US20250236932A1 - Aluminum Alloy and Aluminum Strip for Producing Can Ends and Method for Its Production - Google Patents

Aluminum Alloy and Aluminum Strip for Producing Can Ends and Method for Its Production

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Publication number
US20250236932A1
US20250236932A1 US18/702,127 US202218702127A US2025236932A1 US 20250236932 A1 US20250236932 A1 US 20250236932A1 US 202218702127 A US202218702127 A US 202218702127A US 2025236932 A1 US2025236932 A1 US 2025236932A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
aluminum
strip
content
scrap
range
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
US18/702,127
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English (en)
Inventor
Stefan Schlüter
Olaf Engler
Boris Kurth
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Speira GmbH
Original Assignee
Speira GmbH
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Filing date
Publication date
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Assigned to SPEIRA GMBH reassignment SPEIRA GMBH ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: KURTH, BORIS, Engler, Olaf, SCHLÜTER, Stefan
Publication of US20250236932A1 publication Critical patent/US20250236932A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D11/00—Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths
    • B22D11/001—Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths of specific alloys
    • B22D11/003—Aluminium alloys
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D21/00—Casting non-ferrous metals or metallic compounds so far as their metallurgical properties are of importance for the casting procedure; Selection of compositions therefor
    • B22D21/02—Casting exceedingly oxidisable non-ferrous metals, e.g. in inert atmosphere
    • B22D21/04—Casting aluminium or magnesium
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C22—METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
    • C22C—ALLOYS
    • C22C21/00—Alloys based on aluminium
    • C22C21/06—Alloys based on aluminium with magnesium as the next major constituent
    • C22C21/08—Alloys based on aluminium with magnesium as the next major constituent with silicon
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C22—METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
    • C22F—CHANGING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF NON-FERROUS METALS AND NON-FERROUS ALLOYS
    • C22F1/00—Changing the physical structure of non-ferrous metals or alloys by heat treatment or by hot or cold working
    • C22F1/04—Changing the physical structure of non-ferrous metals or alloys by heat treatment or by hot or cold working of aluminium or alloys based thereon
    • C22F1/047—Changing the physical structure of non-ferrous metals or alloys by heat treatment or by hot or cold working of aluminium or alloys based thereon of alloys with magnesium as the next major constituent

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an aluminum alloy, an aluminum strip made of the aluminum alloy, a method for producing the aluminum strip and a use of the aluminum strip.
  • Aluminum cans generally have a can body, a can end and usually a can tab, the materials of which are sometimes subject to different requirements for production or in the product, for example with regard to their formability, strength and the like.
  • AA3xxx aluminum alloy usually AA 3104
  • AA5xxx aluminum alloy usually AA 5182
  • production scrap can arise, for example, during the production of aluminum strip (e.g. as trimming scrap) or during the production of can bodies, can ends or can tabs from the aluminum strip (e.g. as punching scrap).
  • Old scrap from used aluminum beverage cans is referred to in practice as UBC scrap (UBC: Used Beverage Can).
  • old scrap such as UBC scrap
  • UBC scrap has mainly been used for new can body material of the AA 3xxx alloy group, as the alloy composition permits this.
  • the present invention is based on the object of improving the production of aluminum strip for can ends and can tabs in such a way that a greater use of scrap, in particular old scrap, is made possible.
  • this aluminum alloy can be used to produce aluminum strips that meet the requirements, in particular the mechanical requirements, for aluminum end strip and/or aluminum tab strip and at the same time allow a higher use of old scrap due to the specified content limits for the individual alloying elements.
  • the alloy composition described allows greater use of UBC scrap.
  • the cycle of aluminum beverage cans can be closed, so that in addition to the can bodies, also can ends and can tabs and thus all production components of the aluminum beverage can can be newly produced from old beverage cans. This increases the recyclability of aluminum beverage cans and significantly improves their carbon footprint.
  • an aluminum strip for producing can ends and/or can tabs from the aforementioned aluminum alloy or an embodiment thereof is further solved according to the invention by an aluminum strip for producing can ends and/or can tabs from the aforementioned aluminum alloy or an embodiment thereof.
  • the aforementioned object is solved according to the invention by using the aforementioned alloy or an embodiment thereof or the aforementioned aluminum strip or an embodiment thereof for producing can ends and/or can tabs.
  • the melt is provided at least partly by melting aluminum scrap, in particular old scrap, preferably at least partly by melting UBC scrap.
  • the melt is preferably cast into an ingot in a discontinuous casting process, in particular die casting, or in a semi-continuous casting process, in particular DC casting.
  • the ingot can then be sawn or milled.
  • the ingot is preferably homogenized for a period of at least 0.5 hours at a holding temperature of 450-550° C., preferably 490-550° C.
  • Homogenization can be carried out in particular in a pusher-type or crucible furnace. Homogenization is preferably carried out for a period of less than 12 hours.
  • Hot rolling is preferably carried out to a hot strip thickness in the range of 2-4 mm. Hot rolling can be carried out on a reversing hot rolling stand, for example, possibly followed by a multi-stand finishing train.
  • Cold rolling can be carried out with or without intermediate annealing.
  • the strip is preferably trimmed after cold rolling.
  • the Si content of the aluminum alloy is in the range of 0.03-0.6 wt %.
  • a Si content above 0.6 wt % has a negative effect on strength and formability.
  • a Si content below 0.03 wt % would limit the use of scrap too much.
  • the aluminum alloy has a Si content of above 0.20 wt %, preferably a Si content in the range 0.21-0.6 wt %, more preferably in the range 0.25-0.6 wt %. It was found that a Si content in these ranges enables a larger proportion of old scrap, as old scrap can have a fairly high Si content. At the same time, it was recognized that even with a Si content in these ranges, advantageous properties of the aluminium strip can still be achieved, which enable it to be used for the production of can ends and/or can tabs.
  • An increased Si content can lead to an increased formation of Mg 2 Si phases.
  • the Mg content bound in these phases is then no longer available to increase the strength of the aluminum strip. It has been recognized that this can be compensated for without increasing the Mg content by increasing the thickness of the aluminium strip or sheet, particularly for the production of can ends. Additionally or alternatively, increasing the thickness can also compensate for a reduction in the Mg content, for example. Simulations have shown that even an increase in sheet thickness from 0.206 mm to 0.210 mm, for example, i.e. by approx. 2%, results in an increase in strength of approx. 4%.
  • the aluminum strip or aluminum sheet preferably has a thickness of at least 0.210 mm, more preferably at least 0.220 mm, particularly preferably if the Si content is above 0.20 wt %, for example in the range 0.21-0.6 wt % or 0.25-0.6 wt %, and/or if the Mg content is in the range 3.0-4.0 wt %.
  • the Si content is preferably limited to a maximum of 0.35 wt %.
  • Si contents of up to 0.35 wt % still allow the use of quite high proportions of old scrap to produce the alloy.
  • limiting the Si content to a maximum of 0.35 wt % leads to improved formability of the aluminum strips or aluminum sheets produced from the aluminum alloy and to higher strength, as less strength-enhancing Mg is bound in Mg 2 Si phases with a lower Si content.
  • the Fe content of the aluminum alloy is in the range of 0.15-0.8 wt %, more preferably in the range of 0.16-0.8 wt %, in particular 0.20-0.8 wt %.
  • An Fe content above 0.8 wt % has a negative effect on formability.
  • An Fe content below 0.15 wt % would limit the use of scrap too much.
  • the aluminum alloy has an Fe content of above 0.35 wt %, preferably an Fe content in the range 0.36-0.8 wt %, more preferably in the range 0.4-0.8 wt %. It was found that an Fe content in these ranges enables a greater proportion of old scrap, as old scrap can have a fairly high Fe content. At the same time, it was recognized that even with an Fe content in these ranges, advantageous properties of the aluminium strip can still be achieved, which enable it to be used for the production of can ends and/or can tabs.
  • the Fe content is preferably limited to a maximum of 0.5 wt %. Fe contents of up to 0.5 wt % still allow the use of quite high proportions of old scrap to produce the alloy. At the same time, limiting the Fe content to a maximum of 0.5 wt % leads to improved formability of the aluminum strips or aluminum sheets produced from the aluminum alloy.
  • the Cu content of the aluminum alloy is in the range of 0.02-0.25 wt %
  • a Cu content above 0.25 wt % would result in excessive strength, which would impair the workability of the aluminum strip.
  • a Cu content above 0.25 wt % causes an increased tendency to certain forms of corrosion.
  • the lower Cu limit of 0.02 wt % improves the ageing resistance of the aluminum strip and the products made from it.
  • the tendency towards intergranular corrosion (IC corrosion) is reduced in this way.
  • the aluminum alloy has a Cu content of above 0.15 wt %, preferably a Cu content in the range 0.16-0.25 wt %, more preferably in the range 0.20-0.25 wt %. It was found that a Cu content in these ranges enables a greater proportion of old scrap, as old scrap can have a fairly high Cu content. At the same time, it was recognized that even with a Cu content in these ranges, advantageous properties of the aluminium strip can still be achieved, which enable it to be used for the production of can ends and/or can tabs.
  • the Mn content of the aluminum alloy is in the range of 0.20-1.4 wt %.
  • Manganese leads to the formation of dispersoids, which increase the strength of the aluminum strip.
  • additions of Mn favor the forming of Fe-containing casting phases and thus improve the formability. Below a Mn content of 0.20 wt %, these positive effects are only insufficiently achieved.
  • a Mn content above 1.4 wt % leads to a deterioration in formability.
  • the aluminum alloy has a Mn content of above 0.50 wt %, preferably a Mn content in the range 0.51-1.4 wt %, more preferably in the range 0.6-1.4 wt %. It was found that a Mn content in these ranges enables a larger proportion of old scrap, as old scrap can have a fairly high Mn content. At the same time, it was recognized that even with a Mn content in these ranges, advantageous properties of the aluminium strip can still be achieved, which enable it to be used for the production of can ends and/or can tabs.
  • the Mn content is preferably limited to a maximum of 0.8 wt %.
  • Mn contents of up to 0.8 wt % still allow the use of quite high proportions of old scrap to produce the alloy.
  • limiting the Mn content to a maximum of 0.8 wt % leads to improved formability of the aluminum strips or aluminum sheets produced from the aluminum alloy.
  • the composition of the aluminum alloy, for one or two alloying elements from the group Si, Fe, Cu, Mn, fulfills the respective associated specification from specifications a1) to d1):
  • the composition of the aluminum alloy can meet the associated specifications a1) and d1) for Si and Mn and the associated specifications b2) and c2) for Fe and Cu.
  • the Mg content of the aluminum alloy is in the range of 3.0-5.0 wt %.
  • the addition of magnesium increases the strength and internal pressure stability of the can ends made from the aluminum strip.
  • the aluminum alloy preferably has a Mg content of at least 3.5 wt %, more preferably at least 3.6 wt %, even more preferably at least 4.0 wt %.
  • the aluminum alloy has a Si content of more than 0.20 wt % and/or an Fe content of more than 0.35 wt % and/or a Cu content of more than 0.15 wt % and/or an Mn content of more than 0.5 wt %. With these content ranges, it is possible to use a larger proportion of old scrap to provide the aluminum alloy. It was recognized that even with these alloying element limits, advantageous properties of the aluminium strip can still be achieved, which enable it to be used for the production of can ends and/or can tabs.
  • the aluminum strip has an old scrap recyclate content, in particular a UBC scrap recyclate content, of at least 5 wt %, preferably at least 20 wt %, further preferably at least 30 wt %, more preferably at least 35 wt %, in particular at least 40 wt %.
  • the melt is provided in a proportion of at least 5 wt %, preferably at least 20 wt %, more preferably at least 30 wt %, more preferably at least 35 wt %, in particular at least 40 wt %, by melting old scrap, in particular UBC scrap.
  • the aluminum alloy described allows a higher use of old scrap than the alloy specification AA 5182 previously used for can end strip or can tab strip.
  • UBC scrap or other scrap available on the market can be used for the aluminum alloy strip in this way.
  • the use of at least 5 wt %, preferably at least 20 wt %, more preferably at least 30 wt %, particularly preferably at least 35 wt %, especially at least 40 wt %, of recycled scrap, especially recycled UBC scrap, can significantly improve the carbon footprint in the production of aluminum cans.
  • the aluminum strip has a coating, in particular a stove enamel coating.
  • this further comprises the following step:
  • the cold strip In preparation for painting, the cold strip can be degreased, for example.
  • the strip can also be treated with an adhesion promoter to prepare the surface for painting.
  • a liquid lacquer can be applied to one or both sides of the aluminum strip, which is then stoved in a stoving step.
  • the lacquer can be a polymer-based lacquer, for example an epoxy-based lacquer.
  • the paint is preferably stoved in an oven, for example a continuous oven, at a temperature of preferably 180-320° C. PMT (peak metal temperature).
  • the heating of the aluminum strip during the stoving step can cause a change in the condition of the aluminum strip.
  • the aluminum strip can have a condition H48 according to EN 546-2 after stove enameling.
  • the aluminum strip has a condition H48 according to EN 546-2.
  • Coated, in particular stove-enameled, strip is preferably used for the production of can ends or can tabs. In this way, there is no need for a painting process after punching out and forming into can ends or can tabs.
  • Can end strip or can tab strip can also be distinguished from aluminum strip intended for other purposes by the existing lacquer coating.
  • the aluminum strip has a yield strength Rp0.2 in the range 250-400 MPa.
  • a yield strength in this range can be achieved in particular by the described alloy composition in combination with the described production method.
  • An aluminum strip with such strength properties meets the mechanical requirements for the manufacture of can ends and can tabs.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Crystallography & Structural Chemistry (AREA)
  • Containers Opened By Tearing Frangible Portions (AREA)
  • Metal Rolling (AREA)
  • Manufacture And Refinement Of Metals (AREA)
US18/702,127 2021-10-18 2022-10-18 Aluminum Alloy and Aluminum Strip for Producing Can Ends and Method for Its Production Pending US20250236932A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21203179 2021-10-18
EP21203179.3 2021-10-18
PCT/EP2022/078897 WO2023066892A1 (de) 2021-10-18 2022-10-18 Aluminiumlegierung und aluminiumband für die herstellung von dosendeckeln sowie verfahren zu dessen herstellung

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Publication Number Publication Date
US20250236932A1 true US20250236932A1 (en) 2025-07-24

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US (1) US20250236932A1 (https=)
EP (1) EP4419273A1 (https=)
JP (1) JP2024539674A (https=)
KR (1) KR20240090153A (https=)
CN (1) CN118119463A (https=)
MX (1) MX2024004661A (https=)
WO (1) WO2023066892A1 (https=)

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015125791A1 (ja) * 2014-02-18 2015-08-27 株式会社神戸製鋼所 缶蓋用アルミニウム合金板

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP3715102B2 (ja) 1998-03-24 2005-11-09 三菱アルミニウム株式会社 アルミニウム合金積層板およびその製造方法
JP6210896B2 (ja) * 2014-02-06 2017-10-11 株式会社神戸製鋼所 缶蓋用アルミニウム合金板およびその製造方法
WO2016152790A1 (ja) * 2015-03-23 2016-09-29 株式会社神戸製鋼所 製缶後の光沢性に優れた樹脂被覆絞りしごき缶用アルミニウム合金板および絞りしごき缶用樹脂被覆アルミニウム合金板
JP2017075354A (ja) * 2015-10-14 2017-04-20 株式会社神戸製鋼所 缶蓋用アルミニウム合金板
CN106399772B (zh) * 2016-12-12 2018-06-26 龙口南山铝压延新材料有限公司 一种铝合金板材、生产方法及应用
FR3122666B1 (fr) 2021-05-04 2024-06-21 Constellium Neuf Brisach FEUILLES D’ALUMINIUM 5xxx POUR FABRICATION DE CANETTES

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015125791A1 (ja) * 2014-02-18 2015-08-27 株式会社神戸製鋼所 缶蓋用アルミニウム合金板

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Publication number Publication date
CN118119463A (zh) 2024-05-31
KR20240090153A (ko) 2024-06-21
WO2023066892A1 (de) 2023-04-27
EP4419273A1 (de) 2024-08-28
JP2024539674A (ja) 2024-10-29
MX2024004661A (es) 2024-05-02

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