JP6971380B2 - 7XXX series aluminum alloy products with stable T4 tempering and its manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

Priority Claims This application claims the benefits and priorities of US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 551,497 filed August 29, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present disclosure generally provides 7xxx series aluminum alloy products with stable T4 tempering. The disclosure also provides methods of making such products using processes including, for example, a combination of casting, rolling, solution formation, quenching, reheating, and slow cooling. The disclosure also provides various end uses for such products, such as in automotive, transportation, electronics, and industrial applications.

7xxx series aluminum alloys are used in many situations where high strength and light weight are particularly desired. As such, such alloys are frequently used in the aerospace industry and as cases for various electronic products such as mobile phones. Despite these advantages, the process of forming 7xxx series aluminum alloys can pose certain challenges and can increase the cost of using such alloys in certain manufactured products.

For example, 7xxx series aluminum alloy products are often supplied to the user in F tempering, which means, for example, that they are supplied in as-manufactured form without solution formation after the rolling process. Means. Therefore, the user needs to dissolve the product itself and form it into a manufactured product by a hot forming process. In some other cases, the 7xxx series of aluminum alloy products are supplied to the user in T6 temper, where the aluminum alloy products undergo solutionification followed by artificial aging. Users can generally form such products at room temperature, but their formability is very low.

It is possible to make 7xxx series aluminum alloy products using a process that is consistent with the production of aluminum alloy products in T4 tempering, where the products are subject to solution and can age naturally. Such products will probably exhibit desirable moldability at room temperature compared to products supplied with T6 tempering. However, such processes generally result in products with unstable T4 tempers that cure within a few days and do not exhibit the desired molding properties. Aluminum alloy manufacturers usually do not supply such 7xxx series aluminum alloy products to the market because aluminum alloy products cannot be easily supplied and used in such a tight time frame.

An exhaustive embodiment of the invention is defined by the claims, not the outline of the invention. An overview of the invention is a high-level overview of the various aspects of the invention and introduces some of the concepts further described in the detailed description sections below. This overview is not intended to identify important or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used alone to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. No. The subject matter should be understood by reference to the entire specification, any or all drawings, and the appropriate part of each claim.

The present disclosure provides a novel 7xxx series aluminum alloy product in T4 temper that is stable for a considerable period of time, eg, up to 6 months, before it begins to cure and thereby loses formability. Since these products can retain this T4 temper formability advantage for such a long period of time, they can be easily incorporated into the manufacturing production cycle. This was not possible with the previously known 7xxx series aluminum alloy products in T4 tempering, as these products generally hardened within a few days of manufacture and began to lose formability. .. By the time the aluminum alloy product arrived at the buyer's factory, the material would have lost the beneficial molding properties it had previously owned. Therefore, the discovery of 7xxx series aluminum alloy products with stable T4 tempering will bring significant advances in the latest technology, making such materials easier and much cheaper to incorporate into manufactured products. Can be done.

In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of making a rolled aluminum alloy product, providing a 7xxx series of aluminum alloys, wherein the 7xxx series of aluminum alloys is a molten 7xxx series of aluminum alloys. To provide and to cast molten 7xxx series of aluminum alloys to provide aluminum alloy cast products, to homogenize aluminum alloy cast products to provide homogenized aluminum alloy cast products, and to homogenize. It involves rolling an aluminum alloy cast product to form a rolled aluminum alloy product, melting the rolled aluminum alloy product, and then pre-aging. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy product is a strip, shade, sheet, plate, billet, or other aluminum alloy product. In some such embodiments, the rolled aluminum alloy product exhibits an increase in yield strength (Rp) of 25 MPa or less during the post-production period immediately after pre-aging, with a post-production period of 15 to 180 days. Is the range of.

In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides an aluminum alloy product, which is a rolled aluminum alloy product made according to the method of the first aspect, comprising any embodiment thereof.

In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a manufactured article comprising the aluminum alloy product of the second aspect, and any embodiment thereof.

Additional embodiments and embodiments are described in the detailed description, claims, non-limiting examples, and drawings contained herein.

It is a graph which shows the change of the yield strength (Rp) as a function of the number of days after the initial production of the aluminum alloy sample prepared with and without pre-aging (PX). FIG. 6 is a graph showing changes in yield strength (Rp) as a function of the number of days after initial production of aluminum alloy samples prepared without pre-aging (PX) and with pre-aging under various conditions. FIG. 5 is a graph showing changes in yield strength (Rp) of an aluminum alloy sample as a function of pre-aging time, pre-aging temperature, and whether a paint baking cycle was used. FIG. 5 is a graph showing changes in yield strength (Rp) of an aluminum alloy sample as a function of pre-aging time, pre-aging temperature, and whether a paint baking cycle was used. FIG. 5 is a graph showing changes in yield strength (Rp) of an aluminum alloy sample as a function of pre-aging time, pre-aging temperature, and whether a paint baking cycle was used. FIG. 5 is a graph showing changes in elongation strength of an aluminum alloy sample as a function of pre-aging time, pre-aging temperature, and whether a paint baking cycle was used. FIG. 5 is a graph showing changes in elongation strength of an aluminum alloy sample as a function of pre-aging time, pre-aging temperature, and whether a paint baking cycle was used. FIG. 5 is a graph showing changes in elongation strength of an aluminum alloy sample as a function of pre-aging time, pre-aging temperature, and whether a paint baking cycle was used. FIG. 6 is a graph showing changes in uniform elongation of an aluminum alloy sample as a function of pre-aging time, pre-aging temperature, and whether a paint baking cycle was used. FIG. 6 is a graph showing changes in uniform elongation of an aluminum alloy sample as a function of pre-aging time, pre-aging temperature, and whether a paint baking cycle was used. FIG. 6 is a graph showing changes in uniform elongation of an aluminum alloy sample as a function of pre-aging time, pre-aging temperature, and whether a paint baking cycle was used. It is a graph which shows the change of the total elongation of an aluminum alloy sample as a function of a preliminary aging time, a preliminary aging temperature, and whether or not a paint baking cycle was used. It is a graph which shows the change of the total elongation of an aluminum alloy sample as a function of a preliminary aging time, a preliminary aging temperature, and whether or not a paint baking cycle was used. It is a graph which shows the change of the total elongation of an aluminum alloy sample as a function of a preliminary aging time, a preliminary aging temperature, and whether or not a paint baking cycle was used. FIG. 5 is a graph showing changes in the critical fracture strain of an aluminum alloy sample as a function of pre-aging time, pre-aging temperature, and whether a paint baking cycle was used. FIG. 5 is a graph showing changes in the critical fracture strain of an aluminum alloy sample as a function of pre-aging time, pre-aging temperature, and whether a paint baking cycle was used. FIG. 5 is a graph showing changes in the critical fracture strain of an aluminum alloy sample as a function of pre-aging time, pre-aging temperature, and whether a paint baking cycle was used. FIG. 5 is a graph showing changes in the critical fracture strain of an aluminum alloy sample as a function of pre-aging time, pre-aging temperature, and whether a paint baking cycle was used. FIG. 5 is a graph showing changes in the n value of an aluminum alloy sample as a function of pre-aging time, pre-aging temperature, and whether a paint baking cycle was used. FIG. 5 is a graph showing changes in the n value of an aluminum alloy sample as a function of pre-aging time, pre-aging temperature, and whether a paint baking cycle was used. FIG. 5 is a graph showing changes in the n value of an aluminum alloy sample as a function of pre-aging time, pre-aging temperature, and whether a paint baking cycle was used. FIG. 5 is a graph showing changes in the n value of an aluminum alloy sample as a function of pre-aging time, pre-aging temperature, and whether a paint baking cycle was used.

The present disclosure provides 7xxx series aluminum alloy products which are stable T4 tempered after solution solution and pre-aging, and a method for producing the same. These products can be easily formed at room temperature for a considerable period of time after pre-aging.

Definitions and Descriptions The terms "invention,""invention,""invention," and "invention" as used herein broadly refer to all of the subject matter of this patent application and the claims below. Is intended. It should be understood that the description including these terms does not limit the subject matter described herein, nor does it limit the meaning or scope of the following claims.

As used herein, alloys identified by AA number and other related designations such as "series" or "7xxx" are referred to. Regarding the understanding of the numbering system most commonly used for naming and identifying aluminum and its alloys, both are published by The Aluminum Association, "International Alloy Designations and Chemical Compliance Limited Aluminum Aluminum Or "Registration Record of Aluminum Alloy Designs and Chemical Combinations Limited for Aluminum alloys in the Form of Casting".

As used herein, the meaning of "one (a)", "one (an)" or "the" is a singular and plural reference unless explicitly stated otherwise in the context. including.

As used herein, the plate generally has a thickness greater than about 15 mm. For example, the plate is greater than about 15 mm, greater than about 20 mm, greater than about 25 mm, greater than about 30 mm, greater than about 35 mm, greater than about 40 mm, greater than about 45 mm, greater than about 50 mm, or greater than about 100 mm. It may refer to an aluminum product having a thickness.

As used herein, a "shate" (also referred to as a sheet plate) generally has a thickness of about 4 mm to about 15 mm. For example, the shade can have a thickness of about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, or about 15 mm.

As used herein, a "sheet" generally has a thickness of less than 4 mm. For example, the sheet can have a thickness of less than about 4 mm, less than about 3 mm, less than about 2 mm, less than about 1 mm, less than about 0.5 mm, less than about 0.3 mm, or less than about 0.1 mm.

In this application, the tempering or state of the alloy may be referred to. See "American National Standards (ANSI) H35 on Allloy and Temper Designation Systems" for an understanding of the most commonly used alloy tempering description. F-state or temper refers to the as-manufactured aluminum alloy. The O state or tempering degree refers to the aluminum alloy after annealing. The Hxx state or tempering, also referred to herein as H tempering, refers to an aluminum alloy after cold rolling with or without heat treatment (eg, annealing). Suitable H tempers include HX1, HX2, HX3, HX4, in addition to variants of Hxxx preparation (eg, H111) used for specific alloy tempers when the temper is close to Hxx tempers. Includes HX5, HX6, HX7, HX8, or HX9 tempering. T1 state or tempering refers to an aluminum alloy that has been cooled from hot working and naturally aged (eg, at ambient temperature). T2 state or tempering refers to an aluminum alloy that has been cooled from hot working, cold working and naturally aged. T3 state or tempering refers to an aluminum alloy that has been solution treated, cold processed and naturally aged. T4 state or tempering refers to an aluminum alloy that has been solution treated and naturally aged. T5 state or tempering refers to an aluminum alloy that has been cooled from hot working and artificially aged (at high temperature). T6 state or temper degree refers to an aluminum alloy that has been solution heat treated, quenched and artificially aged. The T61 state or tempering degree refers to an aluminum alloy that has been solution heat treated, quenched, naturally aged for a period of time, and then artificially aged. T7 state or tempering refers to an aluminum alloy that has been solution treated and artificially overaged. Refers to an aluminum alloy that has been heat-treated, cold-worked, and artificially aged in a T8x state or temper (eg, T8). T9x state or temper refers to a heat-treated, artificially aged, cold-worked aluminum alloy solution.

The following aluminum alloys are described as weight percentages (% by weight) based on the total weight of the alloys with respect to their elemental composition. In a particular example of each alloy, the balance is aluminum, with a maximum weight% of 0.15% by weight in total impurities.

As used herein, "room temperature" means from about 15 ° C to about 30 ° C, eg, about 15 ° C, about 16 ° C, about 17 ° C, about 18 ° C, about 19 ° C, about 20 ° C. It may include temperatures of about 21 ° C, about 22 ° C, about 23 ° C, about 24 ° C, about 25 ° C, about 26 ° C, about 27 ° C, about 28 ° C, about 29 ° C, or about 30 ° C.

All scopes disclosed herein are understood to include any and all subranges therein. For example, the range described as "1-10" is an arbitrary and all partial range between the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10, that is, from a minimum value of 1 or more, for example, 1 to 6.1. It must be considered to include all subranges beginning and less than, for example, all subranges ending in a maximum of 5.5-10.

As used herein, terms such as "casting products," "casting metal products," "casting aluminum products," and "casting aluminum alloy products" are direct chill casting (including direct chill co-casting) or semi-casting. Continuous casting, continuous casting (including using, for example, twin belt casting machines, twin roll casting machines, block casting machines, or any other continuous casting machine), electromagnetic casting, hot top casting, or any Refers to products manufactured by other casting methods.

Aluminum Alloy Compositions The methods and products disclosed herein generally use 7xxx series aluminum alloys. In general, such alloys are aluminum alloys containing Zn as the main alloying element. Any suitable 7xxx series of aluminum alloys can be used in the methods and products disclosed herein. For example, such 7xxx series aluminum alloys include the following 7xxx series aluminum alloys, AA7011, AA7019, AA7020, AA7021, AA7039, AA7072, AA7075, AA7085, AA7108, AA7108A, AA7015, AA7017, AA7018, AA7019. , AA7025, AA7028, AA7030, AA7031, AA7033, AA7035, AA7035A, AA7046, AA7046A, AA7003, AA7004, AA7005, AA7009, AA70110, AA7011, AA7012, AA7014, AA7071 , AA7032, AA7033, AA7034, AA7036, AA7136, AA7037, AA7040, AA7140, AA7041, AA7049, AA7049A, AA7149, AA7204, AA7249, AA7349, AA7449, AA77050, AA705A. , AA7064, AA7065, AA7068, AA7168, AA7175, AA7475, AA7076, AA7178, AA7278, AA7278A, AA7081, AA7181, AA7185, AA7090, AA7093, AA7095, and AA7099.

In some embodiments, the 7xxx series aluminum alloys used herein have the elemental compositions listed in Table 1.

In some cases, the aluminum alloys used herein have the elemental compositions listed in Table 2.

In some cases, aluminum alloys are 4% to 15% (eg, 5.4% to 9.5%, 5.6% to 9.3%, 5.8% to 9) based on the total weight of the alloy. Contains zinc (Zn) in an amount of .2%, or 4.0% to 5.0%). For example, aluminum alloys are about 4.0%, about 4.1%, about 4.2%, about 4.3%, about 4.4%, about 4.5%, about 4.6%, about 4 7.7%, about 4.8%, about 4.9%, about 5.0%, about 5.1%, about 5.2%, about 5.3%, about 5.4%, about 5.5 %, About 5.6%, About 5.7%, About 5.8%, About 5.9%, About 6.0%, About 6.1%, About 6.2%, About 6.3%, About 6.4%, about 6.5%, about 6.6%, about 6.7%, about 6.8%, about 6.9%, about 7.0%, about 7.1%, about 7 .2%, about 7.3%, about 7.4%, about 7.5%, about 7.6%, about 7.7%, about 7.8%, about 7.9%, about 8.0 %, About 8.1%, About 8.2%, About 8.3%, About 8.4%, About 8.5%, About 8.6%, About 8.7%, About 8.8%, About 8.9%, about 9.0%, about 9.1%, about 9.2%, about 9.3%, about 9.4%, about 9.5%, about 9.6%, about 9 7.7%, about 9.8%, about 9.9%, about 10.0%, about 10.1%, about 10.2%, about 10.3%, about 10.4%, about 10.5 %, About 10.6%, About 10.7%, About 10.8%, About 10.9%, About 11.0%, About 11.1%, About 11.2%, About 11.3%, About 11.4%, about 11.5%, about 11.6%, about 11.7%, about 11.8%, about 11.9%, about 12.0%, about 12.1%, about 12 .2%, about 12.3%, about 12.4%, about 12.5%, about 12.6%, about 12.7%, about 12.8%, about 12.9%, about 13.0 %, About 13.1%, About 13.2%, About 13.3%, About 13.4%, About 13.5%, About 13.6%, About 13.7%, About 13.8%, About 13.9%, about 14.0%, about 14.1%, about 14.2%, about 14.3%, about 14.4%, about 14.5%, about 14.6%, about 14 It may contain 1.7%, about 14.8%, about 14.9%, or about 15.0% Zn. All are expressed in% by weight.

In some cases, aluminum alloys are 0.1% to 3.5% (eg, 0.2% to 2.6%, 0.3% to 2.5%, or 0) based on the total weight of the alloy. Contains copper (Cu) in an amount of .15% to 0.6%). For example, aluminum alloys are about 0.1%, about 0.11%, about 0.12%, about 0.13%, about 0.14%, about 0.15%, about 0.16%, about 0. .17%, about 0.18%, about 0.19%, about 0.20%, about 0.21%, about 0.22%, about 0.23%, about 0.24%, about 0.25 %, About 0.26%, About 0.27%, About 0.28%, About 0.29%, About 0.30%, About 0.35%, About 0.40%, About 0.45%, About 0.50%, about 0.55%, about 0.60%, about 0.65%, about 0.70%, about 0.75%, about 0.80%, about 0.85%, about 0 .90%, about 0.95%, about 1.0%, about 1.1%, about 1.2%, about 1.3%, about 1.4%, about 1.5%, about 1.6 %, About 1.7%, About 1.8%, About 1.9%, About 2.0%, About 2.1%, About 2.2%, About 2.3%, About 2.4%, About 2.5%, about 2.6%, about 2.7%, about 2.8%, about 2.9%, about 3.0%, about 3.1%, about 3.2%, about 3 It may contain 3.3%, about 3.4%, or about 3.5% Cu. All are expressed in% by weight.

In some cases, the aluminum alloy is 1.0% to 4.0% (eg, 1.0% to 3.0%, 1.4% to 2.8%, or 1.6% to 2.6%). ) Contains magnesium (Mg). For example, aluminum alloys are about 1.0%, about 1.1%, about 1.2%, about 1.3%, about 1.4%, about 1.5%, about 1.6%, about 1. 1.7%, about 1.8%, about 1.9%, about 2.0%, about 2.1%, about 2.2%, about 2.3%, about 2.4%, about 2.5 %, About 2.6%, About 2.7%, About 2.8%, About 2.9%, About 3.0%, About 3.1%, About 3.2%, About 3.3%, It may contain about 3.4%, about 3.5%, about 3.6%, about 3.7%, about 3.8%, about 3.9%, or about 4.0% Mg. All are expressed in% by weight.

In some cases, the aluminum alloy is about 5% to 14% (eg, 5.5% to 13.5%, 6% to 13%, 6.5% to 12.5%, or 7% to 12%). Includes a mixed content of Zn, Cu, and Mg in the range of. For example, the mixed content of Zn, Cu, and Mg is about 5.1%, about 5.5%, about 6.0%, about 6.5%, about 7.0%, about 7.5%, and so on. About 8.0%, about 8.5%, about 9.0%, about 9.5%, about 10.0%, about 10.5%, about 11.0%, about 11.5%, about 12 It can be 0.0%, about 12.5%, about 13.0%, about 13.5%, or about 14.0%. All are expressed in% by weight.

In some cases, the aluminum alloy is 0.05% to 0.50% (eg, 0.10% to 0.35%, or 0.10% to 0.25%) based on the total weight of the alloy. Contains iron (Fe) in quantity. For example, aluminum alloys are about 0.05%, about 0.06%, about 0.07%, about 0.08%, about 0.09%, about 0.10%, about 0.11%, about 0. .12%, about 0.13%, about 0.14%, about 0.15%, about 0.16%, about 0.17%, about 0.18%, about 0.19%, about 0.20 %, About 0.21%, About 0.22%, About 0.23%, About 0.24%, About 0.25%, About 0.26%, About 0.27%, About 0.28%, About 0.29%, about 0.30%, about 0.31%, about 0.32%, about 0.33%, about 0.34%, about 0.35%, about 0.36%, about 0 .37%, about 0.38%, about 0.39%, about 0.40%, about 0.41%, about 0.42%, about 0.43%, about 0.44%, about 0.45 %, About 0.46%, about 0.47%, about 0.48%, about 0.49%, or about 0.50% Fe. All are expressed in% by weight.

In some cases, the aluminum alloy is 0.05% to 0.30% (eg, 0.05% to 0.25%, or 0.07% to 0.15%) based on the total weight of the alloy. Contains silicon (Si) in quantity. For example, aluminum alloys are about 0.05%, about 0.06%, about 0.07%, about 0.08%, about 0.09%, about 0.10%, about 0.11%, about 0. .12%, about 0.13%, about 0.14%, about 0.15%, about 0.16%, about 0.17%, about 0.18%, about 0.19%, about 0.20 %, About 0.21%, About 0.22%, About 0.23%, About 0.24%, About 0.25%, About 0.26%, About 0.27%, About 0.28%, It may contain about 0.29%, or about 0.30%, Si. All are expressed in% by weight.

In some cases, aluminum alloys are up to 0.50% (eg, 0.01% to 0.25%, 0.03% to 0.20%, or 0.05% to 0.05%, based on the total weight of the alloy. Contains zirconium (Zr) in an amount of 0.15%). For example, aluminum alloys are about 0.01%, about 0.02%, about 0.03%, about 0.04%, about 0.05%, about 0.06%, about 0.07%, about 0. .08%, about 0.09%, about 0.10%, about 0.11%, about 0.12%, about 0.13%, about 0.14%, about 0.15%, about 0.16 %, About 0.17%, About 0.18%, About 0.19%, About 0.20%, About 0.21%, About 0.22%, About 0.23%, About 0.24%, About 0.25%, about 0.26%, about 0.27%, about 0.28%, about 0.29%, about 0.30%, about 0.31%, about 0.32%, about 0 .33%, about 0.34%, about 0.35%, about 0.36%, about 0.37%, about 0.38%, about 0.39%, about 0.40%, about 0.41 %, About 0.42%, About 0.43%, About 0.44%, About 0.45%, About 0.46%, About 0.47%, About 0.48%, About 0.49%, Or it may contain about 0.50% Zr. In another example, the alloy is less than 0.05% (eg, about 0.04%, about 0.03%, about 0.02%, or about 0.01%) based on the total weight of the alloy. The amount may include Zr. In some cases, Zr is absent in the alloy (ie, 0%). All are expressed in% by weight.

In some cases, the aluminum alloy is manganese (eg, 0.01% to 0.10%, or 0.02% to 0.05%) in an amount of up to 0.25% (eg, 0.01% to 0.10%, or 0.02% to 0.05%) based on the total weight of the alloy. Mn) is included. For example, aluminum alloys are about 0.01%, about 0.02%, about 0.03%, about 0.04%, about 0.05%, about 0.06%, about 0.07%, about 0. .08%, about 0.09%, about 0.10%, about 0.11%, about 0.12%, about 0.13%, about 0.14%, about 0.15%, about 0.16 %, About 0.17%, About 0.18%, About 0.19%, About 0.20%, About 0.21%, About 0.22%, About 0.23%, About 0.24%, Alternatively, it may contain about 0.25% Mn. In some cases, Mn is absent in the alloy (ie, 0%). All are expressed in% by weight.

In some cases, aluminum alloys are up to 0.20% (eg, 0.01% to 0.10%, 0.01% to 0.05%, or 0.03% to 0.03%, based on the total weight of the alloy. Contains chromium (Cr) in an amount of 0.05%). For example, aluminum alloys are about 0.01%, about 0.02%, about 0.03%, about 0.04%, about 0.05%, about 0.06%, about 0.07%, about 0. .08%, about 0.09%, about 0.10%, about 0.11%, about 0.12%, about 0.13%, about 0.14%, about 0.15%, about 0.16 %, About 0.17%, about 0.18%, about 0.19%, or about 0.20% Cr. In some cases, Cr is absent in the alloy (ie, 0%). All are expressed in% by weight.

In some cases, aluminum alloys can be up to 0.15% (eg, 0.001% to 0.10%, 0.001% to 0.05%, or 0.003% to) based on the total weight of the alloy. Contains titanium (Ti) in an amount of 0.035%). For example, the alloys are about 0.001%, about 0.002%, about 0.003%, about 0.004%, about 0.005%, about 0.006%, about 0.007%, about 0. 008%, about 0.009%, about 0.010%, about 0.011%, about 0.012%, about 0.013%, about 0.014%, about 0.015%, about 0.016% , About 0.017%, about 0.018%, about 0.019%, about 0.020%, about 0.021%, about 0.022%, about 0.023%, about 0.024%, about 0.025%, about 0.026%, about 0.027%, about 0.028%, about 0.029%, about 0.030%, about 0.031%, about 0.032%, about 0. 033%, about 0.034%, about 0.035%, about 0.036%, about 0.037%, about 0.038%, about 0.039%, about 0.040%, about 0.041% , About 0.042%, about 0.043%, about 0.044%, about 0.045%, about 0.046%, about 0.047%, about 0.048%, about 0.049%, about 0.050%, about 0.055%, about 0.060%, about 0.065%, about 0.070%, about 0.075%, about 0.080%, about 0.085%, about 0. May contain 090%, about 0.095%, about 0.100%, about 0.110%, about 0.120%, about 0.130%, about 0.140%, or about 0.150% Ti. .. In some cases, Ti is absent in the alloy (ie 0%). All are expressed in% by weight.

In some cases, aluminum alloys can be up to 0.10% (eg, 0.01% to 0.10%, 0.01% to 0.05%, or 0.03% to) based on the total weight of the alloy. One or more selected from the group consisting of Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu in an amount of 0.05%). Contains the elements of. For example, aluminum alloys are about 0.01%, about 0.02%, about 0.03%, about 0.04%, about 0.05%, about 0.06%, about 0.07%, about 0. From .08%, about 0.09%, or about 0.10% Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu. Can contain one or more elements selected from the group. All are expressed in% by weight.

In some cases, aluminum alloys are up to 0.10% (eg, 0.01% to 0.10%, 0.01% to 0.05%, or 0.03% to 0.03%, based on the total weight of the alloy. Contains one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Mo, Nb, Be, B, Co, Sn, Sr, V, In, Hf, Ag, Sc, and Ni in an amount of 0.05%). For example, aluminum alloys are about 0.01%, about 0.02%, about 0.03%, about 0.04%, about 0.05%, about 0.06%, about 0.07%, about 0. .08%, about 0.09%, or about 0.10% selected from the group consisting of Mo, Nb, Be, B, Co, Sn, Sr, V, In, Hf, Ag, Sc, and Ni. It may contain one or more elements. All are expressed in% by weight.

In some cases, the aluminum alloy is 0.15% or less, 0.14% or less, 0.13% or less, 0.12% or less, 0.11% or less, 0.10% or less, 0.09% or less, Amount of 0.08% or less, 0.07% or less, 0.06% or less, 0.05% or less, 0.04% or less, 0.03% or less, 0.02% or less, or 0.01% or less It contains a small amount of other elements, sometimes referred to as impurities. In some embodiments, these impurities include, but are not limited to, Ga, Ca, Bi, Na, Pb, or combinations thereof. Therefore, in some embodiments, one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Ga, Ca, Bi, Na, and Pb are 0.15% or less, 0.14% or less, in the aluminum alloy. 0.13% or less, 0.12% or less, 0.11% or less, 0.10% or less, 0.09% or less, 0.08% or less, 0.07% or less, 0.06% or less, 0. It can be present in an amount of 05% or less, 0.04% or less, 0.03% or less, 0.02% or less, or 0.01% or less. The sum of all impurities does not exceed 0.15% (eg 0.10%). All are expressed in% by weight. The remaining percentage of the alloy is aluminum.

Aluminum alloy products and their properties Through the use of pre-aging steps following solution formation, the aluminum alloy products disclosed herein can withstand curing for up to about 6 months, during which time desired bendability and formability. show. By comparison, 7xxx series aluminum alloy products prepared without a pre-aging step begin to age spontaneously within a few days of their manufacture, cure rapidly, and become more difficult to bend and form. Therefore, the aluminum alloy products disclosed herein exhibit stable and desirable strength and bendability after solution formation. In certain embodiments, the aluminum alloy products disclosed herein can be easily formed at temperatures as low as about 200 ° C. to 250 ° C. for up to about 6 months after their manufacture. In other embodiments, aluminum alloy products can be cold formed at room temperature for up to 6 months after their manufacture.

The aluminum alloy products disclosed herein may have any suitable shape or physical configuration. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy product is a rolled aluminum alloy product, which is formed by using a series of rollers to reduce the thickness of the material. Such rolling may be performed by hot rolling, cold rolling, or any combination thereof. In some such embodiments, the rolled aluminum alloy product is an aluminum alloy sheet or an aluminum alloy shade. Such shades or sheets are 15 mm or less, 14 mm or less, 13 mm or less, 12 mm or less, 11 mm or less, 10 mm or less, 9 mm or less, 8 mm or less, 7 mm or less, 6 mm or less, 5 mm or less, 4 mm or less, 3 mm or less, 2 mm or less, It can have a thickness of 1 mm or less, 0.5 mm or more, 0.3 mm or less, or 0.1 mm or less.

In embodiments where the aluminum alloy product is a sheet, it is possible to measure the specific strength and bending properties of the sheet. For example, in some embodiments, such aluminum alloy sheets are at least 100 MPa, at least 120 MPa, at least 140 MPa, at least 160 MPa, at least 180 MPa, at least 200 MPa, at least 220 MPa, at least 240 MPa, as measured according to the ISO 6892-1 test. Has a yield strength (Rp) of at least 260 MPa, at least 280 MPa, at least 300 MPa, at least 320 MPa, at least 340 MPa, and up to about 360 MPa, up to about 380 MPa, or up to about 400 MPa immediately after pre-aging. In some further embodiments, such aluminum alloy sheets exhibit "stable strength", which are produced, for example, the yield strength (Rp) of the aluminum alloy sheet, as measured according to the ISO 6892-1 test. It means an increase of 25 MPa or less, 20 MPa or less, 15 MPa or less, MPa or less, or 5 MPa or less during the later period (that is, the period immediately after the preliminary aging). The post-production period generally ranges from about 7 days to about 180 days, about 14 days to about 180 days, about 21 days to about 180 days, about 90 days to about 180 days, or about 120 days to about 180 days. be. In some embodiments, the post-production period is about 7 days, about 14 days, about 21 days, about 30 days, about 40 days, about 50 days, about 60 days, about 70 days, about 80 days, about 90 days. Days, about 100 days, about 110 days, about 120 days, about 130 days, about 140 days, about 150 days, about 160 days, about 170 days, or about 180 days.

How to Make Aluminum Alloy Products In certain embodiments, the disclosed aluminum alloy products are the product of the disclosed method. Without intending to limit the scope of the invention described herein, the properties of the aluminum alloy products described herein are partially determined by the formation of specific fine structures during their preparation. Will be done. In certain embodiments, the preparation method can affect certain obtained properties in aluminum alloy products.

The aluminum alloy products disclosed herein can be prepared and processed, for example, by casting, homogenization, rolling, solution formation, and quenching. The aluminum alloy products described herein may also be pre-aged.

Casting The methods disclosed herein include casting a molten aluminum alloy to provide a cast aluminum alloy product. Such aluminum alloy casting products can be provided using any casting process. For example, in some embodiments, the alloy is cast using a direct chill (DC) casting process to provide a casting ingot. In some other embodiments, the alloy may include, but is not limited to, the use of a twin belt casting machine, a twin roll casting machine, or a block casting machine, using a continuous casting (CC) process. Will be cast. In some embodiments, the casting process is performed by a CC process to provide the casting product in the form of billets, plates, shades, strips and the like. In some embodiments, the molten alloy can be processed prior to casting. The treatment may include one or more of degassing, in-line fluxing, and filtration.

The cast product can then be subjected to further operating steps, as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, a treatment step may be used to prepare an aluminum alloy sheet. The treatment process may be suitably applied to any casting product, including but not limited to ingots, billets, plates, strips, etc., using modifications and techniques as known to those of skill in the art.

The homogenization step heats the cast aluminum alloy product prepared from the alloy compositions described herein to at least about 450 ° C (eg, at least 450 ° C, at least 460 ° C, at least 470 ° C, at least. Peak metal temperature (PMT) at 480 ° C, at least 490 ° C, at least 500 ° C, at least 510 ° C, at least 520 ° C, at least 530 ° C, at least 540 ° C, at least 550 ° C, at least 560 ° C, at least 570 ° C, or at least 580 ° C. ) Can be included. For example, cast aluminum alloy products are 460 ° C. to 640 ° C., 480 ° C. to 620 ° C., 500 ° C. to 600 ° C., 520 ° C. to 580 ° C., 530 ° C. to 575 ° C., 535 ° C. to 570 ° C., 540 ° C. to 565 ° C. It can be heated to a temperature of 545 ° C to 560 ° C, 530 ° C to 560 ° C, or 550 ° C to 580 ° C. In some of the embodiments described above, the heating rate to the PMT is 100 ° C./hour or less, 75 ° C./hour or less, 50 ° C./hour or less, 40 ° C./hour or less, 30 ° C./hour or less. Hereinafter, it is 25 ° C./hour or less, 20 ° C./hour or less, or 15 ° C./hour or less. In some other such embodiments, the heating rate to the PMT is 10 ° C./min to 100 ° C./min (eg, 10 ° C./min to 90 ° C./min), 10 ° C./min to 70 ° C./min. 10 ° C / min to 60 ° C / min, 20 ° C / min to 90 ° C / min, 30 ° C / min to 80 ° C / min, 40 ° C / min to 70 ° C / min, or 50 ° C / min to 60 ° C / min. Minutes).

In most cases, the cast aluminum alloy product can then be heat-isolated for a period of time (ie, kept at the indicated temperature). In some embodiments, the cast aluminum alloy product can be thermalized for up to 24 hours (eg, comprehensively 30 minutes to 6 hours). For example, in some embodiments, the cast aluminum alloy product is at a temperature of at least 450 ° C. for about 30 minutes, about 1 hour, about 2 hours, about 3 hours, about 4 hours, 5 hours, about 6 hours, about. 7 hours, about 8 hours, about 9 hours, about 10 hours, about 11 hours, about 12 hours, about 13 hours, about 14 hours, about 15 hours, about 16 hours, about 17 hours, about 18 hours, about 19 hours , About 20 hours, about 21 hours, about 22 hours, about 23 hours, about 24 hours, or any time between them.

In some embodiments, following homogenization, the cast aluminum alloy product is cooled to room temperature in the air.

Hot rolling Following the homogenization step, one or more hot rolling passes are performed. In certain cases, the aluminum alloy product is placed at a temperature in the range of about 250 ° C to about 550 ° C (eg, about 300 ° C to about 500 ° C, or about 350 ° C to about 450 ° C) and hot rolled. ..

In certain embodiments, the aluminum alloy product is hot rolled to a gauge of about 4 mm to about 15 mm (eg, 5 mm to 12 mm gauge). For example, aluminum alloy products are about 15 mm gauge, about 14 mm gauge, about 13 mm gauge, about 12 mm gauge, about 11 mm gauge, about 10 mm gauge, about 9 mm gauge, about 8 mm gauge, about 7 mm gauge, about 6 mm gauge, or about 5 mm. Can be hot rolled to gauge.

In other cases, the aluminum alloy product can be hot rolled to a gauge of 4 mm or less (ie, sheet). In some such embodiments, the aluminum alloy product is hot rolled to a gauge of about 1 mm to about 4 mm. For example, aluminum alloy products can be hot rolled to about 4 mm gauge, about 3 mm gauge, about 2 mm gauge, or about 1 mm gauge.

Any cold rolling Following hot rolling, optionally, one or more cold rolling passes are performed. In certain embodiments, rolled products from the hot rolling process (eg, plates, shades, or sheets) can be cold rolled into thin gauge shades or sheets. In some embodiments, the shade or sheet of this thin gauge is about 1.0 mm to about 12.0 mm, about 2.0 mm to about 8.0 mm, about 3.0 mm to about 6.0 mm, or about 4. It is cold rolled to have a maximum thickness of 12.0 mm, such as a thickness in the range of 0 mm to about 5.0 mm. In some embodiments, the shade or sheet of this thin gauge is about 12.0 mm, about 11.9 mm, about 11.8 mm, about 11.7 mm, about 11.6 mm, about 11.5 mm, about 11.4 mm. , About 11.3 mm, about 11.2 mm, about 11.1 mm, about 11.0 mm, about 10.9 mm, about 10.8 mm, about 10.7 mm, about 10.6 mm, about 10.5 mm, about 10.4 mm , About 10.3 mm, about 10.2 mm, about 10.1 mm, about 10.0 mm, about 9.9 mm, about 9.8 mm, about 9.7 mm, about 9.6 mm, about 9.5 mm, about 9.4 mm , About 9.3 mm, about 9.2 mm, about 9.1 mm, about 9.0 mm, about 8.9 mm, about 8.8 mm, about 8.7 mm, about 8.6 mm, about 8.5 mm, about 8.4 mm , About 8.3 mm, about 8.2 mm, about 8.1 mm, about 8.0 mm, about 7.9 mm, about 7.8 mm, about 7.7 mm, about 7.6 mm, about 7.5 mm, about 7.4 mm , About 7.3 mm, about 7.2 mm, about 7.1 mm, about 7.0 mm, about 6.9 mm, about 6.8 mm, about 6.7 mm, about 6.6 mm, about 6.5 mm, about 6.4 mm , About 6.3 mm, about 6.2 mm, about 6.1 mm, about 6.0 mm, about 5.9 mm, about 5.8 mm, about 5.7 mm, about 5.6 mm, about 5.5 mm, about 5.4 mm , About 5.3 mm, about 5.2 mm, about 5.1 mm, about 5.0 mm, about 4.9 mm, about 4.8 mm, about 4.7 mm, about 4.6 mm, about 4.5 mm, about 4.4 mm , About 4.3 mm, about 4.2 mm, about 4.1 mm, about 4.0 mm, about 3.9 mm, about 3.8 mm, about 3.7 mm, about 3.6 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 3.4 mm , About 3.3 mm, about 3.2 mm, about 3.1 mm, about 3.0 mm, about 2.9 mm, about 2.8 mm, about 2.7 mm, about 2.6 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 2.4 mm , About 2.3 mm, about 2.2 mm, about 2.1 mm, about 2.0 mm, about 1.9 mm, about 1.8 mm, about 1.7 mm, about 1.6 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 1.4 mm , About 1.3 mm, about 1.2 mm, about 1.1 mm, about 1.0 mm, about 0.9 mm, about 0.8 mm, about 0.7 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.4 mm , Cold rolled to have a thickness of about 0.3 mm, about 0.2 mm, or about 0.1 mm.

Solution The solution step is to heat the sheet, plate, or shade from room temperature to a temperature of 430 ° C to 510 ° C (eg, 440 ° C to 500 ° C, 450 ° C to 490 ° C, 460 ° C to 480 ° C). Can include. The sheet, plate, or shade can be homogenized at this temperature for a period of time. In certain embodiments, the alloy may be thermalized for up to about 5 minutes (eg, comprehensively 5 seconds to 5 minutes). For example, a sheet, plate, or shade may be placed at a temperature of about 430 ° C to about 510 ° C for about 5 seconds, about 10 seconds, about 15 seconds, about 20 seconds, about 25 seconds, about 30 seconds, about 35 seconds, about. 40 seconds, about 45 seconds, about 50 seconds, about 55 seconds, about 60 seconds, about 65 seconds, about 70 seconds, about 75 seconds, about 80 seconds, about 85 seconds, about 90 seconds, about 95 seconds, about 100 seconds , About 105 seconds, about 110 seconds, about 115 seconds, about 120 seconds, about 125 seconds, about 130 seconds, about 135 seconds, about 140 seconds, about 145 seconds, about 150 seconds, about 3 minutes, about 4 minutes, or The heat can be leveled for about 5 minutes, or any time between them.

Quenching In certain embodiments, the plate, shade, or sheet is then 25 ° C. at a quenching rate that can vary between about 50 ° C./sec and about 400 ° C./sec in the quenching process based on the selected gauge. Can be cooled to a temperature of ~ 65 ° C. For example, the quenching speed is about 50 ° C./sec to about 375 ° C./sec, about 60 ° C./sec to about 375 ° C./sec, about 70 ° C./sec to about 350 ° C./sec, about 80 ° C./sec to about 325. ° C / sec, about 90 ° C / sec to about 300 ° C / sec, about 100 ° C / sec to about 275 ° C / sec, about 125 ° C / sec to about 250 ° C / sec, about 150 ° C / sec to about 225 ° C / It may be seconds, or from about 175 ° C / sec to about 200 ° C / sec.

In the quenching step, the sheet, plate, or shade is rapidly quenched with a liquid (eg, water) and / or a gas or another selected quenching medium. In certain embodiments, the sheet, plate, or shade can be rapidly quenched with water. In certain embodiments, the sheet, plate, or shade is quenched with a gas or liquid.

Preliminary aging (reheating)
The methods disclosed herein generally include a pre-aging step that follows a solution and quenching step. In the pre-aging step, the alloy is melted at about 60 ° C. to about 130 ° C. (for example, about 65 ° C. to about 125 ° C., about 70 ° C. to about 120 ° C., about 75 ° C. to about 115 ° C., about 80 ° C.). It may include heating to a temperature in the range of ~ about 120 ° C., or 85 ° C. to about 115 ° C.). In some examples, the pre-aging step may include heating the alloy to about 80 ° C to about 120 ° C (eg, about 90 ° C to about 110 ° C) after solution formation. The pre-aging process is a period of up to about 24 hours (eg, up to about 20 hours, up to about 15 hours, up to about 12 hours, up to about 10 hours, up to about 9 hours, up to about 8 hours, up to about 7 hours. , Up to about 6 hours, up to about 5 hours, up to about 4 hours, up to about 3 hours, up to about 2 hours, up to about 1 hour, or up to about 30 minutes). The alloy can be homogenized at this temperature for a period of time. In certain embodiments, the alloy is applied over a period of up to about 2 hours (eg, up to about 1 minute, up to about 2 minutes, up to about 3 minutes, up to about 4 minutes, up to about 5 minutes, up to about 6 minutes, up to about 7). Minutes, up to about 8 minutes, up to about 9 minutes, up to about 10 minutes, up to about 20 minutes, up to about 30 minutes, up to about 40 minutes, up to about 45 minutes, up to about 60 minutes, or up to about 90 minutes) It can be homogenized. The time between quenching and pre-aging after solution formation can be any time length ranging from about 0 minutes up to about 60 minutes. For example, the time between quenching and pre-aging after solution formation can be any time length ranging from about 5 minutes up to about 45 minutes, or about 10 minutes up to about 35 minutes.

Following the heating of the aluminum alloy product in the pre-aging step, the heated product is generally cooled slowly from the peak pre-aging temperature to room temperature, without the use of quenching the product with a gas or liquid. However, in some other embodiments, cooling to room temperature is assisted by forced cooling using, for example, air, cold liquids, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, cooling from the peak pre-aging process temperature to room temperature takes about 48 hours, about 36 hours, about 24 hours, about 18 hours, about 12 hours, or any time range between them. Is executed. Aluminum alloy products can be cooled from pre-aging temperature to room temperature with any suitable physical configuration. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy product is coiled at a pre-aging temperature (or a temperature below 5 ° C. below the pre-aging temperature) for about 48 hours, about 36 hours, about 24 hours, about 18 hours, about. It is cooled to room temperature over 12 hours, or any time range between them.

Following cooling, the aluminum alloy product is in a ready-to-ship shape and is suitable for use in various cold and warm forming processes. In this state, the aluminum alloy product has a stable T4 temper, which is maintained for a period of up to about 6 months, after which the formed material ages and cures.

Manufactured Articles The present disclosure provides manufactured articles composed of the 7xxx series of aluminum alloy products disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the manufactured article comprises a rolled aluminum alloy product, such as a rolled aluminum alloy sheet. Examples of such manufactured goods are parts, bridges, pipelines, pipes, tubes, boats, ships, storage for automobiles, trucks, trailers, trains, railroad vehicles, planes, body panels, or any of the aforementioned. Examples include, but are not limited to, containers, storage tanks, furniture, windows, doors, railings, functional or decorative building parts, pipe railings, electrical components, conduits, beverage containers, or food containers.

In some other embodiments, the aluminum alloy products disclosed herein are used in automotive and / or transportation applications, including motor vehicle, aircraft, and railroad applications, or in any other desired application. can do. In some examples, the aluminum alloy products disclosed herein are bumpers, side beams, roof beams, cross beams, pillar reinforcements (eg, A-pillars, B-pillars, and C-pillars), inner panels, outers. It can be used to prepare automobile body parts products such as panels, side panels, inner hoods, outer hoods and trunk lid panels. The aluminum alloys and methods described herein can also be used in aircraft or rail vehicle applications, for example, to prepare external and internal panels.

In some other embodiments, the aluminum alloy products disclosed herein can be used in electronic applications. For example, the aluminum alloy products disclosed herein can also be used to prepare housings for electronic devices, including mobile phones and tablet computers. In some examples, the alloy can be used to prepare the outer casing of a mobile phone (eg, a smartphone) and the housing for a tablet bottom chassis.

In some other embodiments, the aluminum alloy products disclosed herein can be used for industrial applications. For example, the aluminum alloy products disclosed herein can be used to prepare products for the general secondary market.

In some other embodiments, the aluminum alloy products disclosed herein can be used as aerospace body parts. For example, the aluminum alloy products disclosed herein can be used to prepare structural aerospace body parts such as wings, fuselage, ailerons, rudders, elevators, cowlings, or supports. In some other embodiments, the aluminum alloy products disclosed herein can be used to prepare non-structural aerospace body parts such as seat trucks, seat frames, panels, or hinges. ..

The above description of embodiments, including the illustrated embodiments, is presented for purposes of illustration and illustration only and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the exact embodiments disclosed. Many modifications, conformances, and uses thereof will be apparent to those of skill in the art.

Any reference to a series of embodiments, as used below, should be understood selectively as a reference to each of those embodiments (eg, "Embodiments 1-4" is ". It is understood as "Embodiment 1, 2, 3, or 4").

The first embodiment is a method for manufacturing a rolled aluminum alloy product, which is to provide a 7xxx series of aluminum alloys, wherein the 7xxx series of aluminum alloys is provided as a molten 7xxx series of aluminum alloys. , Casting molten 7xxx series of aluminum alloys to provide aluminum alloy casting products, homogenizing aluminum alloy casting products to provide homogenized aluminum alloy casting products, and homogenizing aluminum alloy casting products. Includes rolling to form rolled aluminum alloy products and solution and pre-aging of rolled aluminum alloy products.

The second embodiment is the method of the first embodiment, and the aluminum alloys of the 7xxx series are AA7011, AA7019, AA7020, AA7021, AA7039, AA7072, AA7075, AA7085, AA7108, AA7108A, AA7015, AA7017, AA7018, AA7019A. AA7025, AA7028, AA7030, AA7031, AA7033, AA7035, AA7035A, AA7046, AA7046A, AA7003, AA7004, AA7005, AA7009, AA70110, AA7011, AA7012, AA7014, AA7016 AA7032, AA7033, AA7034, AA7036, AA7136, AA7037, AA7040, AA7140, AA7041, AA7049, AA7049A, AA7149, AA7204, AA7249, AA7349, AA7449, AA77050, AA705A It is selected from the group consisting of AA7064, AA7065, AA7068, AA7168, AA7175, AA7475, AA7076, AA7178, AA7278, AA7278A, AA7081, AA7181, AA7185, AA7090, AA7093, AA7095, and AA7099.

The third embodiment is one of the first and second embodiments, and the aluminum alloy of the 7xxx series has 4.0 to 15.0% by weight of Zn and 0.1 to 3.5% by weight of Cu. , 1.0 to 4.0% by weight Mg, 0.05 to 0.50% by weight Fe, 0.05 to 0.30% by weight Si, maximum 0.50% by weight Zr, maximum 0.25 It contains up to 0.20% by weight of Mn, up to 0.20% by weight of Cr, up to 0.15% by weight of Ti, and up to 0.15% by weight of impurities, with the balance being Al.

The fourth embodiment is one of the first to third embodiments, and the aluminum alloy of the 7xxx series has 5.6 to 9.3% by weight of Zn and 0.2 to 2.6% by weight of Cu. , 1.4 to 2.8% by weight Mg, 0.10 to 0.35% by weight Fe, 0.05 to 0.20% by weight Si, maximum 0.25% by weight Zr, maximum 0.05 It contains up to 0.05% by weight of Mn, up to 0.05% by weight of Cr, up to 0.05% by weight of Ti, and up to 0.15% by weight of impurities, with the balance being Al.

The fifth embodiment is the method of the third embodiment, and has a maximum of 0.10% by weight of Mo, Nb, Be, B, Co, Sn, Sr, V, In, Hf, Ag, Sc, Ni, Y, La. , Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu.

The sixth embodiment is any one of the first to fifth embodiments, and the rolled aluminum alloy product is an aluminum alloy sheet or an aluminum alloy shade.

The seventh embodiment is the method of the sixth embodiment, and the rolled aluminum alloy product has a thickness of 15 mm or less.

8 is the method of any of embodiments 1-7, wherein the casting comprises direct chill (DC) casting or continuous casting.

9th embodiment is any of the methods 1 to 8, and the rolling includes hot rolling, cold rolling, or any combination thereof.

Embodiment 10 is any of embodiments 1-9, further comprising quenching the rolled aluminum alloy product after solution formation and prior to pre-aging.

The eleventh embodiment is the method of any one of the first to tenth embodiments, and the preliminary aging involves heating the rolled aluminum alloy product to a temperature in the range of 60 ° C to 130 ° C.

The twelfth embodiment is any of the methods 1 to 11, and the preliminary aging is carried out for a period of up to about 24 hours.

13 is a method of any of embodiments 1-12, further comprising cooling the rolled aluminum alloy product to approximately room temperature over a period ranging from 12 hours to 48 hours after pre-aging. include.

Embodiment 14 is any of embodiments 1-13, further comprising coiling the rolled aluminum alloy product after pre-aging and then cooling the rolled aluminum alloy product to room temperature.

The 15th embodiment is the method of the 14th embodiment, and the coiling is performed at a temperature 5 ° C. or less lower than the temperature of the preliminary aging.

The 16th embodiment is the method of the 15th embodiment, in which cooling is performed over a period ranging from 12 hours to 48 hours.

Embodiment 17 is any of embodiments 1-16, further comprising coiling the rolled aluminum alloy product after pre-aging.

Embodiment 18 is the method of any of embodiments 1 to 17, rolled aluminum alloy product has at least 240 MPa, yield strength immediately after the pre-aging _{(R p),} yield strength _{(R p} ) Is measured according to ISO 6892-1.

Embodiment 19 is the method of any of embodiments 1 to 18, rolled aluminum alloy products, in the production after a period immediately after the pre-aging, show an increase of 25MPa following yield strength (R _p) The post-production period ranges from 7 days to 180 days.

The 20th embodiment is an aluminum alloy product, and the aluminum alloy product is a rolled aluminum alloy product manufactured by any one of the methods 1 to 19.

The following examples serve to further illustrate certain embodiments of the present disclosure, without simultaneously constructing any limitation thereof. Conversely, after reading the description herein, it is possible to exert on various embodiments, modifications and equivalents that can suggest themselves to those of skill in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Should be clearly understood.

Example 1-Strength Test Two samples of 1.4 mm thick AA7075 aluminum alloy sheet are solutioned at 480 ° C., excluding the pre-aging step, followed by complete water quenching. Prepared according to the treatment method. One sample was subjected to pre-aging (PX) at 100 ° C. for less than 1 minute and then cooled to room temperature over 24 hours. Other samples did not undergo pre-aging. FIG. 1 shows the change in yield intensity (Rp) as a function of the number of days after each initial production of the sample, the yield intensity is measured according to the ISO 6892-1 test. Samples prepared by pre-aging show a significantly more stable yield intensity over a period of about 30 days.

Six samples of 2.0 mm thick clad AAA7075 / AAAA5182 aluminum alloy sheets were prepared according to the methods described herein, using modifications only in the pre-aging step. Certain samples were subjected to pre-aging at different temperatures and some samples were subjected to pre-aging in combination with pseudocoil cooling. FIG. 2 shows the change in yield intensity (Rp) as a function of the number of days after each initial production of the sample.

Example 2
A 1.4 mm thick AA7075 aluminum alloy sheet sample at 480 ° C with a soaking time of 5 minutes, complete water quenching at a quenching rate of 350 ° C / sec, pre-aging steps, and natural aging. Prepared according to the same treatment method, including aluminum alloy. As with the natural aging time, the pre-aging temperature and time were varied. The preliminary aging time was either 1 hour, 4 hours, or 8 hours. The pre-aging temperature was either 70 ° C or 100 ° C. Natural aging (NA) was performed for 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, or 4 weeks. Samples were tested with or without supply to the paint baking cycle (PB). When subjected to a paint baking cycle, samples were tested with and without 2% prestrain. 3A- C show changes in sample yield strength as a function of whether the sample was subjected to a paint baking cycle, as a function of pre-aging time and temperature . Emitter breakdown strength (MPa), ISO 6892-1: 2016 were measured according to the test. 4A-C show changes in sample elongation strength as a function of whether the sample was subjected to a paint baking cycle, as a function of pre-aging time and temperature . Elongation strength (MPa), ISO 6892-1: 2016 was measured in accordance with the test. 5A-C show the change in uniform elongation of the sample as a function of whether the sample was subjected to a paint baking cycle, as a function of pre-aging time and temperature . Uniform in a flat elongation (%), ISO 6892-1: 2016 were measured according to the test. 6A-C show changes in the total elongation of the sample as a function of whether the sample was subjected to a paint baking cycle, as a function of pre-aging time and temperature . Total elongation (%) was measured according to ISO 6892-1: 2016 test. 7A-D show changes in the critical fracture strain of a sample as a function of whether the sample was subjected to a paint baking cycle, as a function of pre-aging time and temperature. 7C and 7D show the effect of pre-strain when the sample is subjected to a paint baking cycle. Critical fracture strain (%) was measured according to ISO 6892-1: 2016 test. 8A-D show the strain hardening index (n value) of the sample as a function of whether the sample was subjected to a paint baking cycle, as a function of pre-aging time and temperature. 8C and D show the effect of pre-strain when the sample is subjected to a paint baking cycle. Critical fracture strain (%) was measured according to ISO 6892-1: 2016 test.

As shown in FIGS. 3-8, pre-aging at 70 ° C. resulted in an increase in yield intensity as the length of natural aging increased. In the case of pre-aging at 100 ° C., the yield strength was relatively stable when pre-aged for 4 to 8 hours regardless of the length of the natural aging time. Yield strengths above 450 MPa were achieved after the samples were subjected to the paint baking cycle. Samples subjected to a 2% prestrain prior to the paint baking cycle showed a slight increase in yield strength.

All patents, patent applications, publications, and abstracts cited above are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Various embodiments of the present invention have been described to achieve various objects of the present invention. It should be recognized that these embodiments are merely exemplary of the principles of the invention. Many of these modifications and their conformances, which do not deviate from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims below, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (15)

A method for manufacturing rolled aluminum alloy products.
To provide a 7xxx series aluminum alloy, the 7xxx series aluminum alloy is provided as a molten 7xxx series aluminum alloy.
To provide an aluminum alloy casting product by casting the molten 7xxx series of aluminum alloys.
To provide a homogenized aluminum alloy casting product by homogenizing the aluminum alloy casting product.
Rolling the homogenized aluminum alloy casting product to form a rolled aluminum alloy product,
Dissolving the rolled aluminum alloy product and
Quenching the rolled aluminum alloy product and
Preliminary aging of the rolled aluminum alloy product,
Including the natural aging of the rolled aluminum alloy product,
The pre-aging comprises heating the rolled aluminum alloy product to a pre-aging temperature in the range of 75 ° C to 115 ° C.
The preliminary aging is performed for a period of up to 24 hours and
A method in which the natural aging is performed at room temperature. The 7xxx series of aluminum alloys are AA7011, AA7019, AA7020, AA7021, AA7073, AA7072, AA7075, AA7085, AA7108, AA7108A, AA7015, AA70117, AA7018, AA70119A, AA7024, AA7025, AA70A. AA7035A, AA7046, AA7046A, AA7003, AA7004, AA7005, AA7009, AA7010, AA7011, AA7012, AA7014, AA7016, AA7116, AA7122, AA7023, AA7026, AA7029, AA7129, AA70 AA7040, AA7140, AA7041 The method of claim 1, wherein the method is selected from the group consisting of AA7076, AA7178, AA7278, AA7278A, AA7081, AA7181, AA7185, AA7090, AA7093, AA7095, and AA7099. The 7xxx series aluminum alloy is
4.0 to 15.0 wt% Zn,
0.1 to 3.5% by weight of Cu,
1.0-4.0 wt% Mg,
0.05-0.50% by weight Fe,
0.05-0.30 wt% Si,
Up to 0.50% by weight Zr,
Up to 0.25 wt% Mn,
Up to 0.20% by weight Cr,
Contains up to 0.15% by weight Ti and up to 0.15% by weight impurities.
The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the balance is Al. The 7xxx series aluminum alloy is
5.6 to 9.3% by weight Zn,
0.2-2.6 wt% Cu,
1.4-2.8 wt% Mg,
0.10 to 0.35% by weight Fe,
0.05 to 0.20% by weight Si,
Up to 0.25 wt% Zr,
Up to 0.05% by weight Mn,
Up to 0.05% by weight Cr,
Contains up to 0.05% by weight Ti and up to 0.15% by weight impurities.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the balance is Al. Up to 0.10% by weight, Mo, Nb, Be, B, Co, Sn, Sr, V, In, Hf, Ag, Sc, Ni, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, The method of claim 3, further comprising one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the rolled aluminum alloy product is an aluminum alloy sheet or an aluminum alloy shade. The method according to claim 6, wherein the rolled aluminum alloy product has a thickness of 15 mm or less. The method of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the casting comprises direct chill (DC) casting or continuous casting. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the rolling includes hot rolling, cold rolling, or any combination thereof. The method of any one of claims 1-9, further comprising cooling the rolled aluminum alloy product to room temperature over a period ranging from 12 hours to 48 hours after heating to the pre-aging temperature. .. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising coiling the rolled aluminum alloy product after heating to the pre-aging temperature and then cooling the rolled aluminum alloy product to room temperature. 11. The method of claim 11, wherein the coiling is performed at a temperature below 5 ° C. below the pre-aging temperature. 12. The method of claim 12, wherein the cooling is performed over a period ranging from 12 hours to 48 hours. One of claims 1 to 13 , wherein the rolled aluminum alloy product has a yield strength (Rp) of at least 240 MPa immediately after pre-aging, and the yield strength (Rp) is measured according to ISO 6892-1. The method described in paragraph 1. Claimed that the rolled aluminum alloy product exhibits an increase in yield strength (Rp) of 25 MPa or less during the post-production period immediately after the pre-production, and the post-production period is in the range of 7 to 180 days. The method according to any one of 1 to 14.

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