High throughput continuous processing of aluminum alloys for electrical interconnect components
US11854714B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 27, 2017 |
| Grant date | Dec 26, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 29, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K2101/38
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A tempering process for tempering an aluminum alloy coil includes a first reel-to-reel process including an anneal to solutionize the aluminum alloy followed by a quench, a second reel-to-reel process comprising rolling reduction, and a hardening anneal performed on the aluminum alloy coil. Cladding may be performed during the second reel-to-reel process; or a subsequent reel-to-reel electroplating process may be performed including an alkaline soak clean, an alkaline microetch and seed electroplating, and aqueous electroplating of a contact metal onto the seed electroplating. Electrical interconnect components may be stamped from the tempered and clad or electroplated aluminum alloy coil. The electrical interconnect components may, for example, be connectors, lead frames, or bus bars.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.