Microstructural control of aluminum sheet used in automotive applications

Journal Article · Sat Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1995 · Materials Characterization

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/1044-5803(95)00065-8· OSTI ID:94433

Burger, G B; Gupta, A K; Jeffrey, P W; Lloyd, D J ^[1]

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1. Alcan International Limited, Kingston, Ontario (Canada). Kingston Research and Development Centre

The microstructure of both 5000 and 6000 series alloy sheet can be controlled to provide the properties required for particular automotive applications. The work-hardening 5000 series alloys, with between 3 and 6% Mg as the major alloying addition, are supplied to the automotive companies in the annealed temper and are characterized by a recrystallized grain structure which is influenced by the insoluble Fe-based intermetallics, dispersoids, and the work-hardening rate. The annealed strength and formability is strongly dependent upon grain size, Mg content, and, to a lesser extent, on crystallographic texture. The 6000 series alloys containing Cu, Mg, and Si are somewhat more complicated to control, because of precipitation of the age-hardening phases during fabrication. It is necessary to control the processes of dispersoid and precipitate formation so as to obtain the desired strength, grain size, and crystallographic texture in the final sheet. These alloys also offer a low solution-treated strength for high formability, combined with rapid age hardening to a relatively high strength in the formed component during the paint bake cycle.

• OSTI ID: 94433
• Report Number(s): CONF-940793--
• Journal Information: Materials Characterization, Journal Name: Materials Characterization Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 35; ISSN 1044-5803; ISSN MACHEX
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
ALUMINIUM BASE ALLOYS
AUTOMOBILES
COPPER ALLOYS
MAGNESIUM ALLOYS
MATERIALS
MATERIALS WORKING
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
MICROSTRUCTURE
SILICON ALLOYS
WEIGHT