preformed at a temperature greater than 460.degree. C. and the sheet is quenched by a water spray. The resulting sheet has an improved combination of formability, strength and corrosion resistance.

Abstract: Aluminum alloys that are susceptible to damage by High Temperature Oxidation during solution heat treatment are protected against such damage by a coating containing sodium fluoroborate and/or other fluorine-containing-gas-generating material. The coating can be one suitable for lubrication during cold working of the substrate and can remain in place after the cold working to protect the substrate during subsequent heat treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for continuously casting aluminum alloys and improved aluminum alloy compositions. The process includes the steps of continuously annealing the cold rolled strip in an intermediate anneal using an induction heater and/or continuously annealing the hot rolled strip in an induction heater. The alloy composition has mechanical properties that can be varied selectively by varying the time and temperature of a stabilizing anneal.

Abstract: A treatment process for a composite comprising a matrix of a precipitation hardenable aluminum alloy and a particulate or short fiber ceramic reinforcement. The process includes hot and/or cold working the composite, subjecting the composite to a controlled heating step in which the composite is raised from ambient temperature to a temperature of from 250 to 450.degree. C. at a rate of temperature increase less than 1000.degree. C. per hour, and subjecting the resulting heat treated composite to a solution treating step.

Abstract: A process for fabricating an aluminum alloy rolled sheet particularly suitable for use for an automotive body, the process comprising: (a) providing a body of an alloy comprising: about 0.8 to about 1.5 wt. % silicon, about 0.15 to about 0.65 wt. % magnesium, about 0.00 to about 0.1 wt. % copper, about 0.01 to about 0.1 wt. % manganese, about 0.05 to about 0.3 wt. % iron; and the balance being substantially aluminum and incidental elements and impurities; (b) working the body to produce a the sheet; (c) solution heat treating the sheet; and (d) rapidly quenching the sheet. In a preferred embodiment, the solution heat treat is preformed at a temperature greater than 460.degree. C. and the sheet is quenched by a water spray. The resulting sheet has an improved combination of formability, strength and corrosion resistance.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing aluminum can body stock involving the following steps. A molten aluminum alloy is prepared, the alloy containing Mg in the range 1.1 to 1.5% by weight, Mn in the range 0.4 to 0.9% by weight, Cu in the range 0.2 to 0.4% by weight, Fe in the range 0.2 to 0.7% by weight, Si in the range 0.07 to 0.3% by weight, all other elements each less than 0.05% by weight to a maximum of 0.2% for all other elements. The alloy is cast in a continuous strip casting process to produce a slab having a thickness of at least 9 mm. The slab is rolled using at least 83% reduction to produce a re-roll strip. The re-roll strip is coiled to form a coil and the coil to cool is allowed to cool naturally. The re-roll strip is then annealed and cold rolled to a final gauge of between 0.26 and 0.4 mm, using a reduction of between 75 and 85%, with no interanneal. The resulting strip can be used as can body stock having a 45 degree earing of less than 3% and a yield strength after stoving of at least 38.

Abstract: Aluminum/lithium alloys displaying excellent weldability while also exhibiting isotropic physical properties is produced by including greater than 0.25 weight percent scandium and processing by a combination of low temperature hot working, recrystallization, optional cold working, and artificial aging. The alloy materials are particularly useful as aircraft and spacecraft components such as fuel tanks.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aluminum alloy sheet heat treated by natural aging, quenching and possibly tempering so as to obtain a yield strength greater than 320 MPa, for use in mechanical, naval, aircraft, or spacecraft construction, with a composition (by weight) of:Si: 6.5 to 11%Mg: 0.5 to 1.0%Cu: <0.8%Fe: <0.

Abstract: A method of producing an AA7000 series aluminum alloy wrought product or plate includes a two step solution heat treating sequence wherein the aluminum plate is subjected to a first solution heat treatment at a first elevated temperature or temperatures for a first period of time, followed by a second solution heat treatment at a lower temperature or temperatures for a second period of time. The two step solution heat treating sequence results in vastly improved exfoliation corrosion resistance in the final aluminum wrought or plate product. An improved process for making aluminum alloy products in the T7751 Temper also is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for reforming the generally cylindrical sidewalls of aluminum containers is disclosed. The method produces highly expanded and/or contoured container sidewalls which provide a distinctive appearance in comparison with cylindrical containers having straight sidewalls. Multiple expansion steps are used to expand the sidewall to a diameter substantially greater than the initial diameter of the cylindrical starting container. The sidewalls are thermally treated prior to expansion, for example, by annealing to reduce or eliminate residual stresses and work hardening. The sidewall thickness of the cylindrical starting container is preferably selected in order to maximize the total amount of sidewall expansion that can be achieved.

Abstract: A continuously cast and rolled aluminum alloy substrate for an electrolytically grainable lithographic printing plate, consisting of 0.20 to 0.80 wt. % of Fe and the balance of Al, grain-refining elements and unavoidable impurities including 0.3 wt. % or less of Si and 0.05 wt. % or less of Cu, the amount of Fe present in solid solution being not more than 250 ppm, the amount of Si present in solid solution being not more than 150 ppm, and the amount of Cu present in solid solution being not more than 120 ppm.

Abstract: A method of making an aluminum foil product from an aluminum-silicon-iron aluminum alloy comprises casting the alloy into a slab, preferably by twin roll casting, cold rolling the alloy to an intermediate gauge and reroll annealing the intermediate gauge material. The reroll annealed material is then cold rolled to a final foil gauge followed by a final recrystallizing annealing. The aluminum alloy has a controlled amount of silicon and iron such that the silicon is equal to or greater than the iron amount and the reroll anneal temperature is 800.degree. F. (427.degree. C.) or less. The combination of the controlled amounts of silicon and iron and the lower reroll anneal temperature results in an improved foil product in terms of finer grain size and higher elongation which is also less costly to produce.

Abstract: A friction boring process creates a corrosion resistant fine grain microstructure in the wall surfaces of holes bored in aluminum alloy materials. A rotating tool is inserted directly into the aluminum material, or into a pre-drilled pilot hole, at a sufficient rotational velocity and feed rate to cause working that extends beyond the diameter of the tool, frictional heating, and extraction of aluminum material by metal deformation rather than cutting action as with a conventional drill bit. Burring, smoothing, and otherwise removing aluminum material extracted from the hole may be performed by a finishing segment that limits insertion depth of the tool. Frictional heating generates a temperature sufficient for rapid recrystallization of the remaining worked metal to form a fine grain microstructure to a depth of about 2.5 mm in the hole surfaces. Corrosion protection is retained even if some fine grain material is removed during a subsequent reaming operation.

Abstract: There is provided a coil retainer for an engine valve to be mounted therewithin, said retainer prepared by forging of an aluminum-based alloy of the following composition; followed by special combined heat treatments to convert into an alloy material having a dendrite arm spacing value less than 15 micrometer; and the composition being composed ofSilicon: 8 to 17 weight percent;Copper: 2 to 5 weight percent;Magnesium: 0.2 to 10 weight percent;Manganese: 0.1 to 1.5 weight percent;the balance of the composition being aluminum and inevitable amount of impurities.

Abstract: A process for fabricating an aluminum alloy rolled sheet particularly suitable for use for an automotive body, the process comprising: (a) providing a body of an alloy comprising about 0.8 to about 1.3 wt. % silicon, about 0.2 to about 0.6 wt. % magnesium, about 0.5 to about 1.8 wt. % copper, about 0.01 to about 0.1 wt. % manganese, about 0.01 to about 0.2 wt. % iron, the balance being substantially aluminum and incidental elements and impurities: (b) working the body to produce a sheet; (c) solution heat treating the sheet; and (d) rapidly quenching the sheet. In a preferred embodiment, the solution heat treat is performed at a temperature greater than 840.degree. F. and the sheet is rapidly quenched. The resulting sheet has an improved combination of excellent formability and good strength.