Titanium, Zirconium, Hafnium, Vanadium, Niobium, Or Tantalum Containing Patents (Class 420/535)
  • Patent number: 6063210
    Abstract: A superplastically formable, aluminum alloy product which consists essentially of about 2-10 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: up to about 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 at least about 0.0003/sec and a superplastic forming temperature between about 1000-1100.degree. F. due, in part, to the preferred thermomechanical processing steps subsequently applied thereto. A related method of manufacture is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Dhruba J. Chakrabarti, Roger D. Doherty
  • Patent number: 6056836
    Abstract: Sheet for welded constructions having an ultimate tensile strength R.sub.m >275 MPa, elongation A>22% and a product A.times.R.sub.m >7000, having the composition, in % by weight:______________________________________ Mg: 4.2-4.7; Mn: 0.20-0.40; Zn: <0.20; Fe: 0.20-0.45; Si <0.25; Cr <0.15; Cu <0.25; Ti <0.10; Zr <0.10; ______________________________________other elements <0.05 each and <0.20 in total,balance Al.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Pechiney Rhenalu
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Hoffman, Guy-Michel Raynaud, Martin-Peter Schmidt, Herve Ribes
  • 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: 5993576
    Abstract: A wear-resistant wrought Al alloy having a desirable high fatigue strength, toughness and flexure strength when subjected to a quenching and an age hardening heat treatment. The Al alloy contains 8.0 to 13.0% by weight of Si, 0.1 to 0.5% by weight of Fe, 1.5 to 5.0% by weight of Cu, 0.4 to 1.5% by weight of Mg, 0.05 to 0.5% by weight of Cr, 0.05 to 0.5% by weight of Ni, an element selected from the group consisting of 0.005 to 0.05% by weight of Sr and 0.05 to 0.3% by weight of Sb, and the remainder being Al and unavoidable impurities, wherein there is no more than 0.04% by weight of Mn as an unavoidable impurity. The Al alloy having Si particles being finely dispersed therein, wherein an average diameter of an equivalent circle of Si particles is not more than 5.00 .mu.m and an average roundness of Si particles is not less than 0.50. The amounts of Fe, Cr and Ni contained in the alloy and the amount of Mn as an impurity are such to prevent Si particles and other intermetallic compounds from enlarging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Ichinose, Akira Hideno, Nobuaki Ohara
  • Patent number: 5989495
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy for use in castings, comprising 0.0005-0.01 weight % of Fe, 0.0005-0.01 weight % of Si, 2.5-6.5 weight % of Cu, 0.10-0.50 weight % of Mg, 0.001-0.40 weight % of Mn, 0.10-0.50 weight % of Ti, 0.20-1.2 weight % of Ag, 0.002-0.01 weight % of B, no more than 0.01 weight % of any other individual component aside from Al, and the balance Al. The aluminum alloy is thereby designed to provide improved toughness without detracting from tensile strength, proof stress, and hardness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignees: Kyushu Mitsui Aluminum Industries, Inc., Nippon Precision Casting Corp.
    Inventors: Tomoaki Isayama, Osamu Shibata
  • Patent number: 5944923
    Abstract: The invention provides an aluminum alloy sheet that has excellent formability, high coat-baking hardenability, and ensures a proof stress of 200 MPa or more after the coat-baking stage, and that gives favorable product surface quality after the forming stage and excellent corrosion resistance, and that is particularly suitable for external automobile body plates. The aluminum alloy sheet comprises: 0.9 to 1.3 wt. % of Si, 0.4 to 0.6 wt. % of Mg, 0.05 to 0.15 wt. % of Mn, 0.01 to 0.1 wt. % of Ti, with the remainder comprising Al and inevitable impurities, while limiting Fe as an impurity to 0.2 wt. % or less and Cu as an impurity to 0.1 wt. % or less; a coating film of a lubricant composition containing a water-dispersible polyurethane resin and a natural wax on the aluminum alloy sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Sumitomo Light Metal Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Noboru Hayashi, Kunihiro Yasunaga, Hideo Yoshida, Hidetoshi Uchida, Hideo Itoh
  • Patent number: 5938867
    Abstract: A method of producing an aluminum product comprising providing stock including an aluminum alloy comprising about 4.0 to 4.4 wt. % copper, about 1.25 to 1.5 wt. % magnesium, about 0.35 to 0.5 wt. % manganese, not more than 0.12 wt. % silicon, not more than 0.08 wt. % iron, not more than 0.06 wt. % titanium, the remainder substantially aluminum, incidental elements and impurities; hot working the stock; annealing at 725-875.degree. F.; cold rolling; solution heat treating; cooling; holding for at least 12 hours at room temperature; and cold working from about 4% to 7% thereby producing a product having increased strength and toughness properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph C. Dorward, Steven D. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 5925313
    Abstract: There is provided an Al base alloy containing boron which is superior in mechanical properties such as strength, ductility or workability and the like and has a neutron absorbing capacity and an ability to recycle. This is an Al base alloy containing boron with Mg: 2 to 8% (massed %, similarly applied hereinafter) and B: 0.5 to 1.5% and satisfying a relation of .sup.10 B/(.sup.10 B+.sup.11 B).gtoreq.95%, and a rate of AlB.sub.2 in all boron compounds is 80% or more by a volumetric rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Katsura Kajihara, Haruo Kakunai, Yuichi Seki, Tadahiko Yamashita, Masahiro Yanagawa
  • Patent number: 5908518
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rolled or extruded AlMgMn aluminum alloy product for welded mechanical construction with the composition (% by weight): 3.0<Mg<65, 0.2<Mn<1.0, Fe<0.8, 0.05<Si<0.6, Zn<1.3, possibly Cr<0.15 and/or one or more of the elements Cu, Ti, Ag, Zr, V at a content of<0.30 each, other elements and inevitable impurities <0.05 each and <0.15 in total, in which the number of Mg.sub.2 Si particles between 0.5 .mu.m and 5 .mu.m, in size is between 150 and 2,000 per mm.sup.2, and preferably between 300 and 1,500 per mm.sup.2. The products according to the invention have good corrosion resistance and are used for structural applications such as for example, boats, offshore structures or industrial vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Pechiney Rhenalu
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Hoffmann, Martin Peter Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5906689
    Abstract: An aluminum-based alloy composition having improved corrosion resistance and extrudability consists essentially of, in weight percent, an amount of copper up to about 0.03%, between about 0.1 and 0.5% manganese, between about 0.03 and 0.30% titanium, between about 0.06 and 1.0% zinc, an amount of iron up to about 0.50%, between about 0.05 and 0.12% Si, less than 0.01% manganese, less than 0.01% nickel, up to 0.5% chromium with the balance aluminum and incidental impurities. A process of making an aluminum alloy article having high corrosion resistance also is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventor: Subhasish Sircar
  • Patent number: 5879478
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aluminum alloy for thixoforming with the composition (by weight): Si: 5%-7.2% Cu: 1%-5% Mg<1% Zn<3% Fe<1.5% other elements<1% each and<3% in total, with % Si<7.5-% Cu/3, which, when reheated to the semisolid state to the point at which a liquid fraction ratio between 35 and 55% is obtained, has an absence of non-remelted polyhedral silicon crystals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Aluminium Pechiney
    Inventors: Willem Loue, Michel Garat
  • Patent number: 5879475
    Abstract: There is claimed a forged structural member suitable for aerospace applications and having improved combinations of strength and toughness. The member is made from a substantially vanadium-free, lithium-free aluminum-based alloy consisting essentially of: about 4.85-5.3 wt. % copper, about 0.5-1.0 wt. % magnesium, about 0.4-0.8 wt. % manganese, about 0.2-0.8 wt. % silver, about 0.05-0.25 wt. % zirconium, up to about 0.1 wt. % silicon, and up to about 0.1 wt. % iron, the balance aluminum, incidental elements and impurities, the Cu:Mg ratio of said alloy being between about 5 and 9, and more preferably between about 6.0 and 7.5. The invention exhibits a typical longitudinal tensile yield strength of about 71 ksi or higher at room temperature and can be forged into aircraft wheels or various brake and other product forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Lynette M. Karabin
  • Patent number: 5863359
    Abstract: There is claimed a lower wing structure for a commercial jet aircraft which includes a substantially unrecrystallized rolled plate member made from an aluminum alloy consisting essentially of about 3.6 to 4.0 wt. % copper, about 1.0 to 1.6 wt. % magnesium, about 0.3 to 0.7 wt. % manganese, about 0.05 to 0.25 wt. % zirconium, the balance aluminum and incidental elements and impurities. On a preferred basis, the alloy products of this invention include very low levels of both iron and silicon, typically on the order of less than 0.1 wt. % each, and more preferably about 0.05 wt. % or less iron and about 0.03 wt. % or less silicon. This alloy composition may be rolled to form lower wing skin plates and extruded or rolled to form wing box stringers therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Lynette M. Karabin, John Liu, Allison S. Warren, Gary H. Bray
  • 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: 5846348
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy cast molding produced by a high-pressure casting method, and having a composition containing Si in an amount of 0.6 to 1.0% by weight (which will be hereinafter simply referred to as %), Cu in an amount of 0.6 to 1.2%, Mg in an amount of 0.8 to 1.2%, Zn in an amount of 0.4 to 1.2%, Ti in an amount of 0.01 to 0.20%, and B in an amount of 0.002 to 0.015%, with the remainder being aluminum and inevitable impurities. The maximum dendrite cell size of the metal structure of the aluminum alloy casting is limited to 60 .mu.m or less. The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing an aluminum alloy casting by high-pressure casting, which manufacturing method includes the steps of charging a mold with a molten aluminum alloy having the above alloy composition, and subsequently solidifying the charged molten metal under pressures as high as 500 Kgf/cm.sup.2 or above so that the maximum dendrite cell size of the metal structure of the aluminum alloy casting is limited to 60 .mu.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoichi Sakoda, Akira Hideno, Nobuaki Ohara
  • Patent number: 5776269
    Abstract: A process for making an essentially lead-free screw machine stock alloy, comprising the steps of providing a cast aluminum ingot having a composition consisting essentially of about 0.55 to 0.70 wt. % silicon, about 0.15 to 0.45 wt. % iron, about 0.30 to 0.40 wt. % copper, about 0.8 to 0.15 wt. % manganese, about 0.80 to 1.10 wt. % magnesium, about 0.08 to 0.14 wt. % chromium, nor more than about 0.25 wt. % zinc, about 0.007 to 0.07 wt. % titanium, about 0.20 to 0.8 wt. % bismuth, about 0.15 to 0.25 wt. % tin, balance aluminum and unavoidable impurities; homogenizing the alloy at a temperature ranging from about 900.degree. to 1060.degree. F. for a time period of at least 1 hour; cooling to room temperature; cutting the ingot into billets; heating and extruding the billets into a desired shape; and thermomechanically treating the extruded alloy shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Larry E. Farrar, Jr., Norman LeRoy Coats, II
  • Patent number: 5766546
    Abstract: An alloy suitable for manufacturing components out of a hollow body by high internal pressure forming contains, in wt. %,______________________________________ Silicon 0.3 to 1.6 Magnesium 0.3 to 1.3 Iron max. 0.5 Copper max. 0.9 Manganese max. 0.5 Vanadium 0.05 to 0.3 Cobalt max. 0.3 Chromium max. 0.3 Nickel max.0.8 Zirconium max. 0.3 ______________________________________and other alloying elements, individually at most 0.05, in total at most 0.15, the remainder aluminum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Alusuisse Technology & Management Ltd.
    Inventor: Pius Schwellinger
  • Patent number: 5755898
    Abstract: Compressor scrolls are made of an aluminum alloy containing 4.0 to 5.0% by weight of Cu, 9.0 to 12.0% by weight of Si, 0.5 to 1.5% by weight of Mg, and 0.6 to 1.0% by weight of Fe. The scrolls are manufactured using a high speed die casting method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Shinya Yamamoto, Takamitsu Mukai, Yasushi Watanabe, Nobuhiro Ishizaka
  • Patent number: 5738735
    Abstract: A high creep resistance aluminum alloy containing, in percent by weight:Cu: 2.0-3.0;Mg: 1.5-2.1;Mn: 0.3-0.7;Fe<0.3;Ni<0.3;Zr<0.15;Ti<0.15;Ag<1.0;Si<0.6;with Si and Ag in amounts such that 0.3<Si+0.4Ag<0.6; other elements <0.05 each and <0.15 total; and balance Al. The alloy has in its wrought state after being treated by natural aging, quenching and aging, a creep strain after 1,000 h at 150.degree. C. under a stress of 250 MPA of less than 0.3% and a fracture time of at least 2,500 h, and can be used for structural parts for aircraft or spacecraft, rotating machine parts, or plastic processing molds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Pechiney Rhenalu
    Inventor: Denis Bechet
  • Patent number: 5725694
    Abstract: A free-machining alloy is disclosed containing bismuth, tin and indium. The free-machining constituents act as low melting point compounds for machining and are specially adapted for use in aluminum alloys such as AA6000 series and AA 2000 series alloys. The bismuth, tin and indium are effective replacements for the lead and bismuth addition used previously to improve machinability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventor: Subhasish Sircar
  • 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: 5665306
    Abstract: There is claimed a sheet or plate structural member suitable for aerospace applications and having improved combinations of strength and toughness. The member is made from a substantially vanadium-free aluminum-based alloy consisting essentially of: about 4.85-5.3 wt. % copper, about 0.5-1.0 wt. % magnesium, about 0.4-0.8 wt. % manganese, about 0.2-0.8 wt. % silver, about 0.05-0.25 wt. % zirconium, up to about 0.1 wt. % silicon, and up to about 0.1 wt. % iron, the balance aluminum, incidental elements and impurities, the Cu:Mg ratio of said alloy being between about 5 and 9, and more preferably between about 6.0 and 7.5. The invention exhibits a typical tensile yield strength of about 77 ksi or higher at room temperature and can be processed into various lower wing members or into the fuselage skin of high speed aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Lynette M. Karabin
  • Patent number: 5652877
    Abstract: The present invention relates to alloys in which the essential constituent is aluminum, metal deposits produced from these alloys, substrates coated with these alloys and the applications of these alloys. The alloys of the present invention are characterized in thatthey have the following atomic composition (I):Al.sub.a Cu.sub.b Co.sub.b' (B,C).sub.c M.sub.d N.sub.e I.sub.f(I)a+b+b'+c+d+e+f=100, expressed as number of atoms, a.gtoreq.50, 0.ltoreq.b<14, 0.ltoreq.b'.ltoreq.22, 0<b+b'.ltoreq.30, 0.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.5, 8.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.30, 0.ltoreq.e.ltoreq.4, f.ltoreq.2, where M represents one or more elements chosen from Fe, Cr, Mn, Ni, Ru, Os, Mo, V, Mg, Zn and Pd; N represents one or more elements chosen from W, Ti, Zr, Hf, Rh, Nb, Ta, Y, Si, Ge and the rare earths; I represents the inevitable production impurities;and they contain at least 30% by mass of one or more quasicrystalline phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Dubois, Antoine Pianelli
  • Patent number: 5650025
    Abstract: A wear-resistant aluminum alloy for automobile parts, particularly for automobile engine and transmission parts requiring high strength, toughness, and wear-resistance, prepared by increasing the amount of silicon, copper, magnesium, and titanium, and decreasing the amount of zinc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Do-Suck Han
  • Patent number: 5630889
    Abstract: An extruded structural member suitable for aerospace applications and having improved combinations of strength and toughness. The member is made from a substantially vanadium-free aluminum-based alloy consisting essentially of: about 4.85-5.3 wt. % copper, about 0.5-1.0 wt. % magnesium, about 0.4-0.8 wt. % manganese, about 0.2-0.8 wt. % silver, about 0.05-0.25 wt. % zirconium, up to about 0.1 wt. % silicon, and up to about 0.1 wt. % iron, the balance aluminum, incidental elements and impurities, the Cu:Mg ratio of said alloy being between about 5 and 9, and more preferably between about 6.0 and 7.5. The invention exhibits a typical tensile yield strength of about 77 ksi or higher at room temperature and can be forged into aircraft wheels or extruded into various other product forms for use as high speed aircraft wing members, e.g. stringers or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Lynette M. Karabin
  • 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: 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: 5573606
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an aluminum base die casting alloy having substantially improved mechanical properties, and a method for making die cast products from the alloy. More particularly the improved aluminum based alloy comprises 2.5-4.0% by weight magnesium, 0.2-0.6% by weight manganese, 0.25-0.6% by weight iron, 0.2-0.45% by weight silicon, less than 0.003% by weight beryllium with the remainder being aluminum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Gibbs Die Casting Aluminum Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Evans, Richard J. Hagan, William C. Routh, Roland N. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 5523050
    Abstract: A method is described for preparing a refined or reinforced eutectic or hyper-eutectic metal alloy, comprising: melting the eutectic or hyper-eutectic metal alloy, adding particles of non-metallic refractory material to the molten metal matrix, mixing together the molten metal alloy and the particles of refractory material, and casting the resulting mixture under conditions causing precipitation of at least one intermetallic phase from the molten metal matrix during solidification thereof such that the intermetallics formed during solidification wet and engulf said refractory particles. The added particles may be very small and serve only to refine the precipitating intermetallics in the alloy or they may be larger and serve as reinforcing particles in a composite with the alloy. The products obtained are also novel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: David J. Lloyd, Iljoon Jin
  • Patent number: 5522950
    Abstract: An A-rated aluminum alloy suitable for machining, said alloy consisting essentially of: about 0.15-1.0 wt. % copper, about 1.01-1.5 wt. % tin, about 0.65-1.35 wt. % magnesium, about 0.4-1.1 wt. % silicon, about 0.00 2-0.35 wt. % manganese, up to about 0.5 wt. % iron, up to about 0.15 wt. % chromium and up to about 0.15 wt. % titanium, the remainder substantially aluminum. On a preferred basis, this alloy contains about 0.51-0.75 wt. % copper, about 1.1-1.3 wt. % tin, about 0.7-0.9 wt. % magnesium and about 0.45-0.75 wt. % silicon. The alloy is substantially free of lead, bismuth, nickel, zirconium and cadmium. There is further disclosed an improved method for making screw machine stock or wire, rod and bar product from this alloy by casting, preheating, extruding, solution heat treating, cold finishing and thermally processing the aforementioned alloy composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Charles W. Bartges, Thomas J. Klemp, Gerald D. Scott, Matthew J. Allyn
  • 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: 5503690
    Abstract: In a method of extruding a 6000-series-type aluminum alloy by casting, homogenizing, extruding and optionally, aging and/or heat treating, an alloy composition is provided having silicon 0.6-1.2 wt. %, magnesium 0.7-1.2 wt. %, copper 0.3-1.1 wt. %, manganese 0.1-0.8 wt. %, zirconium 0.05-0.25 wt. %, up to 0.5 wt. % iron, up to 0.15 wt. % chromium, up to 0.25 wt. % zinc, up to 0.10 wt. % titanium with the balance aluminum and incidental impurities wherein an effective amount of zirconium, in combination with effective amounts of manganese, produces a fibrous grain structure which contributes to a combination of high strength and fracture toughness in the extruded alloy. The fibrous grain structure also permits improvements in forming the extrusion by enabling lower temperatures to be utilized during the homogenization step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Wade, Michael H. Skillingberg
  • 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: 5478418
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy powder for sliding members includes Fe in an amount of from 0.5 to 5.0% by weight, Cu in an amount of from 0.6 to 5.0% by weight, B in an amount of from 0.1 to 2.0% by weight and the balance of Al. An aluminum alloy includes a matrix made from the aluminum alloy powder and at least one member dispersed, with respect to whole of the matrix taken 100% by weight, in the matrix, and selected from the group consisting of B in an amount of from 0.1 to 5.0% by weight, boride in an amount of from 1.0 to 15% by weight and iron compound in an amount of from 1.0 to 15% by weight, and thereby it exhibits the tensile strength of 400 MPa or more. The aluminum alloy powder and the aluminum alloy are suitable for making sliding members like valve lifters for automobiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyo Aluminum Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirohisa Miura, Yasuhiro Yamada, Hirohumi Michioka, Jun Kusui, Akiei Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5453244
    Abstract: There is disclosed a novel aluminum alloy bearing which exhibits a more excellent fatigue resistance than conventional bearings even under such conditions of use as at a high temperature and under a high load. The aluminum alloy bearing has an aluminum bearing alloy layer containing, by weight, 1 to 10% Zn, 0.1 to 5% Cu, 0.05 to 3% Mg, 0.1 to 2% Mn, 0.1 to 5% Pb, 0.1 to 2% V, and 0.03 to 0.5% in total of Ti--B, and further may optionally contain not more than 8% Si, 0.05 to 0.5% Sr, and Ni, Co and Cr. The alloy may be bonded to a steel metal back sheet, and a surface layer may be formed on the surface of the bearing. By use of the composition of the alloy of the invention, the fatigue resistance of the aluminum alloy bearings has been improved, and such an improved bearing can fully achieve a bearing performance even under severe conditions of use as at high temperature and under a high load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Daido Metal Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Tanaka, Masaaki Sakamoto, Tohru Kato, Yoshiaki Sato
  • 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: 5432011
    Abstract: The present invention relates to alloys in which the essential constituent is aluminum, metal deposits produced from these alloys, substrates coated with these alloys and the applications of these alloys. The alloys of the present invention are characterized in that they have the following atomic composition: Al.sub.a Cu.sub.b Co.sub.b, (B,C).sub.c M.sub.d N.sub.e I.sub.f, a+b+b'+c+d+e+f=100, expressed as number of atoms, a.gtoreq.50, 0.ltoreq.b<14, 0.ltoreq.b'.ltoreq.22, 0<b+b'.ltoreq.30, 0.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.5, 8.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.30, 0.ltoreq.e.ltoreq.4, f.ltoreq.2, where M represents one of more elements chosen from Fe, Cr, Mn, Ni, Ru, Os, Mo, V Mg, Zn and Pd; N represents one or more elements chosen from W, Ti, Zr, Hf, Rh, Nb, Ta, Y, Si, Ge and the rare earths; I represents the inevitable production impurities; and they contain at least 30% by mass of one or more quasicrystalline phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Jean-Marie DuBois, Antoine Pianelli
  • Patent number: 5417919
    Abstract: There is provided an aluminum alloy sheet material having high strength as well as excellent formability, which consists essentially, by weight percent, of 4.5 to 6% Mg, 0.0005 to 1% rare earth elements, 0.001 to 0.15% Ti, 0.0001 to 0.004% B, 0.05 to 0.2% Fe, 0.05 to 0.1% Si, 0.0001 to 0.03% Be, and the balance of Al and inevitable impurities. The aluminum alloy sheet material may further contain at least one element selected from the group consisting of 0.05 to 0.3% Cu, 0.1 to 1% Zn and 0.05 to 0.2% Mn, if required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Aluminum Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Ohori, Yoshinobu Komiyama, Hiroshi Saitoh, Masahiko Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 5407636
    Abstract: An Al-based alloy represented by the general formula Al.sub.bal Ti.sub.a M.sub.b and Al.sub.bal Ti.sub.a M.sub.b Q.sub.c wherein M represents at least one element selected from among V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta and W; Q represents at least one element selected from Mg and Si; and a, b and c are, in percentages by weight, 7.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.20, 0.2.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.20 and 0.1.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.5. A compacted and consolidated material is produced by melting a material having the above alloy composition, rapidly solidifying the melt into powder or flakes; compacting the resultant powder or flakes; and subjecting the compacted powder or flakes to press forming and consolidating by a conventional plastic working. The aluminum-based alloy and the compacted and consolidated material thereof have a high strength, a good ductility and an excellent strength at high temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Kita
  • Patent number: 5338168
    Abstract: An oil pump comprises a casing of aluminum alloy and at least one rotor housed therein. The rotor is produced by powder metallurgical with a rapidly solidified aluminum alloy comprising, by weight, of 5 to 25% of Si, up to 15% of one or more alloy elements selected from the group consisting of 3 to 10% of Fe, 3 to 10% of Ni and 1 to 8% of Cr, and the balance of Al and inevitable impurities. The casing may be produced by powder metallurgy or ingot metallurgy with an aluminum alloy consisting essentially, by weight, of 5 to 25%, preferably 5 to 17%, of Si, 1 to 5% of Cu, 0.2 to 1.5% of Mg, 0.2 to 1% of Mn, and the balance of Al and inevitable impurities. The rotor and casing are so combined that the sum of the Si content of said rapidly solidified aluminum alloy for casing and that of said rapidly solidified aluminum alloy for rotor being equal to or more than 15 percent by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuyoshi Kondoh, Yoshinobu Takeda
  • Patent number: 5286445
    Abstract: Aluminum bearing alloy uses Bi having a higher melting point than Sn as a low melting point metal, and also utilizes a selected element(s) which are simultaneously added as well as the amount of such addition. In this manner, aluminum bearing alloy exhibiting fatigue strength and seizure resistance which are excellent than those of conventional Bi-containing aluminium bearing alloy is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Taiho Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Soji Kamiya
  • Patent number: 5282909
    Abstract: An Al alloy extrusion material for the fuel-distributing pipe of automobile, consisting essentially of 0.3 to 1.0 wt. % of Si, 0.1 to 0.5 wt. % of Cu, 0.6 to 1.5 wt. % of Mg, 0.3 to 1.0 wt. % of Sn, 0.005 to 0.03 wt. % of Ti and the balance of Al and inevitable impurities and having uniformly dispersed Sn compounds with particle diameter of not more than 20 .mu.m and density of 20 to 700 grains/mm.sup.2 in the section perpendicular to the extrusion direction of material is disclosed, which is excellent in the chip separation property and the precision of cut face on cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignees: Furukawa Aluminum Co., Ltd., Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Chiaki Ara, Nagahide Kawasaki, Hidenori Joka, Tadashi Ohya, Atsushi Takai
  • Patent number: 5240519
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy consisting of: 1.0-1.5 wt % Si, 0.4-0.9 wt % Cu, 0.2-0.6 wt % Mn, 0.8-1.5 wt % Mg, 0.3-0.9 wt % Cr, 0.03-0.05 wt % Ti, 0.0001-0.01 wt % B, and the balance consisting of Al and unavoidable impurities; the sum of the Mn and Cr contents being not more than 1.2 wt % and the content of Fe as one of the unavoidable impurities being not more than 0.2 wt %. The alloy may further comprise 0.1-0.2 wt % Zr to facilitate the refinement of crystal grains. The alloy has a tensile strength of 40 kgf/mm.sup.2 or more and an elongation of 15% or more when plastically formed, solution-treated and aged to provide the highest strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignees: Nippon Light Metal Company, Ltd., Nikkei Techno-Research
    Inventors: Hajime Kamio, Toru Yamada, Kenji Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 5234662
    Abstract: Aluminum based alloy primarily for use in aircraft and aerospace components consists essentially of the composition: 2.60 to 3.30 weight percent copper, 0.0 to 0.50 weight percent manganese, 1.30 to 1.65 weight percent lithium, 0.0 to 1.8 percent magnesium, and from 0.0 to 1.5 weight percent of grain refinement elements selected from the group consisting of zirconium, and chromium. Up to about 0.5 wt. % zinc and up to about 1.5 wt. % titanium may also be present. Minor impurities may also be present. These alloys exhibit an improved combination of characteristics including low density, high strength, high corrosion resistance and good fracture toughness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: Edward S. Balmuth, David J. Chellman, Frank W. Gayle, Richard A. Rainen, Michael H. Skillingberg
  • Patent number: 5223216
    Abstract: An Al-Li alloy consists essentially of the formula Al.sub.bal Li.sub.a Cu.sub.b Mg.sub.c Zr.sub.d wherein "a" ranges from about 1.9 to 3.4 wt %, "b" ranges from about 0.5 to 2.0 wt %, "c" ranges from 0.2 to 2.0 wt % and "d" ranges from about 0.3 to 1.2 wt %, the balance being aluminum. The alloy is solidified at a cooling rate of about 10.sup.3 .degree.-10.sup.4 .degree. C./sec by spray forming, and is characterized by a substantial absence of prior particle boundaries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry C. LaSalle
  • Patent number: 5217546
    Abstract: A cast hypereutectic Al-Si alloy with from 12-15% Si, having excellent wear resistance and machinability, improved fatigue strength and good levels of ambient and elevated temperature properties is provided, as well as a method of producing such alloy. The alloy and a melt used in the method contains Sr in excess of 0.10% and Ti in excess of 0.005%, the alloy further comprising: Cu 1.5 to 5.5%, Ni 1.0 to 3.00%, 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%, Na 0 to 0.01%, B (elemental) 0.05% maximum, Ca 0.003% maximum, P 0.003% maximum. Others 0.05 maximum each, the balance, apart from incidental impurities, being Al. The level of Sr in excess of 0.10% and Ti in excess of 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Comalco Aluminum Limited
    Inventors: John A. Eady, Christopher J. Heathcock, Peter L. Kean, Kevin P. Rogers, Rodney A. Legge
  • Patent number: 5169462
    Abstract: An aluminum-lithium based alloy which comprises 10-20 wt. % silicon, 1.5-5.0 wt. % copper, 1.0-4.0 wt. % lithium, 0.45-1.5 wt. % magnesium, 0.01-1.3 wt. % iron, 0.01-0.5 wt. % manganese, 0.01-1.5 wt. % nickel, 0.01-1.5 wt. % zinc, 0.01-0.5 wt. % silver, 0.01-0.25 wt. % titanium and the balance aluminum. The alloy is utilized to cast high temperature assemblies including pistons which have a reduction in density and similar mechanical properties including tensile strengths to alloys presently used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Morley, William H. Overbagh
  • Patent number: 5162100
    Abstract: An aluminum-based bearing alloy of the invention comprises 3-40% Sn, 0.1-10% Pb, 0.1-5% Cu, 0.1-3% Sb, total 0.05-1% of Ti and B which satisfy the equation: B/Ti+B=0.1 to 0.35, and the balance being essentially Al. The aluminum-based bearing alloy according to the present invention has excellent fatigue resistance and anti-seizure property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Daido Metal Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Tanaka, Masaaki Sakamoto, Koichi Yamamoto, Yoshiaki Sato, Tohru Kato
  • Patent number: 5162065
    Abstract: Disclosed is an aluminum alloy suitable for high temperature applications comprised of at least 9 wt. % Si, 3 to 7 wt. % Ni, 1.5 to 6 wt. % Cu, at least one of the elements selected from Mg, Mn, V, Sc, Fe, Ti, Sr, Zn, B and Cr, the remainder aluminum and impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Gerald D. Scott, Barrie S. Shabel, Anthony Morales