5XXX ANODIZED ALUMINUM ALLOYS WITH HIGH STRENGTH AND HIGH FORMABILITY AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 481,796, filed April 5, 2017.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to aluminum alloy products and more specifically to aluminum alloy sheets exhibiting high strength and formability.BACKGROUND

[0003] Currently used anodized quality 5xxx series aluminum alloys have yield strengths that typically range from 170 MPa to 190 MPa. Products prepared from these alloys are prone to mechanical damage. For example, cellular phones prepared with these alloys are easily scratched, dented, or bent if any external force is applied (e.g., an impact with the floor). Efforts to increase the strength generally result in a deterioration of the anodized quality.

[0004] JP 2017 14584 A is directed to an aluminum alloy blank for a magnetic disk with the alloy comprising 4.5-6.0 wt. % Mg, 0.10-0.55 wt. % Mn, 0.025 wt. % or less Si and 0.025 wt. % or less Fe, balance aluminum and inevitable impurities, wherein the average crystal grain size on the surface is 27 µm or less, the aspect ratio of the average crystal grain size on the surface is 1.2 or less, and the proof stress is 140 MPa.

[0005] JP H01 312054 A covers an aluminum alloy material for a magnetic disk having excellent heat resistance and a method of manufacturing the same. The alloy has a composition which consists of 3-6 wt. % Mg, 0.15-0.30 wt. % Mn, 0.02-0.05 wt. % Cr and the balance consisting of Al and impurities. Among impurities the content of Fe, Si, Cu and Ti is regulated to 0.005 wt. % or less, the content of Zn is regulated to 0.01 wt. % or less and the content of Na is regulated to 0.0006 wt. % or less and the content of other impurities is regulated to 0.005 wt. % or less in total.

[0006] FR 2 707 668 A1 relates to a process for the manufacture, by casting between rolls, of a sheet made of aluminum alloy suitable for the manufacture of can lids. This process, which uses an aluminum alloy containing 1.0 wt. % < Mg < 4 wt. % and 0 wt. % < Mn < 1.6 wt. %, balance Al, is characterized in that the sheet is obtained by casting the alloy in the liquid state between two rolls in the form of a strip which has a thickness not exceeding 4 mm, followed by a heat treatment at a temperature of between 400 and 550 °C, cold rolling to a final thickness of <0.3 mm and a coating operation.

[0007] US 5,616,190 A is directed to a process for producing, by casting between rolls, an aluminum alloy sheet suitable for making up constituent elements of cans for food use, the aluminum alloy containing between 1 and 4 wt. % Mg and between 0 and 1.6 wt. % Mn. The process is characterized in that said sheet is obtained by casting of said alloy in the liquid state between two rolls in the form of a strip having a thickness of at most 4 mm followed by at least one heat treatment at a temperature between 400 and 580 °C so that the sheet is at least partially recrystallized. Cold-rolling to a final thickness of less than 0.3 mm is performed.SUMMARY

[0008] Covered embodiments of the invention are defined by the claims, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification, any or all drawings, and each claim.

[0009] Described herein are anodized quality aluminum alloys having high strength and high formability, along with methods of making the same. Aluminum alloys as described herein comprise 0.01 to 0.05 wt. % Si, 0.01 to 0.08 wt. % Fe, 0.01 to 0.05 wt. % Cu, 0.4 to 0.5 wt. % Mn, 3.0 to 4.0 wt. % Mg, 0.001 to 0.05 wt. % Cr, 0.001 to 0.05 wt. % Zn, 0.001 to 0.03 wt. % Ti, and up to 0.15 wt. % of impurities, with the remainder as Al. Optionally, the aluminum alloys are produced by direct chill casting or continuous casting. The aluminum alloys can be processed by homogenization, hot rolling, cold rolling, and / or annealing.

[0010] Also described herein are products comprising an aluminum alloy described above. The product can be, for example, a sheet. In some examples, the sheet comprises an anodized sheet. In some cases, one or more surfaces of the anodized sheet comprises a 60 ° gloss value from 60 to 100. In some cases, one or more surfaces of the anodized sheet comprises an L value from 60 to 90, an a value from -2 to 2, and / or a b value from -2 to 2, each as measured by the Hunter L, a, b color scale. Optionally, one or more surfaces of the sheet comprises a surface roughness value from 0.1 µm to 0.35 µm. Optionally, one or more surfaces of the anodized sheet comprises a surface roughness value from 0.2 µm to 0.8 µm. In some cases, one or more surfaces of the anodized sheet includes no more than one defect per square meter (m 2< ) of the product surface, wherein the defect comprises a razor streak defect or a pickup point defect.

[0011] The sheet can have a yield strength of at least 200 MPa (e.g., from 200 MPa to 350 MPa). The sheet can also have a tensile elongation of 7 % or greater. Optionally, the product comprises a consumer electronic part, a consumer electronic product part, an architectural sheet product, an architectural sheet product part, or an automobile body part, among others.

[0012] Further described herein are methods of producing an aluminum product. The methods of producing an aluminum product comprise casting an aluminum alloy as described herein to form a cast aluminum alloy, scalping the cast aluminum alloy, homogenizing the cast aluminum alloy, hot rolling the cast aluminum alloy to produce a rolled product, and cold rolling the rolled product. Optionally, the cold rolling step is a two-stage cold rolling step. The two-stage cold rolling step can comprise a first cold rolling step, an intervening annealing step, and a second cold rolling step. Optionally, the method can further comprise annealing the rolled product after the cold rolling step. Aluminum alloy products prepared by the methods described herein are also described.

[0013] Further aspects, objects, and advantages will become apparent upon consideration of the detailed description of non-limiting examples that follow.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0014] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of processing conditions for sheets prepared from aluminum alloys as described herein. Fig. 2A is a picture of the surface of comparative Alloy A as described herein. Fig. 2B is a picture of the surface of exemplary Alloy 1 as described herein. Fig. 3 is a graph showing the gloss units at 60 ° for the top and bottom surfaces of comparative Alloy A and of Alloy 1. Fig. 4A is a picture of the surface of exemplary Alloy 1 as described herein. Fig. 4B is a picture of the surface of comparative Alloy B as described herein. Fig. 5 is a graph showing the gloss units at 60 ° for a surface of comparative Alloy B and exemplary Alloy 1 as described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Described herein are anodized quality aluminum alloys and alloy products having high strength and high formability, along with methods for making the same. The alloy products described herein exhibit a yield strength approximately 20 % to 30 % higher than a product prepared from an aluminum alloy having an equivalent level of anodized quality and formability. The strength is increased by the addition of strengthening elements which enhance strength while maintaining the anodized quality and formability. Achieving the high strength, high formability, and premium anodized quality properties is unexpected, particularly because previous efforts in the industry to increase strength failed because strengthening elements significantly deteriorated the anodized quality. As described herein, the amounts of particular elements are carefully balanced to simultaneously obtain high strength, premium anodized quality, and high formability. The alloys described herein can be used in electronics, transportation, architectural, industrial, automotive, and other applications.Definitions and Descriptions:

[0016] The terms "invention," "the invention," "this invention," and "the present invention" used herein are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent application and the claims below. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below.

[0017] In this description, reference is made to alloys identified by aluminum industry designations, such as "series" or "5xxx." For an understanding of the number designation system most commonly used in naming and identifying aluminum and its alloys, see "International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum and Wrought Aluminum Alloys" or "Registration Record of Aluminum Association Alloy Designations and Chemical Compositions Limits for Aluminum Alloys in the Form of Castings and Ingot," both published by The Aluminum Association.

[0018] As used herein, the meaning of "a," "an," or "the" includes singular and plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0019] As used herein, a plate generally has a thickness of greater than about 15 mm. For example, a plate may refer to an aluminum product having a thickness of greater than about 15 mm, greater than about 20 mm, greater than about 25 mm, greater than about 30 mm, greater than about 35 mm, greater than about 40 mm, greater than about 45 mm, greater than about 50 mm, or greater than about 100 mm.

[0020] As used herein, a shate (also referred to as a sheet plate) generally has a thickness of from about 4 mm to about 15 mm. For example, a shate may have a thickness of about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, or about 15 mm.

[0021] As used herein, a sheet generally refers to an aluminum product having a thickness of less than about 4 mm. For example, a sheet may have a thickness of less than about 4 mm, less than about 3 mm, less than about 2 mm, less than about 1 mm, less than about 0.5 mm, less than about 0.3 mm, or less than about 0.1 mm.

[0022] As used herein, the term foil indicates an alloy thickness in a range of up to about 0.2 mm (i.e., 200 microns (µm)). For example, a foil may have a thickness of up to 10 µm, 20 µm, 30 µm, 40 µm, 50 µm, 60 µm, 70 µm, 80 µm, 90 µm, 100 µm, 110 µm, 120 µm, 130 µm, 140 µm, 150 µm, 160 µm, 170 µm, 180 µm, 190 µm, or 200 µm.

[0023] Reference is made in this application to alloy temper or condition. For an understanding of the alloy temper descriptions most commonly used, see "American National Standards (ANSI) H35 on Alloy and Temper Designation Systems." An Hxx condition or temper, also referred to herein as an H temper, refers to an aluminum alloy after cold rolling with or without thermal treatment (e.g., annealing). Suitable H tempers include HX1, HX2, HX3 HX4, HX5, HX6, HX7, HX8, or HX9 tempers. For example, the aluminum alloy can be cold rolled only to result in a possible H19 temper. In a further example, the aluminum alloy can be cold rolled and annealed to result in a possible H23 temper.

[0024] As used herein, the meaning of "room temperature" can include a temperature of from about 15 °C to about 30 °C, for example about 15 °C, about 16 °C, about 17 °C, about 18 °C, about 19 °C, about 20 °C, about 21 °C, about 22 °C, about 23 °C, about 24 °C, about 25 °C, about 26 °C, about 27 °C, about 28 °C, about 29 °C, or about 30 °C.

[0025] As used herein, terms such as "cast metal product," "cast product," "cast aluminum alloy," "cast aluminum alloy product," and the like are interchangeable and refer to a product produced by direct chill casting (including direct chill co-casting) or semi-continuous casting, continuous casting (including, for example, by use of a twin belt caster, a twin roll caster, a block caster, or any other continuous caster), electromagnetic casting, hot top casting, or any other casting method.

[0026] All ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein. For example, a stated range of "1 to 10" should be considered to include any and all subranges between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more, e.g., 1 to 6.1, and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less, e.g., 5.5 to 10.

[0027] The following aluminum alloys are described in terms of their elemental composition in weight percentage (wt. %) based on the total weight of the alloy. In each alloy, the remainder is aluminum, with a maximum wt. % of 0.15 % for the sum of the impurities.Alloy Compositions

[0028] Described below are novel aluminum-containing 5xxx series alloys. Alloy products prepared from the alloys exhibit high strength, premium anodized quality, and high formability. The properties of the alloy products prepared from the alloys described herein are achieved due to the elemental composition of the alloys and the methods of processing the alloys, as further described below. In particular, Si, Cu, and Fe are carefully controlled and included or excluded in combination with Mg, Mn, and / or other elements as further described below to arrive at the high strength alloys that maintain a premium anodized quality. Such a design is surprising, as the previous understanding in the industry was that premium anodized quality alloys suffer from strength limitations.

[0029] The alloys can have the following elemental composition as provided in Table 1 (not according to the invention). Table 1 Element Weight Percentage (wt. %) Si0 - 0.1Fe0 - 0.2Cu0 - 0.3Mn0 - 0.5Mg2.0 - 5.0Cr0 - 0.2Zn0 - 0.2Ti0 - 0.1Others0 - 0.05 (each)0 - 0.15 (total)AlRemainder

[0030] The alloys can have the following elemental composition as provided in Table 2 (not according to the invention). Table 2 Element Weight Percentage (wt. %) Si0 - 0.05Fe0 - 0.1Cu0 - 0.1Mn0.2 - 0.5Mg2.0 - 4.5Cr0 - 0.1Zn0 - 0.1Ti0 - 0.05Others0 - 0.05 (each)0 - 0.15 (total)AlRemainder

[0031] The alloys can have the following elemental composition as provided in Table 3. Table 3 Element Weight Percentage (wt. %) Si0.01 - 0.05Fe0.01 - 0.08Cu0.01 - 0.05Mn0.4 - 0.5Mg3.0 - 4.0Cr0.001 - 0.05Zn0.001 - 0.05Ti0.001 - 0.03Others0 - 0.05 (each)0 - 0.15 (total)AlRemainder

[0032] The alloys described herein include silicon (Si) in an amount of from 0.01 % to 0.05 % (e.g., from 0.01 % to 0.03 %) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloys can include 0.01 %, 0.02 %, 0.03 %, 0.04 %, or 0.05 % Si. All expressed in wt. %.

[0033] The alloys described herein include iron (Fe) in an amount of from 0.01 % to 0.08 % (e.g., from 0.01 % to 0.05%) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloys can include 0.01 %, 0.02 %, 0.03 %, 0.04 %, 0.05 %, 0.06 %, 0.07 %, or 0.08 % Fe. All expressed in wt. %.

[0034] The alloys described herein include copper (Cu) in an amount of from 0.01 % to 0.05 % based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloys can include 0.01 %, 0.02 %, 0.03 %, 0.04 %, or 0.05 % Cu. All expressed in wt. %.

[0035] The alloys described herein include manganese (Mn) in an amount of from 0.4 % to 0.5 % based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloys can include 0.35 %, 0.36 %, 0.37 %, 0.38 %, 0.39 %, 0.40 %, 0.41 %, 0.42 %, 0.43 %, 0.44 %, 0.45 %, 0.46 %, 0.47 %, 0.48 %, 0.49 %, or 0.50 % Mn. All expressed in wt. %.

[0036] The alloys described herein include magnesium (Mg) in an amount of from 3.0 % to 4.0 % (e.g., 3.5 % to 4.0 %) based on the total weight of the alloy. In some examples, the alloys can include 3.0 %, 3.1 %, 3.2 %, 3.3 %, 3.4 %, 3.5 %, 3.6 %, 3.7 %, 3.8 %, 3.9 %, or 4.0 % Mg. All expressed in wt. %.

[0037] The alloys described herein include chromium (Cr) in an amount of from 0.001 % to 0.05% based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloys can include 0.001 %, 0.002 %, 0.003 %, 0.004 %, 0.005 %, 0.006 %, 0.007 %, 0.008 %, 0.009 %, 0.01 %, 0.02 %, 0.03 %, 0.04 %, or 0.05 % Cr. All expressed in wt. %.

[0038] The alloys described herein include zinc (Zn) in an amount of from 0.001 % to 0.05 % (e.g., 0.01 % to 0.05%) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloys can include 0.001 %, 0.002 %, 0.003 %, 0.004 %, 0.005 %, 0.006 %, 0.007 %, 0.008 %, 0.009 %, 0.01 %, 0.02 %, 0.03 %, 0.04 %, or 0.05 % Zn. All expressed in wt. %.

[0039] The alloys described herein include titanium (Ti) in an amount of from 0.001 % to 0.3 % (e.g., from 0.01 % to 0.03 %) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloys can include 0.001 %, 0.002 %, 0.003 %, 0.004 %, 0.005 %, 0.006 %, 0.007 %, 0.008 %, 0.009 %, 0.01 %, 0.02 %, or 0.03 % Ti. All expressed in wt. %.

[0040] Optionally, the alloy compositions described herein can further include other minor elements, sometimes referred to as impurities, in amounts of 0.05% or below, 0.04% or below, 0.03% or below, 0.02% or below, or 0.01% or below each. These impurities may include, but are not limited to, V, Zr, Ni, Sn, Ga, Ca, or combinations thereof. Accordingly, V, Zr, Ni, Sn, Ga, or Ca may be present in alloys in amounts of 0.05% or below, 0.04% or below, 0.03% or below, 0.02% or below, or 0.01% or below. The sum of all impurities does not exceed 0.15% (e.g., 0.10%). All expressed in wt. %. The remaining percentage of the alloy is aluminum.

[0041] In some examples, the alloys described herein have a beta phase composition of Al(Fe,Mn) 2 Si 2 particles. The average composition of the Al(Fe,Mn) 2 Si 2 particles can be from about 0.5 % to about 0.8 % Fe, from about 1.2 % to about 1.7 % Mn, and from about 2.0 % to about 2.7 % Si, with the remainder as Al, all based on the weight of an Al(Fe,Mn) 2 Si 2 particle.

[0042] In some cases, the amount of Fe in the Al(Fe,Mn) 2 Si 2 particle can be from about 0.5 % to about 0.75 %, from about 0.55 % to about 0.70 %, or from about 0.60 % to about 0.70 %. For example, the amount of Fe in the Al(Fe,Mn) 2 Si 2 particle can be about 0.50 %, 0.51 %, 0.52 %, 0.53 %, 0.54 %, 0.55 %, 0.56 %, 0.57 %, 0.58 %, 0.59 %, 0.60 %, 0.61 %, 0.62 %, 0.63 %, 0.64 %, 0.65 %, 0.66 %, 0.67 %, 0.68 %, 0.69 %, 0.70 %, 0.71 %, 0.72 %, 0.73 %, 0.74 %, 0.75 %, 0.76 %, 0.77 %, 0.78 %, 0.79 %, or 0.80 %.

[0043] The amount of Mn in the Al(Fe,Mn) 2 Si 2 particle can be from about 1.3 % to about 1.7 %, from about 1.4 % to about 1.65 %, or from about 1.5 % to about 1.6 %. For example, the amount of Mn in the Al(Fe,Mn) 2 Si 2 particle can be about 1.3 %, 1.31 %, 1.32 %, 1.33 %, 1.34 %, 1.35 %, 1.36 %, 1.37 %, 1.38 %, 1.39 %, 1.40 %, 1.41 %, 1.42 %, 1.43 %, 1.44 %, 1.45 %, 1.46 %, 1.47 %, 1.48 %, 1.49 %, 1.50 %, 1.51 %, 1.52 %, 1.53 %, 1.54 %, 1.55 %, 1.56 %, 1.57 %, 1.58 %, 1.59 %, 1.60 %, 1.61 %, 1.62 %, 1.63 %, 1.64 %, 1.65 %, 1.66 %, 1.67 %, 1.68 %, 1.69 %, or 1.70 %.

[0044] The amount of Si in the Al(Fe,Mn) 2 Si 2 particle can be from about 2.1 % to about 2.7 %, from about 2.2 % to about 2.6 %, or from about 2.4 % to about 2.6 %. For example, the amount of Si in the Al(Fe,Mn) 2 Si 2 particle can be about 2.10 %, 2.11 %, 2.12 %, 2.13 %, 2.14 %, 2.15 %, 2.16 %, 2.17 %, 2.18 %, 2.19 %, 2.20 %, 2.21 %, 2.22 %, 2.23 %, 2.24 %, 2.25 %, 2.26 %, 2.27 %, 2.28 %, 2.29 %, 2.30 %, 2.31 %, 2.32 %, 2.33 %, 2.34 %, 2.35 %, 2.36 %, 2.37 %, 2.38 %, 2.39 %, 2.40 %, 2.41 %, 2.42 %, 2.43 %, 2.44 %, 2.45 %, 2.46 %, 2.47 %, 2.48 %, 2.49 %, 2.50 %, 2.51 %, 2.52 %, 2.53 %, 2.54 %, 2.55 %, 2.56 %, 2.57 %, 2.58 %, 2.59 %, 2.60 %, 2.61 %, 2.62 %, 2.63 %, 2.64 %, 2.65 %, 2.66 %, 2.67 %, 2.68 %, 2.69 %, or 2.70 %.

[0045] The phase fraction of Al(Fe,Mn) 2 Si 2 particles in the alloys can range from about 0.2 % to about 1 % (e.g., from about 0.2 % to about 0.8 % or from about 0.3 % to about 0.6 %). For example, the phase fraction of Al(Fe,Mn) 2 Si 2 particles in the alloys can about 0.2 %, 0.3 %, 0.4 %, 0.5 %, 0.6 %, 0.7 %, 0.8 %, 0.9 %, or 1.0 %.

[0046] The average particle size of the Al(Fe,Mn) 2 Si 2 particles in the alloys can be such that the Al(Fe,Mn) 2 Si 2 particles occupy a surface area ranging from about 2.0 µm 2< to about 5.0 µm 2< (e.g., from about 2.5 µm 2< to about 4.5 µm 2< or from about 3.0 µm 2< to about 4.0 µm 2< ). For example, the surface area of the Al(Fe,Mn) 2 Si 2 particles in the alloys can be about 2.0 µm 2< , 2.1 µm 2< , 2.2 µm 2< , 2.3 µm 2< , 2.4 µm 2< , 2.5 µm 2< , 2.6 µm 2< , 2.7 µm 2< , 2.8 µm 2< , 2.9 µm 2< , 3.0 µm 2< , 3.1 µm 2< , 3.2 µm 2< , 3.3 µm 2< , 3.4 µm 2< , 3.5 µm 2< , 3.6 µm 2< , 3.7 µm 2< , 3.8 µm 2< , 3.9 µm 2< , 4.0 µm 2< , 4.1 µm 2< , 4.2 µm 2< , 4.3 µm 2< , 4.4 µm 2< , 4.5 µm 2< , 4.6 µm 2< , 4.7 µm 2< , 4.8 µm 2< , 4.9 µm 2< , or 5.0 µm 2< .

[0047] The Al(Fe,Mn) 2 Si 2 particles in the alloys can have an average length ranging from about 1.0 µm to about 5.0 µm (e.g., from about 1.5 µm to about 4.0 µm or from about 2.0 µm to about 3.5 µm). For example, the average length of the Al(Fe,Mn) 2 Si 2 particles in the alloys can be about 1.0 µm, 1.1 µm, 1.2 µm, 1.3 µm, 1.4 µm, 1.5 µm, 1.6 µm, 1.7 µm, 1.8 µm, 1.9 µm, 2.0 µm, 2.1 µm, 2.2 µm, 2.3 µm, 2.4 µm, 2.5 µm, 2.6 µm, 2.7 µm, 2.8 µm, 2.9 µm, 3.0 µm, 3.1 µm, 3.2 µm, 3.3 µm, 3.4 µm, 3.5 µm, 3.6 µm, 3.7 µm, 3.8 µm, 3.9 µm, 4.0 µm, 4.1 µm, 4.2 µm, 4.3 µm, 4.4 µm, 4.5 µm, 4.6 µm, 4.7 µm, 4.8 µm, 4.9 µm, or 5.0 µm.

[0048] The Al(Fe,Mn) 2 Si 2 particles in the alloys can have, on average, a low aspect ratio (e.g., width to height ratio). In some cases, a low aspect ratio as described herein is a ratio of about 3 or less (e.g., about 2.5 or less or about 2 or less). For example, the average aspect ratio can be about 3.0 or less, about 2.9 or less, about 2.8 or less, about 2.7 or less, about 2.6 or less, about 2.5 or less, about 2.4 or less, about 2.3 or less, about 2.2 or less, about 2.1 or less, about 2.0 or less, about 1.9 or less, about 1.8 or less, or about 1.7 or less. In some examples, the average aspect ratio can be from about 1.0 to about 3.0, from about 1.2 to about 2.8, or from about 1.5 to about 2.5.Alloy Properties

[0049] The products prepared from the aluminum alloys described herein have a combination of desired properties, including high strength, high anodized quality, and high formability. The sheets can be provided under a variety of temper conditions, including Hxx-temper conditions. Under these temper conditions, the aluminum alloy products can exhibit a yield strength of at least 200 MPa (e.g., from 200 MPa to 350 MPa, from 210 MPa to 320 MPa or from 230 MPa to 280 MPa). In non-limiting examples, the yield strength is at least 210 MPa, at least 220 MPa, at least 230 MPa, at least 240 MPa, at least 250 MPa, or at least 260 MPa. For example, the aluminum alloy products described herein can exhibit a yield strength of 200 MPa, 210 MPa, 220 MPa, 230 MPa, 240 MPa, 250 MPa, 260 MPa, 270 MPa, 280 MPa, 290 MPa, 300 MPa, 310 MPa, 320 MPa, 330 MPa, 340 MPa, or 350 MPa.

[0050] The aluminum alloy products can also exhibit a tensile elongation of 7 % or greater (e.g., from 7.5 % to 15 %, from 9 % to 14 %, or from 10 % to 13 %). In non-limiting examples, the aluminum alloy products described herein can exhibit a tensile elongation of 7.5 % or greater, 8 % or greater, 8.5 % or greater, 9 % or greater, 9.5 % or greater, 10 % or greater, 10.5 % or greater, 11 % or greater, 11.5 % or greater, or 12 % or greater. For example, the aluminum alloy products described herein can exhibit a tensile elongation of 7 %, 7.5 %, 8 %, 8.5 %, 9 %, 9.5 %, 10 %, 10.5 %, 11 %, 11.5 %, 12 %, 12.5 %, 13 %, 13.5 %, 14 %, 14.5 %, or 15 %.

[0051] The aluminum alloy products described herein can be anodized to form anodized aluminum alloy products. The anodized aluminum alloy products can exhibit a gloss value measured at 60 degrees to the rolling direction (i.e., 60 ° gloss value) of from 60 to 100. The 60 ° gloss value indicates the degree of shine of the surface and can be measured by a glossmeter according to ASTM D523. In some cases, the 60 ° gloss value can be 60 or greater, 65 or greater, 70 or greater, 75 or greater, 80 or greater, 85 or greater, 90 or greater, or 95 or greater. For example, the 60 ° gloss value can be 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, or 99, 100, or anywhere in between.

[0052] The color of one or more surfaces of the product can be quantified by a colorimetric measurement using the "Hunter L, a, b" color scale, as described in "Hunter L, a, b Versus CIE 1976 L*a*b*," Application Notes, Insight on Color Vol. 13, No. 2 (2008). The Hunter L, a, b, color scale is based on the Opponent-Colors Theory, which assumes that receptors in the human eye perceive color as a pair of opposites: light-dark ("L value"), red-green ("a value"), and yellow-blue ("b value").

[0053] The L value refers to the lightness or darkness of the product surface. An L value of 100 indicates the lightest color and an L value of 0 indicates the darkest color. In some examples, the aluminum alloy products described herein have an L value from 60 to 90, after anodizing the product, as measured by the Hunter L, a, b color scale. For example, one or more surfaces of anodized products including the aluminum alloys described herein can have an L value from 65 to 85 or from 70 to 80. In some cases, one or more surfaces of the anodized products including the aluminum alloys described herein can have an L value of 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, or 90, or anywhere in between.

[0054] The a value refers to the redness or greenness of the product surface. A positive a value refers to the redness of the product surface, whereas a negative a value refers to the greenness of the product surface. In some examples, the aluminum alloy products described herein have one or more surfaces having an a value from -2 to 2, after anodizing the product, as measured by the Hunter L, a, b color scale. For example, one or more surfaces of an anodized product including the aluminum alloys described herein can have an a value of -2.0, -1.9, -1.8, -1.7, -1.6, -1.5, - 1.4, -1.3, -1.2, -1.1, -1.0, -0.9, -0.8, -0.7, -0.6, -0.5, -0.4, -0.3, -0.2, -0.1, 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or 2.0, or anywhere in between.

[0055] The b value refers to the yellowness or blueness of the product surface. A positive b value refers to the yellowness of the product surface, whereas a negative b value refers to the blueness of the product surface. In some examples, the aluminum alloy products described herein have one or more surfaces having a b value from -2 to 5 (e.g., from -2 to 2), after anodizing the product, as measured by the Hunter L, a, b color scale. For example, one or more surfaces of an anodized product including the aluminum alloys described herein can have a b value of -2.0, -1.9, -1.8, -1.7, -1.6, -1.5, -1.4, -1.3, -1.2, -1.1, -1.0, -0.9, -0.8, -0.7, -0.6, -0.5, -0.4, -0.3, -0.2, -0.1, 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, or 5.0.

[0056] Optionally, the as-rolled products described herein (e.g., without any anodization) can have a surface roughness value (2D and 3D) ranging from 0.1 µm to 0.35 µm (e.g., 0.10 µm, 0.15 µm, 0.20 µm, 0.25 µm, 0.30 µm, or 0.35 µm, or anywhere in between). In some cases, the products described herein, after anodization, can have a surface roughness value (2D and 3D) ranging from 0.2 µm to 0.8 µm (e.g., 0.2 µm, 0.25 µm, 0.3 µm, 0.35 µm, 0.4 µm, 0.45 µm, 0.5 µm, 0.55 µm, 0.6 µm, 0.65 µm, 0.7 µm, 0.75 µm, or 0.80 µm, or anywhere in between).

[0057] In some cases, the anodized aluminum alloy products described herein can be free from or contain very few visible defects, such as razor streaks or pickup point defects after anodizing. Razor streaks typically appear as dark or bright lines. Pickup point defects typically appear as dark or bright spots. The anodized aluminum alloy products described herein, however, have minimized constituents and minimized elongated grains, as compared to conventional anodized aluminum alloy products. In addition, the products described herein are processed in a manner to minimize surface oxidation and other contaminations, thus resulting in a smooth rolled surface for the anodized aluminum alloy products. In some examples, one or more surfaces of the anodized aluminum alloy products include no more than one razor streak defect per square meter (m 2< ) of the product surface. In some examples, one or more surfaces of the anodized aluminum alloy products include no more than one pickup point defect per m 2< of the product surface.

[0058] The aluminum alloy products described herein can have any suitable gauge. The alloys described above can be cast and processed into various sizes and thicknesses, such as foil (e.g., below approximately 0.20 mm), sheet (e.g., from approximately 0.20 mm to 4.0 mm), shate (e.g., from approximately 4.0 mm to 15.0 mm), or plate (e.g., greater than approximately 15.0 mm), although other thicknesses and ranges can be used as well. In some examples, the aluminum alloy products described herein can be provided and delivered to a customer or an end user in an intermediate gauge (e.g., a gauge that will be further reduced by the customer or end user, as desired). In some examples, the aluminum alloy products described herein can be provided and delivered to a customer or an end user in a final gauge (e.g., a gauge that will not be further reduced by the customer or end user).Methods of Making

[0059] In certain aspects, the disclosed alloy composition is a product of a disclosed method. Without intending to limit the disclosure, aluminum alloy product properties are partially determined by the formation of microstructures during the alloy product's preparation. In certain aspects, the method of preparation for a product having a certain alloy composition may influence or even determine whether the resulting alloy product will have properties adequate for a desired application.Casting and Scalping

[0060] The alloys described herein can be cast into ingots using a direct chill (DC) process or can be cast using a continuous casting (CC) process. The casting process is performed according to standards commonly used in the aluminum industry as known to one of skill in the art. The CC process may include, but is not limited to, the use of twin belt casters, twin roll casters, or block casters. In some examples, the casting process is performed by a CC process to form a slab, a strip, or the like. In some examples, the casting process is a DC casting process to form a cast ingot. A molten metal filter (e.g., a ceramic foam filer or a porous tube filter) can optionally be used during the casting process to improve metal cleanliness.

[0061] If formed by DC casting, the cast ingot can then be scalped. Optionally, the ingot can be scalped up to 20 mm per side (e.g., 1 mm per side, 2 mm per side, 5 mm per side, 10 mm per side, 15 mm per side, or 20 mm per side). For example, the cast ingot can be scalped from 1 mm to 20 mm per side, from 5 mm to 20 mm per side, from 10 mm to 20 mm per side, or from 15 mm to 20 mm per side.

[0062] The cast product (e.g., ingot, slab, or strip) is subjected to further processing steps. Optionally, the further processing steps can be used to prepare products such as sheets, plates, or shates. Such processing steps include, but are not limited to, a homogenization step, a hot rolling step, a cold rolling step that can optionally include an intervening annealing step, and an optional final annealing step. The processing steps are described below in relation to a cast ingot. However, the processing steps can also be used for a cast slab or strip, using modifications as known to those of skill in the art.Homogenization

[0063] As stated above, the processing steps include a homogenization step. In the homogenization step, an ingot prepared from an alloy composition described herein is heated to attain a peak metal temperature of at least about 475 °C (e.g., at least about 480 °C, at least about 485 °C, at least about 490 °C, at least about 495 °C, at least about 500 °C, at least about 505 °C, at least about 510 °C, at least about 515 °C, at least about 520 °C, at least about 525 °C, at least about 530 °C, at least about 535 °C, at least about 540 °C, at least about 545 °C, or at least about 550 °C). In some examples, the ingot is heated to a temperature ranging from about 480 °C to about 550 °C (e.g., from about 490 °C to about 540 °C or from about 500 °C to about 550 °C). The heating rate to the peak metal temperature can be from about 10 °C / minute to about 100 °C / minute. For example, the heating rate to the peak metal temperature can be about 10 °C / minute, about 20 °C / minute, about 30 °C / minute, about 40 °C / minute, about 50 °C / minute, about 60 °C / minute, about 70 °C / minute, about 80 °C / minute, about 90 °C / minute, or about 100 °C / minute.

[0064] The ingot is then allowed to soak (i.e., maintained at the indicated temperature) for a period of time. In some cases, the ingot is allowed to soak for at least 30 minutes at a peak metal temperature as described above. For example, the ingot can be soaked for at least 30 minutes, at least 1 hour, at least 2 hours, at least 3 hours, at least 4 hours, or at least 5 hours.Hot Rolling and Coiling

[0065] Following the homogenization step, a hot rolling step is performed. The hot rolling step can be performed using a single stand mill or a multi-stand mill, such as a hot reversing mill operation or a hot tandem mill operation. In certain cases, the ingots are laid down and hot rolled with an entry temperature ranging from about 450 °C to about 550 °C. The entry temperature can be, for example, about 450 °C, about 460 °C, about 470 °C, about 480 °C, about 490 °C, about 500 °C, about 510 °C, about 520 °C, about 530 °C, about 540 °C, or about 550 °C. In certain cases, the hot roll exit temperature can range from about 250 °C to about 350 °C. The exit temperature can be, for example, about 250 °C, about 260 °C, about 270 °C, about 280 °C, about 290 °C, about 300 °C, about 310 °C, about 320 °C, about 330 °C, about 340 °C, or about 350 °C. The ingots can then be hot rolled to a 12 mm thick gauge or less. For example, the ingots can be hot rolled to a 11 mm thick gauge or less, 10 mm thick gauge or less, 9 mm thick gauge or less, 8 mm thick gauge or less, 7 mm thick gauge or less, 6 mm thick gauge or less, 5 mm thick gauge or less, 4 mm thick gauge or less, 3 mm thick gauge or less, 2 mm thick gauge or less, or 1 mm thick gauge or less.

[0066] At the end of the hot rolling step, optionally within the single stand mill or a multi-stand mill, the sheet can be rolled up as a coil. The coiling temperature can range from about 285 °C to about 350 °C (e.g., from about 300 °C to about 350 °C or from about 310 °C to about 330 °C).Cold Rolling and Annealing

[0067] The hot rolled coil, plate, shate, or sheet then undergoes a cold rolling step to form a cold rolled coil, sheet, or shate. The cold rolling step can be performed by using a single stand mill or a multi-stand mill. In some cases, the cold rolling step is a one-stage cold rolling process. In some cases, the cold rolling step is a two-stage cold rolling process.

[0068] In the one-stage cold rolling process, the coil or sheet temperature can be reduced to a temperature ranging from about 20 °C to about 150 °C (e.g., from about 25 °C to about 140 °C or from about 40 °C to about 120 °C). In some cases, the coil or sheet is cold rolled with an entry temperature ranging from about 20 °C to about 150 °C (e.g., from about 25 °C to about 140 °C or from about 40 °C to about 120 °C). The entry temperature can be, for example, about 20 °C, about 30 °C, about 40 °C, about 50 °C, about 60 °C, about 70 °C, about 80 °C, about 90 °C, about 100 °C, about 110 °C, about 120 °C, about 130 °C, about 140 °C, or about 150 °C. In some cases, the cold roll exit temperature can range from about 80 °C to about 200 °C (e.g., from about 100 °C to about 190 °C or from about 110 °C to about 180 °C). The exit temperature can be, for example, about 80 °C, about 90 °C, about 100 °C, about 110 °C, about 120 °C, about 130 °C, about 140 °C, about 150 °C, about 160 °C, about 170 °C, about 180 °C, about 190 °C, or about 200 °C.

[0069] The cold rolling step can be performed at an appropriate temperature for cold rolling as described above for a period of time to result in a gauge of from about 0.2 mm to about 5 mm. For example, the resulting gauge can be from about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm, from about 0.8 mm to about 3.5 mm, from about 1 mm to about 3 mm, or from about 1.45 mm to about 2 mm. Optionally, the cold rolling step can be performed for a period of up to about 1 hour (e.g., from about 10 minutes to about 30 minutes). For example, the cold rolling step can be performed for a period of about 10 minutes, about 20 minutes, about 30 minutes, about 40 minutes, about 50 minutes, or about 1 hour.

[0070] As discussed above, the cold rolling step can be a two-stage cold rolling process in which an intervening annealing step is performed during the cold rolling. In the two-stage cold rolling process, the coil or sheet temperature can be reduced to a temperature ranging from about 20 °C to about 150 °C (e.g., from about 25 °C to about 140 °C or from about 40 °C to about 120 °C). In some cases, the coil or sheet is cold rolled with an entry temperature ranging from about 20 °C to about 150 °C. The entry temperature can be, for example, about 20 °C, about 30 °C, about 40 °C, about 50 °C, about 60 °C, about 70 °C, about 80 °C, about 90 °C, about 100 °C, about 110 °C, about 120 °C, about 130 °C, about 140 °C, or about 150 °C. In some cases, the cold roll exit temperature can range from about 80 °C to about 200 °C. The exit temperature can be, for example, about 80 °C, about 90 °C, about 100 °C, about 110 °C, about 120 °C, about 130 °C, about 140 °C, about 150 °C, about 160 °C, about 170 °C, about 180 °C, about 190 °C, or about 200 °C.

[0071] The first stage of the cold rolling step can be performed at an appropriate temperature for cold rolling as described above for a period of time to result in a gauge of from about 1.2 mm to about 5 mm. For example, the resulting gauge can be from about 1.25 mm to about 4 mm, from about 1.3 mm to about 3.5 mm, from about 1.4 mm to about 3 mm, or from about 1.45 mm to about 2 mm. Optionally, the cold rolling step can be performed for a period of up to about 1 hour (e.g., from about 10 minutes to about 30 minutes). For example, the cold rolling step can be performed for a period of about 10 minutes, about 20 minutes, about 30 minutes, about 40 minutes, about 50 minutes, or about 1 hour.

[0072] As the next step of the two-stage cold rolling process, an annealing process referred to herein as an intermediate annealing step can be performed. In the intermediate annealing step, the cold rolled product can be held at a temperature ranging from about 250 °C to about 400 °C (e.g., from about 275 °C to about 375 °C or from about 300 °C to about 350 °C), with a soak time of up to about 4 hours. For example, the soak time can range from about 10 minutes to about 4 hours (e.g., about 10 minutes, about 30 minutes, about 1 hour, about 2 hours, about 3 hours, or about 4 hours). Optionally, the intermediate annealing step can result in an alloy product having grains that are round. In some cases, at least about 50 % of the grains present in the alloy product are round (e.g., at least about 60 %, at least about 70 %, at least about 80 %, or at least about 90 % of the grains present in the alloy product are round).

[0073] Following the intermediate annealing step, a second stage of the cold-rolling process can be performed. In some cases, the second stage of the cold-rolling process includes cold rolling using a single stand mill or a multi-stand mill with an entry temperature ranging from about 20 °C to about 150 °C. The entry temperature can be, for example, about 20 °C, about 30 °C, about 40 °C, about 50 °C, about 60 °C, about 70 °C, about 80 °C, about 90 °C, about 100 °C, about 110 °C, about 120 °C, about 130 °C, about 140 °C, or about 150 °C. In some cases, the cold roll exit temperature can range from about 80 °C to about 200 °C. The exit temperature can be, for example, about 80 °C, about 90 °C, about 100 °C, about 110 °C, about 120 °C, about 130 °C, about 140 °C, about 150 °C, about 160 °C, about 170 °C, about 180 °C, about 190 °C, or about 200 °C to result in a gauge of about 2 mm or less (e.g., from about 0.2 mm to about 2 mm or from about 0.2 mm to about 1.4 mm). For example, the resulting gauge can be about 0.2 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.7 mm, about 0.8 mm, about 0.9 mm, about 1 mm, about 1.1 mm, about 1.2 mm, about 1.3 mm, about 1.4 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 1.6 mm, about 1.7 mm, about 1.8 mm, about 1.9 mm, or about 2 mm.

[0074] Optionally, the rolled product can then undergo an annealing process, referred to herein as a stabilization annealing step, at a temperature of from about 100 °C to about 250 °C (e.g., from about 125 °C to about 200 °C or from about 135 °C to about 175 °C) with a soak time of up to about 4 hours. For example, the soak time can range from about 10 minutes to about 4 hours (e.g., about 10 minutes, about 20 minutes, about 30 minutes, about 40 minutes, about 50 minutes, about 1 hour, about 2 hours, about 3 hours, or about 4 hours).

[0075] After annealing, the rolled product can optionally undergo one or more additional steps, including tension levelling and / or packaging.Methods of Using

[0076] The products and methods described herein can be used in electronics, transportation (e.g., automotive), architectural, and industrial applications, among others. In some cases, the sheets can be used in an Hxx-temper for applications that require alloys with high formability. In some cases, the sheets can be used to prepare products, such as consumer electronic products or consumer electronic product parts. Exemplary consumer electronic products include mobile phones, audio devices, video devices, cameras, laptop computers, desktop computers, tablet computers, televisions, displays, household appliances, video playback and recording devices, and the like. Exemplary consumer electronic product parts include outer housings (e.g., facades) and inner pieces for the consumer electronic parts. The sheets can be used, for example, as housings for mobile phones and tablet computers and as an electronic inner chassis. In some cases, the sheets can be used to prepare architectural sheet products and architectural sheet product parts. In some examples, the sheets and methods described herein can be used to prepare automobile body parts, such as inner panels. In some cases, the sheets and methods described herein can be used to prepare luggage (e.g., suitcases).

[0077] The following examples will serve to further illustrate the present invention without, however, constituting any limitation thereof.EXAMPLESExample 1:

[0078] An aluminum alloy described herein and a comparative alloy, as shown in Table 4, were prepared according to the methods described herein. Alloy 1 is an exemplary alloy created according to the methods described herein using the steps depicted in Fig. 1. Alloy A is AA5252, which is currently employed as an anodized quality alloy in commercial applications. Alloy A was prepared similarly to Alloy 1 except the final cold rolling was performed to result in an 18 % reduction for Alloy A, whereas the reduction for Alloy 1 was a 45 % reduction. The cold rolling reduction variations between the two alloys were implemented to prepare comparable samples due to mechanical property differences between the compositions. In each of the alloys, the remainder is aluminum and all values are expressed as wt. %. Table 4 Alloy Si Fe Cu Mn Mg Cr Ni Zn Ti Alloy 10.040.060.030.453.100.010.010.010.01Alloy A0.040.060.030.0052.450.0050.0010.0010.015

[0079] The mechanical properties of the exemplary and comparative alloys were determined. Specifically, the yield strengths and tensile elongations were determined according to ASTM B557 and the limiting dome heights (which indicates formability) were determined according to ASTM E643. The test results are summarized in Table 5. Table 5 Parameters Alloy 1 Alloy A Yield strength (MPa)260185Tensile elongation to fracture (%)8.07.5Limiting dome height (mm)0.2800.271

[0080] The mechanical properties indicate that exemplary Alloy 1 displays a higher yield strength, a higher tensile elongation, and a higher formability than comparative Alloy A.

[0081] The appearances of the exemplary and comparative alloys were also compared. As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, Alloy 1 (Fig. 2B) displays an anodized quality and linearity (as measured by the streakiness) that is equal to or superior to comparative Alloy A (Fig. 2A). The 60 ° gloss values were measured for the top surfaces ("top surface") and bottom surfaces ("bottom surface") of the sheets of comparative Alloy A and exemplary Alloy 1. The results demonstrate that Alloy 1 exhibits a degree of gloss that is equal to comparative Alloy A (see Fig. 3).Example 2:

[0082] Alloy 1 from Table 4 and reproduced below in Table 6, which contains low amounts of Si and Fe, was prepared as described above in Example 1 and compared to Alloy B, a conventional 5xxx series anodized quality alloy having a higher amount of Si and Fe (Table 6). Alloy B was prepared similarly to Alloy 1 except the final cold rolling was performed to result in an 18 % reduction for Alloy B, whereas the reduction for Alloy 1 was a 45 % reduction. The cold rolling reduction variations between the two alloys were implemented to prepare comparable samples due to mechanical property differences between the compositions. In each of the alloys, the remainder is aluminum and all values are expressed as wt. %. Table 6 Alloy Si Fe Cu Mn Mg Cr Ni Zn Ti Alloy 10.040.060.030.453.100.010.010.010.01Alloy B0.100.150.030.062.30.010.010.10.01

[0083] A photograph of the surface of Alloy 1 is shown in Fig. 4A and a photograph of the surface of Alloy B is shown in Fig. 4B. Alloy 1 displayed outstanding uniformity and gloss. The gloss measurement was quantitated into 60 ° gloss values. See Fig. 5. The results demonstrate that Alloy 1 displays higher gloss than Alloy B.

[0084] Various embodiments of the invention have been described in fulfillment of the various objectives of the invention. It should be recognized that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and adaptions thereof will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. An aluminum alloy, comprising 0.01 to 0.05 wt. % Si, 0.01 to 0.08 wt. % Fe, 0.01 to 0.05 wt. % Cu, 0.4 to 0.5 wt. % Mn, 3.0 to 4.0 wt. % Mg, 0.001 to 0.05 wt. % Cr, 0.001 to 0.05 wt. % Zn, 0.001 to 0.03 wt. % Ti, and up to 0.15 wt. % of impurities, with the remainder as Al.

2. A product comprising the aluminum alloy according to claim 1.

3. The product of claim 2, wherein the product is a sheet.

4. The product of claim 3, wherein the sheet is an anodized sheet.

5. The product of claim 4, wherein one or more surfaces of the anodized sheet comprises a 60 ° gloss value from 60 to 100 and / or wherein one or more surfaces of the anodized sheet comprises an L value from 60 to 90, an a value from -2 to 2, and / or a b value from -2 to 2, as measured by Hunter L, a, b color scale.

6. The product of claim 3, wherein one or more surfaces of the sheet comprises a surface roughness value from 0.1 µm to 0.35 µm.

7. The product of claim 4 or 5, wherein one or more surfaces of the anodized sheet comprises a surface roughness value from 0.2 µm to 0.8 µm.

8. The product of any one of claims 3-7, wherein the sheet comprises a yield strength of at least 200 MPa and in particular wherein the sheet comprises a yield strength of from 200 MPa to 350 MPa.

9. The product of any one of claims 3-8, wherein the sheet comprises a tensile elongation of 7 % or greater.

10. The product of any one of claims 2-9, wherein the product comprises a consumer electronic part or a consumer electronic product part and / or wherein the product comprises an architectural sheet product or an architectural sheet product part and / or wherein the product comprises an automobile body part.

11. A method of producing an aluminum product, comprising: casting an aluminum alloy to form a cast aluminum alloy, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises 0.01 to 0.05 wt. % Si, 0.01 to 0.08 wt. % Fe, 0.01 to 0.05 wt. % Cu, 0.4 to 0.5 wt. % Mn, 3.0 to 4.0 wt. % Mg, 0.001 to 0.05 wt. % Cr, 0.001 to 0.05 wt. % Zn, 0.001 to 0.03 wt. % Ti, and up to 0.15 wt. % of impurities, with the remainder as Al; scalping the cast aluminum alloy; homogenizing the cast aluminum alloy; hot rolling the cast aluminum alloy to produce a rolled product; and cold rolling the rolled product.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising annealing the rolled product after the cold rolling step and / or wherein the cold rolling step is a two-stage cold rolling step, wherein the two-stage cold rolling step comprising a first cold rolling step, an intervening annealing step, and a second cold rolling step.

13. An aluminum alloy product, wherein the aluminum alloy product is prepared by the method of claim 11 or 12.