The invention relates to a wrought product such as an extruded, rolled and/or forged product, made of an alloy based on aluminium comprising, in % by weight, Cu: 3.0 - 3.9; Li: 0.8 - 1.3; Mg: 0.6 - 1.0; Zr: 0.05 - 0.18; Ag: 0.0 - 0.5; Mn: 0.0 - 0.5; Fe + Si ≤ 0.20; Zn ≤ 0.15; at least one element from Ti: 0.01-0.15; Sc: 0.05 - 0.3; Cr: 0.05 - 0.3; Hf: 0.05 - 0.5; other elements ≤ 0.05 each and ≤ 0.15 in total, the remainder being aluminium. The invention also relates to the process for manufacturing this product. The products according to the invention are particularly useful for producing thick products made of aluminium intended to produce structural components for the aeronautical industry.
C22F 1/04 - 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
C22F 1/057 - 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 copper as the next major constituent
C22C 21/16 - Alloys based on aluminium with copper as the next major constituent with magnesium
2.
METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING PARTS MADE OF AN ALUMINUM ALLOY BY WELDING, COMPRISING COLD DEFORMATION FOLLOWED BY THE POST-WELDING TEMPERING OF THE ENTIRE WELDED AREA
The invention relates to a method for assembling parts (14a, 14b) made of an aluminum alloy, comprising: (I) providing at least one first part (14a) made of an aluminum alloy and which has been put in a solution, tempered, optionally hammer-hardened, and naturally aged at ambient temperature or previously tempered, and at least one second part (14b) made of aluminum alloy; (II) welding said parts (14a, 14b) in order to obtain a welded assembly having a welded area (16, 19, 18, 21); (III) carrying out a cold deformation of 0.3 to 5% of the entire welded area (16, 18, 19, 21); (IV) carrying out a post-welding tempering of the thus-deformed welded assembly in order to obtain a final metallurgical state. The welded assemblies obtained by the method of the invention have welded seams with improved properties, in particular in terms of mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and the microstructure of the welded area.
B23K 20/12 - Non-electric welding by applying impact or other pressure, with or without the application of heat, e.g. cladding or plating the heat being generated by frictionFriction welding
B23K 31/00 - Processes relevant to this subclass, specially adapted for particular articles or purposes, but not covered by any single one of main groups
C21D 9/50 - Heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering, adapted for particular articlesFurnaces therefor for welded joints
C22F 1/057 - 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 copper as the next major constituent
The invention relates to a method for casting aluminium alloys containing at least around 0.1% of Mg and/or at least around 0.1% of Li, wherein said method comprises, during the main portion of the curing, contacting a liquid surface of said alloy with dried gas containing at least around 2% by volume of oxygen and having a partial water pressure lower than around 150 Pa. The invention can particularly be used for safely casting the most oxidizable aluminium alloys, in particular aluminium alloys containing magnesium and/or lithium, without using additives such as beryllium and/or calcium and without using expensive devices and/or gases while obtaining cast ingots free of surface defects and pollutants.
B22D 11/117 - Refining the metal by treating with gases
B22D 21/00 - Casting non-ferrous metals or metallic compounds so far as their metallurgical properties are of importance for the casting procedureSelection of compositions therefor
The invention relates to a hollow profile formed by assembling at least a first solid profile (1) made of aluminium alloy with at least a second solid profile (2) made of aluminium alloy, said first and second profiles being obtained by extrusion and each having a yield strength of at least 350 MPa and preferably of at least 400 MPa. Typically at least one of said solid profiles is made of an aluminium alloy of the 2xxx, 6xxx or 7xxx series, and is preferably selected in the group comprising the 6082, 6056, 6013, 7108, 7020, 7022, 7075, 7349, 7449, 2017, 2014, 2196 and 2195 alloys. The hollow profiles of the invention are advantageously used for making rims of cycle wheels.
The invention relates to a process for manufacturing an extruded, rolled and/or forged product based on an aluminium alloy in which: a bath of liquid metal is produced that comprises 2.0 to 3.5 wt% Cu, 1.4 to 1.8 wt% Li, 0.1 to 0.5 wt% Ag, 0.1 to 1.0 wt% Mg, 0.05 to 0.18 wt% Zr, 0.2 to 0.6 wt% Mn and at least one element chosen from Cr, Sc, Hf and Ti, the amount of said element, if it is chosen, being 0.05 to 0.3 wt% in the case of Cr and Sc, 0.05 to 0.5 wt% in the case of Hf and 0.01 to 0.15 wt% in the case of Ti, the balance being aluminium and inevitable impurities; an unwrought product is cast from the liquid metal bath and said unwrought product is homogenized at a temperature between 515°C and 525°C so that the time equivalent to 520°C for the homogenization is between 5 and 20 hours. The products obtained by the process according to the invention represent a particularly advantageous compromise between static mechanical strength and damage tolerance and are useful in particular in the aeronautical construction field.
C22C 21/16 - Alloys based on aluminium with copper as the next major constituent with magnesium
C22F 1/04 - 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
C22F 1/057 - 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 copper as the next major constituent
6.
HEAT EXCHANGER WITH REDUCED COMPONENT THICKNESS AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME
The invention relates to a heat exchanger and to a method for making same. The exchanger comprises components essentially made of aluminium (Al). The components include a tube cluster, inserts disposed between and/or in the tubes of said cluster, and at least one collector plate. The method of the invention includes the steps of: selecting tubes made of an aluminium core alloy and comprising 0.3 and 3.0 wt % of magnesium (Mg) as well as other chemical elements; selecting the thickness of said tubes independently from the thickness of said spacers; coating at least one surface of at least some of said components with an aluminium filler alloy; and assembling said components by flux-free brazing in a controlled atmosphere at a temperature of between 580°C and 620°C.
C22C 1/04 - Making non-ferrous alloys by powder metallurgy
7.
PULSED FRICTION STIR WELDING METHOD USING AT LEAST TWO ALTERNATING MODES, EACH OF WHICH HAS A FEED RATE, THE MEAN FEED RATES BEING SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT
The invention relates to a method for the friction stir welding of at least one first part, made of a metal alloy A, to at least one second part, made of a different metal alloy B, wherein: - said first and second parts are adjoined; - said first and second parts are joined together by means of a rotatable tool moving at a rate referred to as a feed rate; and is characterized in that said feed rate of the tool has at least two steady state alternating modes: a first mode in which a first mean feed rate V1 is used, and a second mode in which a second mean feed rate V2 is used, the rates V1 and V2 being significantly different, typically by at least 30% of the highest feed rate, wherein the lowest feed rate can be zero. The welded assemblies according to the invention are particularly advantageous for producing panels or profiled sections used for manufacturing transport vehicles.
B23K 20/12 - Non-electric welding by applying impact or other pressure, with or without the application of heat, e.g. cladding or plating the heat being generated by frictionFriction welding
8.
METHOD OF PREPARATION PRIOR TO THE WELDING OF LITHIUM-ALUMINIUM ALLOY PRODUCTS
The invention relates to a method of preparing a lithium-aluminium alloy product in order to fusion-weld it, comprising the following successive steps: (i) a hot-forged product made of an aluminium alloy containing at least 0.8% lithium by weight is supplied; (ii) optionally, the product thus obtained is cold-forged; (iii) at least one surface intended to be welded of the product thus obtained is cleaned; (iv) at least one cleaned surface of the product thus obtained is covered with a coating having, as dry characteristics, an amount of between 0.1 and 5 mg/m2 and preferably between 0.5 and 4 mg/cm2 and a concentration of fluorine of at least 10% by weight; and (v) a solutioning operation is carried out at a temperature above about 450°C followed by a tempering of the product thus obtained. The method according to the invention is useful for preventing the formation of porosity in welds, without having to carry out substantial surface descaling.
C22F 1/04 - 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
9.
ROLLED PRODUCT MADE OF ALUMINUM-LITHIUM ALLOY FOR AERONAUTICAL APPLICATIONS
The invention relates to an essentially non-recrystallized rolled product obtained from a plate less than 30 mm in thickness, comprising: 2.2 to 3.9 wt% Cu, 0.7 to 2.1 wt% Li; 0.2 to 0.8 wt% Mg; 0.2 to 0.5 wt% Mn; 0.04 to 0.18 wt% Zr; less than 0.05 wt% Zn and, optionally, 0.1 to 0.5 wt% Ag, the balance being aluminum and inevitable impurities, having a low propensity for crack bifurcation during a fatigue test along the L-S direction. The product according to the invention has a crack deviation angle Θ of at least 20° under an equivalent stress intensity factor Keff max 10 MPaVm for an S-L cracked test specimen subjected to a stress in mixed I and II mode, in which the angle Ψ between a plane perpendicular to the crack direction and the stress direction is 75°.
C22C 21/12 - Alloys based on aluminium with copper as the next major constituent
C22F 1/057 - 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 copper as the next major constituent
10.
EXTRUDED PRODUCTS IN ALUMINIUM ALLOY AL-MN WITH IMPROVED MECHANICAL STRENGTH
The invention relates to an extruded product, in particular a tube, made from an alloy of composition (%, by weight): Si: < 0.30, Fe: < 0.30, Cu: < 0.05, Mn: 0.5 - 1.2, Mg. 0.5 - 1.0, Zn: < 0.20, Cr: 0.10 - 0.30, Ti < 0.05, Zr < 0.05, Ni < 0.05, others <0.05 each and <0.15 in total, remainder being aluminium. The invention further relates to a method for producing extruded tubes with said composition, comprising casting a billet, optional homogenisation thereof, the extruding of a tube, the drawing of said tube, in one or more passes and continuous annealing at a temperature between 350 and 500°C with a temperature rise of less than 10 seconds. Said tubes are used to advantage in cabin air-conditioning systems for motor vehicles using CO2 as refrigerant gas.
C22F 1/04 - 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
The invention relates to an extruded product, particularly a drawn tube made from an alloy of the 6XXX series with the following composition (%, by weight) : Mg: 0.4 - 0.7, Si: 0.4 - 0.7, Fe: 0.1 - 0.3, Zn: 0.16 - 0.3, Ti: 0.12 - 0.3, Mn < 0.10, Cu < 0.05, Cr < 0.05, Ni < 0.05. others <0.05 each and <0.15 in total, remainder being aluminium, in which the ratio Si / Mg is between 0.9 and 1.3. Said product offers an advantageous combination of good mechanical properties at operating temperatures for vehicle air-conditioning systems using CO2 as refrigerant fluid and high resistance to perforating corrosion necessary for extended operating life without leaks. Said tubes are advantageously used for cabin air-conditioning systems in motor vehicles using CO2 as refrigerant gas.
C22C 21/08 - Alloys based on aluminium with magnesium as the next major constituent with silicon
C22F 1/04 - 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
12.
DRESSED PRODUCT COMPRISING AN OPTICAL SENSOR, AND PRODUCTION METHOD THEREFOR
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a dressed product for the manufacture of an aluminum-alloy monolithic structural member, comprising a step in which at least two metal sub-parts are assembled by heat distortion after insertion, between the sub-parts, of at least one fiber sensor allowing the detection of damage or breakage of a structural member when in use. The monolithic structural member obtained by the method of the invention is characterized in that at least 80% of the sheath surface and preferably the entire surface of the sensor is in close contact with at least one aluminum alloy of the structural member. The structural members according to the invention are particularly useful for the manufacture of fuselage panels or wing panels as the weight gain is in the order of 20%, effectively allowing for the calculation of the structures to be carried out without assuming that only identifiable defects are the defects that can be visually detected.
B21C 23/22 - Making metal-coated productsMaking products from two or more metals
B21K 25/00 - Uniting components to form integral members, e.g. turbine wheels and shafts, caulks with inserts, with or without shaping of the components
B21D 53/92 - Making other particular articles other parts for aircraft
G02B 6/38 - Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
B21B 1/00 - Metal rolling methods or mills for making semi-finished products of solid or profiled cross-sectionSequence of operations in milling trainsLayout of rolling-mill plant, e.g. grouping of standsSuccession of passes or of sectional pass alternations
13.
COMPOSITE METALLIC PANEL AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME
The invention relates to a composite metallic panel for the building industry that comprises at least two metallic sheets (21) and (22) substantially parallel and, arranged between them, profiles (3) substantially parallel provided between said metallic sheets and attached thereto, characterised in that said profiles, i.e. at least three of them, are used as spacers for separating said metallic sheets and are arranged so that the mean distance between two adjacent profiles is not necessarily uniform but adapted to the local conditions of use of said panel. In order to obtain a panel exhibiting an optimal balance between the weight and performance thereof, light alloys and aluminium in particular are preferred. The composite panels of the invention are particularly useful as a floor in a rolling vehicle, as a floor, bridge and/or ramp in a floating vehicle, or as a floor in a flying vehicle.
E04C 2/08 - Building elements of relatively thin form for the construction of parts of buildings, e.g. sheet materials, slabs, or panels characterised by specified materials of metal, e.g. sheet metal
E04C 2/34 - Building elements of relatively thin form for the construction of parts of buildings, e.g. sheet materials, slabs, or panels characterised by the shape or structure composed of two or more spaced sheet-like parts
14.
PROCESS FOR RECYCLING ALUMINIUM ALLOY SCRAP COMING FROM THE AERONAUTICAL INDUSTRY
Process for manufacturing an aluminium-based reflow block intended for producing an aluminium alloy for the aeronautical industry, in which: (i) scrap containing predominantly aluminium alloys used in the aeronautical industry is supplied in a supply step; (ii) said scrap is melted in a melting furnace so as to obtain an initial liquid metal bath in a melting step; (iii) the initial liquid metal bath is made to undergo a purification by fractional crystallization so as to obtain a solidified mass and a residual liquid bath in a segregation step; and (iv) the solidified mass is recovered so as to obtain a reflow block in a recovery step. The invention is particularly useful for recycling aluminium alloys used in the aeronautical industry, as it makes it possible in particular to purify, in terms of iron and silicon, scrap made of alloys of the 2XXX series or 7XXX series, without however removing the additional elements such as zinc, copper and magnesium.
Flux for brazing of aluminium The invention discloses fluxes or compositions with fluxes which comprise fluoroaluminate anions and cations of potassium, cesium and of at least one kind of metals selected from the group consisting of cerium, bismuth and lanthanum. Such fluxes can be used for brazing aluminium and aluminium alloys with magnesium. They are especially suitable for brazing parts at least one of which has a thickness of less than 0.5 mm, for example brazing sheet to form a tube.
B23K 35/34 - Rods, electrodes, materials, or media, for use in soldering, welding, or cutting characterised by the composition or nature of the material comprising compounds which yield metals when heated
B23K 35/36 - Selection of non-metallic compositions, e.g. coatings, fluxesSelection of soldering or welding materials, conjoint with selection of non-metallic compositions, both selections being of interest
16.
METHOD FOR FABRICATION OF A STRUCTURAL ELEMENT FOR AERONAUTICAL CONSTRUCTION INCLUDING A DIFFERENTIAL WORK HARDENING
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a work hardened product or a monolithic multifunctional structural element made of an aluminium alloy comprising a hot transformation step characterised in that after the hot transformation step, it also comprises at least one transformation step by cold plastic deformation in which different general deformations are imposed on at least two zones of the structural element, with a difference of at least 2% and preferably at least 3%. The invention is used to manufacture structural elements, useful particularly for aeronautical construction with variable usage properties in space, while presenting geometric characteristics identical to those of existing elements. The method according to the invention is economic and can be controlled, and is useful particularly to vary usage properties for parts that are not annealed.
C22F 1/04 - 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
C22F 1/057 - 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 copper as the next major constituent
C22C 21/16 - Alloys based on aluminium with copper as the next major constituent with magnesium
17.
PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING SEMI-FINISHED PRODUCTS COMPRISING TWO ALUMINIUM-BASED ALLOYS
The invention relates to a process for the vertical casting of an intermediate product, comprising step (a) of preparing at least two aluminium-based alloys, especially a first alloy of composition P and a second alloy of composition T; step (b) of casting the first alloy of composition P to a desired height HP; step (c) of casting an additional desired height HT of the second alloy of composition T. The invention makes it possible to manufacture monolithic structural elements having usage properties that vary in at least one direction, and especially bifunctional or multifunctional structural elements for fulfilling at least two functions that are conventionally fulfilled by two different parts.
A low-density aluminium alloy useful in an aircraft structure, in particular for fuselage sheet applications, which has a high strength, a high toughness and a high corrosion resistance, comprising: 2.1 to 2.8% Cu by weight; 1.1 to 1.7% Li by weight;, 0.1 to 0.8% Ag by weight; 0.2 to 0.6% Mg by weight; 0.2 to 0.6% Mn by weight, an amount of Fe and of Si not exceeding 0.1% by weight in each case, and inevitable impurities with a content not exceeding 0.05% by weight in each case and 0.15% by weight in total, the alloy containing substantially no zirconium.
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