KR20210042174A - High zinc aluminum alloy products - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention, in one embodiment, is a cast product in the form of an aluminum alloy strip. The aluminum alloy strip contains 4% to 28% by weight of zinc, and the deviation of the weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is 15% or less.

Description

High zinc aluminum alloy products {HIGH ZINC ALUMINUM ALLOY PRODUCTS}

The present invention relates to cast aluminum alloy products, and to products derived therefrom.

Related application

This application is disclosed in US Patent No. 62/437,489 filed December 21, 2016 under the designation "High Zinc Aluminum Alloy Products", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Cast aluminum alloys are known for forming cast aluminum alloy products.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the invention is a cast product comprising an aluminum alloy strip; The aluminum alloy strip contains 4% to 28% zinc by weight; The deviation of the weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is not more than 15%.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 6% to 28% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 8% to 28% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 10% to 28% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 15% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 6% to 12% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 10% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 8% by weight zinc.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is no more than 12%.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the invention is a cast product comprising an aluminum alloy strip; The aluminum alloy strip comprises (i) 4% to 28% by weight zinc; (ii) 1% to 3% copper by weight; And (iii) 1% to 3% by weight of magnesium; The deviation of the weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is not more than 15%.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 15% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 12% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 10% zinc by weight.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 2.5% copper by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 2.0% by weight copper. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 1.5% copper by weight.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 2.5% magnesium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 2.0% magnesium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 1.5% magnesium by weight.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the cast product comprises an aluminum alloy strip; The aluminum alloy strip contains 4% to 28% by weight of zinc and 1% to 3% by weight of copper. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is no more than 15%.

1 is a schematic diagram of a non-limiting method of manufacturing a cast product;
Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional schematic view of the molten metal transfer tip and roll shown in Figure 1;
3 shows the deviation of the weight percent zinc from the surface to a thickness depth of 3,000 μm in the cast product;
4 shows the deviation of the weight percent zinc from the surface to a thickness depth of 3,000 μm in the cast product;
5 shows the deviation of the weight percent zinc from the surface to a thickness depth of 3,000 μm in the cast product;
6 shows the deviation of the weight percent zinc from the surface to a thickness depth of 3,000 μm in the cast product;
7 shows the deviation of the weight percent zinc from the surface to a thickness depth of 3,000 μm in the cast product;
Figure 8 shows the deviation of the weight percent zinc from the surface to a thickness depth of 3,000 μm in the cast product;
9 shows the deviation of the weight percent zinc from the surface to a thickness depth of 3,000 μm in the cast product;
10 shows the deviation of the weight percent zinc from the surface to a thickness depth of 3,000 μm in the cast product;
Fig. 11 shows the deviation of the weight percent zinc with respect to the depth of the ingot ingot of the prior art by direct chill casting;
Fig. 12 shows the deviation of the weight percent zinc with respect to the depth of the cast product of the prior art;
13 shows the weight percent of zinc, magnesium and copper across the grains from the surface to a depth of 200 μm in the cast product according to an embodiment of the present invention.
14 shows the weight percent of zinc, magnesium and copper across grains versus the depth of thickness of a direct cooling casting prior art product;
15 shows the structure of a cast product according to an embodiment of the present invention;
16 shows the structure of a cast product according to an embodiment of the present invention;
17 shows the structure of a cast product according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The drawings form part of this specification, include exemplary embodiments of the invention, and illustrate various objects and features. Further, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated to show details of specific components. In addition, any measurements, specifications, etc. shown in the drawings are for illustrative purposes and not for limitation. Accordingly, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but only as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to variously apply the present invention.
The invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like structures are designated by like numbers throughout the various examples. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, but instead are emphasized when illustrating the principles of the invention. Also, some features may be exaggerated to show details of specific components.

Among the disclosed advantages and improvements, other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Detailed embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein; However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the present invention that can be implemented in various forms. In addition, each of the examples given in connection with various embodiments of the present invention is intended to be illustrative and not limiting.

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms have the expressly associated meanings herein, unless the context dictates otherwise. The phrases, “in one embodiment” and “in some embodiments”, as used herein, do not necessarily refer to the same implementation(s), but may refer to the same implementation(s). In addition, the phrases, “in other embodiments” and “in some other embodiments”, as used herein, do not necessarily refer to other embodiments, but may refer to other embodiments. Accordingly, as described below, various embodiments of the present invention can be easily combined without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.

In addition, the term "or", as used herein, is an inclusive "or" operator, and is equivalent to the term "and/or" unless otherwise stated in the context. The term “based” is not exclusive and may be based on additional factors not described unless the context dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of “a” and “a” includes multiple references. The meaning of "in" includes "in" and "above".

As used herein, the term “at least one A, B, or C” and the like is “only A”, “only B”, “only C” or “any combination of A, B, and C”.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the invention is a cast product comprising an aluminum alloy strip; The aluminum alloy strip contains 4% to 28% zinc by weight; The deviation of the weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is not more than 15%.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 6% to 28% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 8% to 28% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 10% to 28% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 15% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 6% to 12% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 10% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 8% by weight zinc.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is no more than 12%.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the invention is a cast product comprising an aluminum alloy strip; The aluminum alloy strip comprises (i) 4% to 28% by weight zinc; (ii) 1% to 3% copper by weight; And (iii) 1% to 3% by weight of magnesium; The deviation of the weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is not more than 15%.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 15% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 12% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 10% zinc by weight.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 2.5% copper by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 2.0% by weight copper. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 1.5% copper by weight.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 2.5% magnesium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 2.0% magnesium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 1.5% magnesium by weight.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the cast product comprises an aluminum alloy strip; The aluminum alloy strip contains 4% to 28% by weight of zinc and 1% to 3% by weight of copper. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is no more than 15%.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the invention is a cast product comprising an aluminum alloy strip; The aluminum alloy strip contains 4% to 25% zinc by weight; The deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is not more than 15%.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 6% to 25% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 8% to 25% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 10% to 25% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 15% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 12% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 10% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 8% by weight zinc.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation of the weight percent of zinc from the surface of the aluminum alloy strip to a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is no more than 12%.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the invention is a cast product comprising an aluminum alloy strip; The aluminum alloy strip comprises (i) from 4% to 25% by weight of zinc; (ii) 1% to 3% copper by weight; And (iii) 1% to 3% by weight of magnesium; The deviation of the weight percent of zinc from the surface of the aluminum alloy strip to a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is not more than 15%.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 15% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 12% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 10% zinc by weight.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 2.5% copper by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 2.0% by weight copper. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 1.5% copper by weight.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 2.5% magnesium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 2.0% magnesium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 1.5% magnesium by weight.

As used herein, the term "aluminum alloy" refers to an aluminum metal having a soluble element either in the aluminum lattice or in the phase within the aluminum. Elements may include aluminum, copper, iron, magnesium, nickel, silicon, zinc, chromium, manganese, titanium, vanadium, zirconium, tin, scandium, and lithium. Elements are added to affect the properties and performance properties of aluminum alloys.

As used herein, the phrase "7xxx aluminum alloy" and the like means an aluminum alloy selected from 7xxx aluminum alloys registered in the Aluminum Association and unregistered variants thereof.

As used herein, the term “cast product” refers to a product made by a casting method, such as continuous casting, as detailed in US Pat. Nos. 6,672,368 and 7,125,612. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the term “cast article” includes articles made from “cast article”. In one or more embodiments, the term “cast article” includes rolled articles made from “cast article”.

As used herein, the "deviation" of the weight percent of an alloying element at a certain depth of thickness has the unit of "%" and is calculated according to the following equation:

(Maximum weight% of alloying elements at a specific thickness depth-Minimum weight% of alloying elements at a specific thickness depth) / (Average weight% of alloying elements at a specific thickness depth) * 100.

As used herein, the term “centerline segregation” refers to the concentration or depletion of alloying elements in the central portion of the aluminum alloy strip. In embodiments, the central segregation is determined based on the weight percent deviation of the alloying element at a specific thickness depth of the aluminum alloy strip. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, central segregation is determined based on a weight percent deviation of the alloying element of greater than 15% between the surface and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, central segregation is determined based on a weight percent deviation of the alloying element of greater than 15% between the surface and the center of thickness.

As used herein, the "weight percent of alloying element" at a particular thickness depth is determined using the " macro-segregation procedure" detailed herein.

As used herein, the term “strip” can be of any suitable thickness, and generally the thickness of a sheet gauge (0.006 inches to 0.249 inches) or sheet gauge (0.250 inches to 0.400 inches), ie from 0.006 inches to It can have a thickness in the range of 0.400 inches. In one embodiment, the strip has a thickness of at least 0.040 inches. In one embodiment, the strip has a thickness of at least 0.320 inches. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the strip has a thickness of 0.0070 to 0.18 inches. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the strip has a thickness of 0.08 to 0.2 inches.

As used herein, "surface" means the top or bottom surface of the cast product.

As used herein, "thickness center" means the depth of half or half the thickness (t/2) of the total thickness of the cast product.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip may comprise any aluminum alloy comprising 4% to 28% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip may comprise at least one of 1% to 3% by weight copper and 1% to 3% by weight magnesium. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy may comprise a 7xxx (zinc based) aluminum alloy.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 28% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 27% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 25% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 22% by weight zinc. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 20% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 18% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 15% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 13% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 11% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 10% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 9% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 8% by weight zinc. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 7% by weight zinc. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 6% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 5% zinc by weight.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 5% to 28% by weight zinc. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 6% to 28% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 7% to 28% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 8% to 28% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 9% to 28% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 10% to 28% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 11% to 28% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 13% to 28% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 15% to 28% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 18% to 28% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 20% to 28% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 22% to 28% zinc by weight.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 5% to 27% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 7% to 25% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 8% to 23% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 9% to 20% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 10% to 18% zinc by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 12% to 15% zinc by weight.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 2.8% by weight copper. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 2.6% copper by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 2.4% copper by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 2.2% by weight copper. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 2.0% by weight copper. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 1.8% copper by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 1.6% copper by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 1.4% copper by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 1.2% by weight copper.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1.2% to 3% copper by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1.4% to 3% copper by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1.6% to 3% copper by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1.8% to 3% copper by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 2.0% to 3% copper by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 2.2% to 3% copper by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 2.4% to 3% copper by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 2.6% to 3% copper by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 2.8% to 3% copper by weight.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1.2% to 2.8% copper by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1.4% to 2.6% copper by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1.6% to 2.4% copper by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1.8% to 2.2% copper by weight.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 2.8% magnesium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 2.6% magnesium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 2.4% magnesium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 2.2% magnesium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 2.0% magnesium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 1.8% magnesium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 1.6% magnesium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 1.4% magnesium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 1.2% magnesium by weight.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1.2% to 3% magnesium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1.4% to 3% magnesium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1.6% to 3% magnesium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1.8% to 3% magnesium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 2.0% to 3% magnesium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 2.2% to 3% magnesium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 2.4% to 3% magnesium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 2.6% to 3% magnesium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 2.8% to 3% magnesium by weight.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1.2% to 2.8% magnesium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1.4% to 2.6% magnesium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1.6% to 2.4% magnesium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1.8% to 2.2% magnesium by weight.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 0.1% to 1.0% manganese by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 0.2% to 1.0% manganese by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 0.4% to 1.0% manganese by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 0.6% to 1.0% manganese by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 0.8% to 1.0% manganese by weight.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 0.1% to 0.8% manganese by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 0.1% to 0.9% manganese by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 0.1% to 0.7% manganese by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 0.1% to 0.5% manganese by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 0.1% to 0.3% manganese by weight.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 0.05% to 0.3% chromium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 0.1% to 0.3% chromium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 0.15% to 0.3% chromium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 0.2% to 0.3% chromium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 0.25% to 0.3% chromium by weight.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 0.05% to 0.25% chromium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 0.05% to 0.2% chromium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 0.05% to 0.15% chromium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 0.05% to 0.1% chromium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 0.15% to 0.25% chromium by weight.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 0.04% to 0.25% zirconium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 0.04% to 0.2% zirconium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 0.04% to 0.18% zirconium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 0.04% to 0.15% zirconium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 0.04% to 0.1% zirconium by weight.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 0.1% to 0.25% zirconium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 0.15% to 0.25% zirconium by weight. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 0.2% to 0.25% zirconium by weight.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip comprises 0.07% to 0.14% zirconium by weight.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip includes at least one of zinc, copper, magnesium, manganese, chromium, or zirconium. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip does not include at least one of copper, magnesium, manganese, chromium, or zirconium.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip may contain secondary elements and/or other elements. As used herein, "secondary element" is Fe, Si, and/or Ti. As used herein, "other elements" include any elements of the periodic table other than aluminum (Al), Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr, Zr, Mg, Fe, Si, and/or Ti.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is no more than 15%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is no more than 14%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is less than or equal to 13%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is no more than 12%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is 11% or less. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is 10% or less. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is 9% or less. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is 8% or less. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is 7% or less. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is 6% or less. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is 5% or less. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is no more than 4%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is 3% or less. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is 2% or less.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is between 0.1% and 15%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is between 0.1% and 14%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is between 0.1% and 13%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is between 0.1% and 12%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is between 0.1% and 11%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is between 0.1% and 10%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is between 0.1% and 9%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is between 0.1% and 8%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is between 0.1% and 7%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is between 0.1% and 6%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is between 0.1% and 5%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is between 0.1% and 4%.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is between 1% and 15%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is between 2% and 15%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is between 3% and 15%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is between 4% and 15%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is 5% to 15%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is 6% to 15%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is between 7% and 15%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is between 8% and 15%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is between 9% and 15%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is between 10% and 15%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is between 11% and 15%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is between 12% and 15%.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is no more than 15%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is no more than 14%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is less than or equal to 13%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is no more than 12%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is less than or equal to 11%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the difference in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is less than or equal to 10%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is no more than 9%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is 8% or less. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is no more than 7%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is 6% or less. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is 5% or less. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is no more than 4%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is 3% or less. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is less than or equal to 2%.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is between 0.1% and 15%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is between 0.1% and 14%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is between 0.1% and 13%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is between 0.1% and 12%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is between 0.1% and 11%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is between 0.1% and 10%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is between 0.1% and 9%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is between 0.1% and 8%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is between 0.1% and 7%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is between 0.1% and 6%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is between 0.1% and 5%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is between 0.1% and 4%.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is between 1% and 15%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is between 2% and 15%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is between 3% and 15%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is between 4% and 15%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is between 5% and 15%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is between 6% and 15%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is between 7% and 15%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is between 8% and 15%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is between 9% and 15%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is between 10% and 15%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is between 11% and 15%. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the deviation in weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and a thickness depth of 3,000 μm is between 12% and 15%.

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy comprises a range of 4% to 28% zinc weight percent or any other weight percent detailed herein and does not exhibit central segregation.

Non-limiting method for producing aluminum alloy strip

In embodiments, the casting of the aluminum alloy strip described in detail herein may be made through a continuous casting apparatus capable of producing a continuous cast product that solidifies at a high solidification rate. An example of a continuous casting apparatus capable of achieving the above-described solidification rate is the apparatus described in US Pat. Nos. 6,672,368 and 7,125,612, the whole of which is incorporated by reference. In one or more embodiments detailed herein, the aluminum alloy strip is continuously cast using the ^{Micromill™ process, described in US Pat. Nos. 6,672,368 and 7,125,612.}

In embodiments, as shown in Fig. 1 or 2, the molten aluminum alloy metal (M) may be stored in the hopper (H) (or tundish), each direction through the supply tip (T) A pair of rolls (R ₁ and R ₂ ) with roll surfaces (D ₁ and D ₂ ) rotating in (A ₁ and A ₂ ) are transferred in the direction (B) to produce a solid cast product (S). In one or more embodiments described in detail herein, the gaps G ₁ and G _{2 are provided with the feed tip T and the roll R 1} to prevent the molten metal from leaking out and to minimize exposure of the molten metal to the atmosphere. And R ₂ ) while maintaining the separation between. It can be kept as small as possible between the feeding tip T and each of the rolls R ₁ and R _2. Roll (R ₁ and R ₂₎ plane (L) passing through the center line of the passes through the minimum gap region between the roll (R ₁ and R _2), it referred to as the roll nip (N).

In one or more embodiments detailed herein, during casting, the molten metal M is in direct contact with the _{cooled rolls R 1} and R _{2 in regions (2 and 4), respectively.} Upon contact with the rolls R ₁ and R ₂ , the metal M cools and begins to solidify. The cooling metal produces an upper shell 6 of solidified metal adjacent _{to the roll R 1} and a lower shell 8 of solidified metal adjacent to the _{roll R 2.} The thickness of the shells 6 and 8 increases as the metal M advances in the nip N direction. Large dendritic phases 10 (not shown to scale) of solidified metal can be created at the interface between the respective upper and lower shells 6 and 8 and the molten metal M. The large dendritic 10 can be broken or pulled into the center 12 of the slower moving flow of molten metal M, and can be transported in the direction of _{arrows C 1} and C _2. The dragging action of the flow allows the larger dendritic 10 to break further into the smaller dendritic 14 (not shown to scale). In the central portion 12 upstream of nip N, referred to as region 16, the metal M is semi-solid and may contain a solid component (solidified small dendritic 14) and a molten metal component. The metal M in the region 16 may have a gentle consistency due in part to the dispersion of the small dendritic phases 14 therein. At the location of the nip (N), a portion of the molten metal may be pressed in a reverse direction in the opposite direction of the _{arrows (C 1} and C _{2 ). The forward rotation of the rolls R 1} and R ₂ in the nip N substantially advances only the solid portion of the metal (the upper shell 6, the lower shell 8 and the small dendritic 14 of the central portion 12). , Pressing the molten metal in the central portion 12 upstream from the nip (N) allows the metal to completely solidify when it leaves the nip (N) point. In this manner and in one or more embodiments detailed herein, the point of solidification of the metal may be formed in the nip (N). Downstream of the nip N, the central portion 12 may be a solid central portion 18 containing a small dendritic shape 14 sandwiched between the upper shell 6 and the lower shell 8. In the central portion 18, the small dendritic 14 may be 20 μm to 50 μm in size, and may have a generally spherical shape. The three parts of the upper shell 6, the lower shell 8 and the solidified central portion 18 constitute a single solid cast product (S in Fig. 1 and element 20 in Fig. 2). Thus, the aluminum alloy cast product 20 comprises a first portion of an aluminum alloy (corresponding to the shells 6 and 8) and a second portion of the aluminum alloy with an intermediate portion (solidified central portion 18) therebetween. can do. The solid core 18 may constitute 20% to 30% of the total thickness of the cast product 20.

The rolls R ₁ and R ₂ may function as a heat sink for the heat of the molten metal M. In one embodiment, heat may be transferred from the molten metal M to the rolls R ₁ and R ₂ in a uniform manner to ensure the uniformity of the surface of the cast product 20. The surfaces (D ₁ and D ₂ ) of each roll (R ₁ and R ₂ ) can be made of steel, copper, nickel, or other suitable material, and can be textured, and melted metal (M) and It may include surface irregularities (not shown) that can be in contact.

Control, maintenance and selection of the appropriate speed of the rolls R ₁ and R _{2 can affect the ability to manufacture continuous cast products.} The roll speed determines the speed at which the molten metal (M) advances toward the nip (N). If the speed is too slow, the large dendritic 10 will not get enough force to get mixed in the center 12 and break into the small dendritic 14. In one or more embodiments described in detail herein, the roll speed may be selected such that the freezing point of the molten metal (M), or the complete freezing point of the nip (N) can be formed. Accordingly, the present casting apparatus and method can be achieved from 25 to 500 feet/minute; Alternatively 40 to 500 feet/minute; Alternatively 40 to 400 feet/minute; Alternatively 100 to 400 feet/minute; And alternatively may be suitable for operation at high speeds, such as in the range of 150 to 300 feet/minute. Unit linear rate per unit area delivered to the molten aluminum, the roll (R ₁ and R ₂₎ can be a roll (R ₁ and R ₂₎ of about one-quarter of the lower or the roll speed than the speed of the.

Continuous casting of the aluminum alloy according to the invention can be achieved by initially selecting the desired dimensions of the nip N corresponding to the desired gauge of the cast product S. Speed of the roll (R ₁ and R ₂₎ can be increased by causing an increase to the indication that the rolling occurs between the object production rates of, or the roll separation force of the roll (R ₁ and R ₂₎ Level Speed . Casting at the speed considered by the embodiments of the present invention (i.e., 25 to 400 ft/min) is about 1000 times faster than aluminum alloy casting by ingot casting, and casting aluminum alloy casting products with ingots. Improve product characteristics. The rate at which the molten metal is cooled can be selected to achieve rapid solidification of the outer regions of the metal. In practice, cooling of the outer regions of the metal can take place at a rate of at least 1000° C./sec.

The strip can be of any suitable thickness, and generally can have a thickness of a sheet gauge (0.006 inches to 0.249 inches) or a sheet gauge (0.250 inches to 0.400 inches), i. have. In one embodiment, the strip has a thickness of at least 0.040 inches. In one embodiment, the strip has a thickness of at least 0.320 inches.

Coarse segregation analysis procedure

Samples are first mounted and polished in Lucite using standard metallographic preparation techniques for aluminum. The Electron Probe Trace Analyzer ("EPMA") is used to analyze the distribution of alloying elements across thickness to reveal coarse segregation of alloying elements.

The EPMA line scan is set as an initial spot with a diameter of about 50 μm to about 100 μm from the sample surface and travels in the thickness direction until it reaches the other surface. The defocused beam spot was calculated to maintain a 50 μm separation, giving 50% overlap between analysis points.

Data was collected using a JEOL JXA 8530F Field Emission Electron Probe Microanalyzer Hyperprobe equipped with a 4 Wave Dispersion Spectrometer and JEOL SDD-EDS. The operating conditions are as follows.

Acceleration voltage: 15 Kv

Beam intensity: 100 nA

Defocused electron beam: 100 μm

Line scan analysis step 50 μm

Elements analyzed may include: Ti, Zr, Mg, Si, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn and Al

The wavelength dispersion spectrometer (WDS) crystal and spectrometer used are detailed in Table 1. spectrometer Diffraction crystal counter element One PETJ Gas flow (P-10) Ti, Zr 2 TAP Gas flow (P-10) Mg, Si 3 LIFH Sealed xenon gas Mn, Fe 4 LIFL Sealed xenon gas Cu, Zn 5 SDD-EDS Al

Counting time is 10 seconds for all elements. Background measurements are collected every 50 spots for 5 seconds in the positive and negative background positions. The measured elements are quantitatively analyzed using the JEOL quant ZAF analysis package for metals with atomic number correction by the Philibert-Tixier method and fluorescence excitation correction by the Reed method. Alternatively, the concentration of the alloying element relative to the depth of the sample was determined using a quantometer consistent with the method used to analyze the sample in US Pat. No. 6,672,368.

Microsegregation Analysis Procedure

Samples are first mounted and polished in Lucite using standard metallographic preparation techniques for aluminum. EPMA is used to analyze the distribution of alloying elements across thickness to reveal microsegregation of alloying elements.

The EPMA line scan is set as a focused spot moving in 1 μm steps over several grains to provide overlapping analysis points for multiple grains.

Data was collected using a JEOL JXA 8530F Field Emission Electron Probe Microanalyzer Hyperprobe equipped with a 4 Wave Dispersion Spectrometer and JEOL SDD-EDS. The operating conditions are as follows.

Acceleration voltage: 15 Kv

Beam intensity: 100 nA

Focused electron beam

Line scan analysis step 1 μm

Elements analyzed may include: Ti, Zr, Mg, Si, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn and Al

WDS crystals and spectrometers are detailed in Table 1.

Background measurements are collected every 50 spots for 5 seconds in the positive and negative background positions. The measured elements are quantitatively analyzed using the JEOL quant ZAF analysis package for metals with atomic number correction by the Philibert-Tixier method and fluorescence excitation correction by the Reed method.

Non-limiting example

Aluminum alloy samples were cast at a rate of 55 feet/minute to 85 feet/minute using the apparatus detailed in US Pat. No. 6,672,368, and have a final thickness detailed in the table below. The average weight percent of zinc, magnesium, and copper from the surface to a thickness depth of 3,000 μm in each sample was determined using the “coarse segregation ” analysis procedure or quantometer detailed herein. Table 2 below shows the average weight percent of zinc, copper, and magnesium from the surface to a thickness depth of 3,000 μm in each cast sample and a method for determining the weight percent in each sample.

Sample Thickness(mm) Average Zn wt% Average Mg wt% Average Cu wt% Way One 3.5 4.26 1.50 1.59 Coarse segregation analysis procedure 2 3.3 5.60 1.85 2.28 Quantometer 3 3.9 6.38 1.47 1.53 Coarse segregation analysis procedure 4 3.4 7.34 2.13 1.90 Quantometer 5 3.4 7.56 1.94 2.42 Quantometer 6 4.1 8.71 1.68 1.43 Coarse segregation analysis procedure 7 3.9 15.98 1.21 1.53 Coarse segregation analysis procedure 8 3.6 27.46 0.97 1.64 Coarse segregation analysis procedure

Table 3 below shows the deviation of the zinc weight percent from the surface to a thickness depth of 3,000 μm in each sample.

Sample Minimum Zn wt% Max Zn wt% Average Zn wt% Deviation(%) One 3.91 4.52 4.26 14.40 2 5.40 5.75 5.60 6.25 3 6.17 6.66 6.38 7.68 4 7.11 7.54 7.34 5.86 5 6.95 7.71 7.56 10.05 6 8.34 8.96 8.71 7.12 7 15.10 17.09 15.98 12.45 8 25.53 29.70 27.46 15.19

The average weight percent of zinc, magnesium, and copper from the surface to the center of thickness in each sample was determined using the “coarse segregation ” analysis procedure or quantometer detailed herein. Table 4 shows the average weight percent of zinc, copper and magnesium from the surface to the center of thickness in each cast sample and the method used to determine the weight percent in each sample:

Sample Thickness(mm) Average Zn wt% Average Mg wt% Average Cu wt% Way One 3.5 4.27 1.50 1.61 Coarse segregation analysis procedure 2 3.3 5.64 1.86 2.28 Quantometer 3 3.9 6.36 1.47 1.52 Coarse segregation analysis procedure 4 3.4 7.33 2.12 1.88 Quantometer 5 3.4 7.54 1.93 2.42 Quantometer 6 4.1 8.71 1.70 1.42 Coarse segregation analysis procedure 7 3.9 15.97 1.21 1.52 Coarse segregation analysis procedure 8 3.6 27.54 0.99 1.70 Coarse segregation analysis procedure

Table 5 below shows the deviation of the weight percent zinc from the surface to the center of the thickness in each sample:

Sample Minimum Zn wt% Max Zn wt% Average Zn wt% Deviation(%) One 3.91 4.52 4.27 14.29 2 5.48 5.75 5.64 4.79 3 6.17 6.57 6.36 6.29 4 7.11 7.54 7.33 5.87 5 6.95 7.71 7.54 10.08 6 8.44 8.96 8.71 5.97 7 15.10 17.09 15.97 12.46 8 25.96 29.70 27.54 13.58

Data generated for each sample are shown in FIGS. 3 to 10. For comparison, a comparison of the weight percent of zinc, magnesium and copper to the thickness of the direct cooling casting prior art product and the continuous casting prior art product of US Pat. No. 6,672,368 is also included in FIG. 11 or FIG. 12. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 10 and the table above, the present inventors have surprisingly found that in Samples 1 to 7 according to the present invention, the deviation of the zinc weight percent between the surface and the thickness depth of 3,000 μm is less than 15%. In addition, the deviation of the zinc weight percent between the surface of Sample 8 and the thickness depth of 3,000 μm exceeds 15%. Likewise, based on the visual inspection of FIG. 11 or 12, the deviation of the weight percent zinc between the surface and the thickness depth of 3,000 μm in the direct cold cast prior art product and the continuous cast prior art product exceeds 15%. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 10 and the table above, the inventors have surprisingly found that in Samples 1 to 8 according to the present invention, the deviation of the zinc weight percent between the surface and the thickness center is less than 15%. Further, based on the visual inspection of Fig. 11 or 12, the deviation of the zinc weight percent between the surface and the thickness center in the direct cooling casting prior art product and the continuous casting prior art product exceeds 15%.

The average weight percent of zinc, magnesium, and copper from the surface of Sample 6 to a thickness depth of 200 μm was determined using the “microsegregation” analysis procedure detailed herein. The data are shown in FIG. 13. For comparison, the weight percent of zinc, magnesium and copper across the grains versus the thickness of the direct cooling casting prior art product is shown in FIG. 14. 13, the inventors surprisingly found that the weight percent of the primary alloying elements, Zn, Cu, and Mg, increased the weight percent of the alloying element at the grain boundaries and the position of the secondary phase particles in the grains, and substantially throughout the grains in the matrix. Was found to be uniform.

15 shows the organization of Sample 6. The structures of aluminum alloy samples with average zinc content of 16% and 25% cast at a rate of 55 feet/minute using the apparatus detailed in US Pat. No. 6,672,368 are shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, respectively. 15 to 17 show a product of the present invention having a spherical crystal grain structure and substantially free of microsegregation. In addition, as shown in Figs. 15 to 17, the product of the present invention may be substantially free of dendritic, and may consist mainly of spherical non-dendritic crystal grains, that is, spherical crystal grain structures. In addition, even when the sample is observed with polarized light, the product does not substantially have a microsegregation effect, as it is shown that there is no shadow in the crystal grains of FIGS. 15 to 17.

While a number of embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative only and not limiting, and many variations may be apparent to those skilled in the art. In addition, the various steps may be performed in any desired order (and any desired steps may be added and/or any desired steps may be removed).

Claims (21)

As a cast product comprising an aluminum alloy strip,
The aluminum alloy strip,
From 4% to 28% by weight of zinc;
The aluminum alloy strip has a thickness (T);
The aluminum alloy strip implements a zinc deviation of 15% or less when measured between the surface (S) of the aluminum alloy strip and the center (T/2) of the aluminum alloy strip,
The zinc deviation is calculated as follows:
{(Maximum weight% of zinc over thickness (T)-Minimum weight% of zinc over thickness (T)) / (Average weight% of zinc over thickness (T))} * 100. The cast article of claim 1, wherein the aluminum alloy strip comprises 6% to 28% zinc by weight. The cast article of claim 1 wherein the aluminum alloy strip comprises 8% to 28% zinc by weight. The cast product of claim 1, wherein the aluminum alloy strip comprises 10% to 28% zinc by weight. The cast product of claim 1, wherein the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 15% zinc by weight. The cast article of claim 1 wherein the aluminum alloy strip comprises 6% to 12% zinc by weight. The cast product of claim 1, wherein the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 10% zinc by weight. The cast product of claim 1, wherein the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 8% zinc by weight. 7. The cast product of claim 6, wherein the deviation of the weight percent of zinc between the surface of the aluminum alloy strip and the center of thickness is 12% or less. The cast product of claim 1, wherein the aluminum alloy strip comprises a solid core sandwiched between an upper shell and a lower shell. As a cast product comprising an aluminum alloy strip including a solid core sandwiched between an upper shell and a lower shell,
The aluminum alloy strip,
(i) 4 to 28 weight percent zinc;
(ii) 1% to 3% copper by weight; And
(iii) from 1% to 3% by weight of magnesium;
The aluminum alloy strip has a thickness (T);
The aluminum alloy strip implements a zinc deviation of 15% or less when measured between the surface (S) of the aluminum alloy strip and the center (T/2) of the aluminum alloy strip,
The zinc deviation is calculated as follows:
{(Maximum weight% of zinc over thickness (T)-Minimum weight% of zinc over thickness (T)) / (Average weight% of zinc over thickness (T))} * 100. 12. The cast product of claim 11, wherein the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 15% zinc by weight. 12. The cast product of claim 11, wherein the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 12% zinc by weight. 12. The cast product of claim 11, wherein the aluminum alloy strip comprises 4% to 10% zinc by weight. 12. The cast product of claim 11, wherein the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 2.5% copper by weight. 12. The cast article of claim 11, wherein the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 2.0% copper by weight. 12. The cast product of claim 11, wherein the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 1.5% copper by weight. 12. The cast product of claim 11, wherein the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 2.5% magnesium by weight. 12. The cast product of claim 11, wherein the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 2.0% magnesium by weight. 12. The cast product of claim 11, wherein the aluminum alloy strip comprises 1% to 1.5% magnesium by weight. As a cast product comprising an aluminum alloy strip including a solid core sandwiched between an upper shell and a lower shell,
The aluminum alloy strip,
(i) 4% to 28% zinc by weight; And
(ii) from 1% to 3% by weight of copper;
The aluminum alloy strip has a thickness (T);
The aluminum alloy strip implements a zinc deviation of 15% or less when measured between the surface (S) of the aluminum alloy strip and the center (T/2) of the aluminum alloy strip,
The zinc deviation is calculated as follows:
{(Maximum weight% of zinc over thickness (T)-Minimum weight% of zinc over thickness (T)) / (Average weight% of zinc over thickness (T))} * 100.

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