Method to improve properties of aluminum alloys processed by solid state joining
US7614539B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 13, 2004 |
| Grant date | Nov 10, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 17, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K20/122
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for forming an aluminum alloy article having improved mechanical properties using a solid-state joining process in which the problem of ductility reduction is minimized by conducting a thermal exposure treatment prior to solution heat treatment. This thermal exposure treatment, done at a temperature below the solution heat treatment temperature, releases stored energy in the aluminum-alloy material. The aluminum-alloy material then does not have sufficient energy to cause recrystallization and abnormal grain growth during the subsequent solution heat treatment process. The resultant aluminum-alloy material has a restored mechanical strength with only a minor, but acceptable, decrease in original ductility.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.