6XXX aluminum alloys and methods for producing the same
New 6xxx aluminum alloys are disclosed. In one approach, a new 6xxx aluminum alloy may include from 0.25-0.60 wt. % Fe, 0.8-1.2 wt. % Si, 0.35-1.1 wt. % Mg, 0.05-0.8 wt. % Mn, up to 0.30 wt. % Cu, up to 0.35 wt. % Zn, up to 0.15 wt. % Ti, up to 0.15 wt. % each of Cr, Zr, and V, the balance being aluminum, incidental elements and impurities. The new 6xxx aluminum alloys may be made from recycled aluminum alloys.
1 . A 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product comprising:
0.25-0.60 wt. % Fe;
0.05-0.8 wt. % Mn;
wherein the (wt. % Fe) plus the (wt. % Mn) is at least ≥0.40 wt. %;
0.8-1.2 wt. % Si;
0.55-1.1 wt. % Mg;
wherein the 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product includes a weight ratio of silicon-to-magnesium in the range of from 0.8:1 to 2.4:1 (Si: Mg);
up to 0.10-0.30 wt. % Cu;
up to 0.50 wt. % Zn;
up to 0.15 wt. % Ti;
up to 0.15 wt. % each of Cr, Zr, and V;
the balance being aluminum, optional incidental elements and impurities;
wherein the 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product is in a T4 or T43 temper and has a thickness of from 0.5 to 4.0 mm;
wherein the 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product realizes a TYS (LT) of not greater than 140 MPa at 30 days of natural aging;
wherein the 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product realizes a (UTS (LT))-(TYS (LT)) of at least 120 MPa at 7 days of natural aging; and
wherein the 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product is in the form of an automotive component.
2 . The 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of claim 1 , wherein the 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product includes at least 0.33 wt. % Fe.
3 . The 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of claim 2 , wherein the 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product includes at least 0.15 wt. % Mn.
4 . The 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of claim 3 , wherein the 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product includes not greater than 0.25 wt. % Cu.
5 . The 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of claim 4 , wherein the 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product includes at least 0.05 wt. % of at least one of Cr, V and Zr.
6 . The 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of claim 5 , wherein the 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product includes at least 0.02 wt. % Ti.
7 . The 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of claim 1 , wherein the (wt. % Fe) plus the (wt. % Mn) is at least ≥0.45 wt. %.
8 . The 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of claim 1 , wherein 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product realizes a TYS (LT) of not greater than 135 MPa at 7 days of natural aging.
9 . The 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of claim 1 , wherein 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product realizes a TYS (LT) of not greater than 155 MPa at 180 days of natural aging.
10 . The 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of claim 1 , wherein 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product realizes a total elongation (LT) of at least 18%.
11 . The 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of claim 1 , wherein 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product realizes a delta r (Δr) of not greater than 0.20 at 30 days of natural aging.
12 . The 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of claim 1 , wherein 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product realizes a n (4-6%) value of at least 0.265 in the LT direction at 180 days of natural aging when tested in accordance with ASTM E646.
13 . The 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of claim 1 , wherein the automotive component is an inner door panel or a hood of an automobile.
14 . The 6 xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of claim 3 , wherein the (wt. %Fe) plus the (wt. % Mn) is at least ≥0.55 wt. %.
15 . The 6 xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of claim 14 , wherein the 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product realizes a (UTS (L))—(TYS (L)) of at least 120 MPa at 7 days of natural aging.
16 . The 6 xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of claim 3 , wherein the (wt. % Fe) plus the (wt. % Mn) is at least ≥0.65 wt. %.
17 . The 6 xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of claim 3 , wherein the 6xxx aluminum alloy sheet product includes not greater than 0.20 wt. % Cu.