Aluminium alloy and aluminium strip for producing can ends and method for producing same

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aluminum alloy having the composition: 0.03%≦Si≦0.6%, 0.15%≦Fe≦0.8%, 0.02%≦Cu≦0.25%, 0.20%≦Mn≦1.4%, 3.0%≦Mg≦5.0%, Cr≦0.1%, Zn≦0.25%, Ti≦0.10%, with up to 0.05% individual and up to 0.15% total impurities, the balance being aluminum. The present invention further relates to an aluminum strip (182) made from this aluminum alloy and a method for producing such an aluminum strip (182) and its uses.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aluminium alloy, an aluminium strip made from said aluminium alloy, a method for producing said aluminium strip and uses of said aluminium strip. [Background technology]

[0002] Aluminum cans generally have a can body, a can end and usually a can tab, the materials of which are sometimes subject to various requirements for manufacture or in the product, such as their formability, strength, and the like.

[0003] Thus, when manufacturing aluminium cans, typically different aluminium alloys are used for the can body on the one hand and the ends and tabs on the other hand: AA3xxx aluminium alloys, usually AA3104, are used for the can body, and AA5xxx aluminium alloys, usually AA5182, are used for the ends and tabs. These aluminium alloys for the can body and ends or tabs have been used unchanged for many years in the field of aluminium beverage cans.

[0004] To improve the carbon footprint of aluminum products, it is generally desirable to increase the use of scrap in their production. However, not all scrap has the same effect on the carbon footprint. The use of scrap generated during the production of aluminum products, so-called production scrap, has only a slightly positive effect, no effect or even a negative effect on the carbon footprint. In contrast, the carbon footprint of a product can be significantly improved by using scrap generated at the end of the life cycle of a product made from aluminum, so-called old scrap. In practice, old scrap is sometimes also called post-consumer scrap or end-of-life scrap.

[0005] In the manufacture of beverage cans, production scrap may arise, for example, during the production of aluminium strip (e.g. as trimming scrap) or during the production of can bodies, ends or can tabs from the aluminium strip (e.g. as punching scrap). Old scrap from used aluminium beverage cans is referred to in practice as UBC (used beverage can) scrap.

[0006] To date, old scrap, e.g. UBC scrap, has been used primarily for new can body materials in the AA3xxx alloy family, as the alloy composition allows this.

[0007] On the other hand, due to the alloy specifications of the aluminum alloy AA5182 used for can end strip or can tab strip, in particular the very low tolerance limits of the alloying elements Si, Fe, Cu and Mn, it has proven difficult to use scrap other than those of the AA5xxx alloy group for its production. As a result, only small amounts of aluminum scrap, in particular small amounts of old scrap, can be used in the production of aluminum can end strip or can tab strip, i.e. aluminum strip for the production of can ends or can tabs, respectively.

[0008] This is especially true for UBC scrap, which, due to the mixture of different alloys it contains, i.e. can body alloys and can end alloys, and the resulting percentages of silicon, zinc or copper typically contained in the scrap, currently makes it impossible to use such scrap in large quantities for the production of new can end strip or can tab strip, which would otherwise not meet the alloy specification of alloy AA5182.

[0009] Therefore, in the manufacture of can end strip or can tab strip, it is currently necessary to add a high percentage of primary aluminum or clean, unalloyed scrap to meet the specification limits of can end strip or can tab strip.

[0010] In the late 1990s, the use of only one alloy for can bodies, can ends and can tabs was considered, as described in Non-Patent Document 1. However, this idea did not work out in practice, so aluminum can manufacturers were stuck with the tested and proven alloy combination of AA3104 for can bodies and AA5182 for can ends and can tabs. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0011] [Non-Patent Document 1] WHSillekens et al., “Formability of recycled aluminum alloy 5017”, Journal of Materials Processing Technology, 1997, vol.65, p252 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of improving the production of aluminium strip for can ends and can tabs in such a way as to allow greater use of scrap, in particular old scrap.

[0013] According to the invention, the object is to 0.03% by weight ≦ Si ≦ 0.6% by weight, 0.15% by weight ≦ Fe ≦ 0.8% by weight, 0.02% by weight ≦ Cu ≦ 0.25% by weight, 0.20% by weight ≦ Mn ≦ 1.4% by weight, 3.0% by weight ≦ Mg ≦ 5.0% by weight, Cr ≦ 0.1% by weight, Zn ≦ 0.25% by weight, Ti ≦ 0.10% by weight, 0.05% max. individual impurities, 0.15% max. total impurities, balance aluminum; This problem is solved by an aluminum alloy having the composition The aluminium alloy preferably has a Si-content greater than 0.20% by weight and / or an Fe-content greater than 0.35% by weight and / or a Cu-content greater than 0.15% by weight and / or a Mn-content greater than 0.5% by weight.

[0014] It has been found that this aluminum alloy can be used to produce aluminum strip which meets the requirements, in particular the mechanical requirements, for aluminum end strip and / or aluminum tab strip and at the same time allows for an increased use of old scrap due to the specified content limits for the individual alloying elements.

[0015] In particular, the described alloy composition allows for a higher use of UBC scrap. In this way, the cycle of aluminum beverage cans can be closed, so that in addition to the can body, the can ends and can tabs, and thus all the manufactured parts of the aluminum beverage can, can be newly manufactured from old beverage cans. This increases the recyclability of aluminum beverage cans and significantly improves their carbon footprint.

[0016] Thus, the aforementioned object is further solved by the present invention by an aluminum strip for manufacturing can ends and / or can tabs from an aluminum alloy as described above or an embodiment thereof.

[0017] Furthermore, the aforementioned object is solved by the present invention by the use of the aforementioned alloy or an embodiment thereof or the aforementioned aluminum strip or an embodiment thereof for manufacturing can ends and / or can tabs.

[0018] Furthermore, the above object is to provide a method for producing an aluminum strip as described above, comprising the steps of: - providing a melt of an aluminium alloy or an embodiment thereof as defined above, - casting the melt into an ingot; - homogenizing the ingot; - hot rolling the ingot to form a hot strip; - cold rolling the hot strip, optionally with one or more intermediate annealing steps, to form a cold strip; The problem is solved by the present invention by a method comprising the steps of:

[0019] The melt is provided at least partially by melting aluminum scrap, in particular old scrap, preferably at least partially by melting UBC scrap.

[0020] The melt is preferably cast into ingots in a discontinuous casting process, in particular die casting, or in a semi-continuous casting process, in particular DC casting.

[0021] The ingot can then be sawn or crushed.

[0022] The ingot is preferably homogenized for at least 0.5 hours at a holding temperature of 450-550° C., preferably 490-550° C. Homogenization can be carried out in particular in a pusher-type furnace or a crucible furnace. Homogenization is preferably carried out for less than 12 hours.

[0023] Hot rolling is preferably carried out to a hot strip thickness in the range of 2 to 4 mm. Hot rolling may be carried out, for example, on reversing hot rolling stands, possibly followed by a multi-stand finishing train.

[0024] Cold rolling can be done with or without an intermediate anneal.

[0025] The strip is preferably trimmed after cold rolling.

[0026] The Si content of the present aluminum alloy is within the range of 0.03 to 0.6 wt%. A Si content exceeding 0.6 wt% adversely affects strength and formability. A Si content below 0.03 wt% excessively limits scrap use.

[0027] More preferably, the aluminium alloy has a Si content above 0.20 wt%, preferably in the range of 0.21-0.6 wt%, more preferably in the range of 0.25-0.6 wt%. It has been found that Si contents within these ranges allow for a larger proportion of old scrap, since this may have a significantly higher Si content. At the same time, it has been recognised that even with a Si content within these ranges, the advantageous properties of the aluminium strip can still be realised, which allows it to be used for the manufacture of can ends and / or can tabs.

[0028] Increasing the Si content may result in increased formation of Mg2Si phases. The Mg content bound in these phases is no longer available to increase the strength of the aluminium strip. It was recognised that this can be compensated for without increasing the Mg content by increasing the thickness of the aluminium strip or sheet, particularly in the case of can end production. Additionally or alternatively, an increase in thickness can also compensate for, for example, a decrease in the Mg content. Simulations have shown that even an increase in sheet thickness, for example from 0.206 mm to 0.210 mm, i.e. of about 2%, results in an increase in strength of about 4%.

[0029] The aluminium strip or sheet therefore preferably has a thickness of at least 0.210 mm, more preferably at least 0.220 mm, particularly preferably when the Si content is more than 0.20% by weight, for example in the range 0.21 to 0.6% by weight or 0.25 to 0.6% by weight, and / or when the Mg content is in the range 3.0 to 4.0% by weight.

[0030] In one embodiment, the Si content is preferably limited to a maximum of 0.35 wt.%. A Si content of up to 0.35 wt.% still allows for a very high percentage of old scrap to be used to produce the alloy. At the same time, limiting the Si content to a maximum of 0.35 wt.% results in improved formability of the aluminum strip or sheet produced from the aluminum alloy, and increased strength due to less strength-enhancing Mg bound in the Mg2Si phase at lower Si contents.

[0031] The Fe content of the present aluminum alloy is in the range of 0.15-0.8 wt%, more preferably 0.16-0.8 wt%, particularly 0.20-0.8 wt%. An Fe content exceeding 0.8 wt% adversely affects formability. An Fe content below 0.15 wt% excessively limits the use of scrap.

[0032] More preferably, the aluminium alloy has an Fe content above 0.35 wt%, preferably in the range of 0.36-0.8 wt%, more preferably in the range of 0.4-0.8 wt%. It has been found that Fe contents within these ranges allow for a larger proportion of old scrap, since this may have a significantly higher Fe content. At the same time, it has been recognised that even with Fe contents within these ranges, the advantageous properties of the aluminium strip can still be realised, which allows it to be used for the manufacture of can ends and / or can tabs.

[0033] In one embodiment, the Fe content is preferably limited to a maximum of 0.5 wt.%. An Fe content of up to 0.5 wt.% still allows a very high percentage of old scrap to be used to produce the alloy. At the same time, limiting the Fe content to a maximum of 0.5 wt.% results in improved formability of the aluminum strip or sheet produced from the aluminum alloy.

[0034] The Cu content of the aluminum alloy is in the range of 0.02-0.25 wt.%. A Cu content above 0.25 wt.% results in excessive strength that reduces the workability of the aluminum strip. Furthermore, a Cu content above 0.25 wt.% causes an increased tendency to certain forms of corrosion. The lower Cu limit of 0.02 wt.% improves the ageing resistance of the aluminum strip and products made therefrom. Furthermore, in this manner, the tendency to intergranular corrosion (IC corrosion) is reduced.

[0035] More preferably, the aluminium alloy has a Cu content above 0.15 wt%, preferably in the range of 0.16-0.25 wt%, more preferably in the range of 0.20-0.25 wt%. It has been found that Cu contents within these ranges allow for a larger proportion of old scrap, since this may have a significantly higher Cu content. At the same time, it has been recognised that even with Cu contents within these ranges, the advantageous properties of the aluminium strip can still be realised, which allows it to be used for the manufacture of can ends and / or can tabs.

[0036] The Mn content of the aluminum alloy is in the range of 0.20-1.4 wt.%. Manganese leads to the formation of dispersoids, which increase the strength of the aluminum strip. Furthermore, the addition of Mn favors the formation of Fe-containing cast phases and thus improves formability. Below a Mn content of 0.20 wt.%, these positive effects are only poorly realized. On the other hand, a Mn content above 1.4 wt.% leads to a deterioration of formability.

[0037] More preferably, the aluminium alloy has a Mn content above 0.50 wt%, preferably in the range of 0.51-1.4 wt%, more preferably in the range of 0.6-1.4 wt%. It has been found that Mn contents within these ranges allow for a larger proportion of old scrap, since this may have a significantly higher Mn content. At the same time, it has been recognised that even with Mn contents within these ranges, the advantageous properties of the aluminium strip can still be realised, which allows it to be used for the manufacture of can ends and / or can tabs.

[0038] In one embodiment, the Mn content is preferably limited to a maximum of 0.8 wt.%. A Mn content of up to 0.8 wt.% still allows a very high proportion of old scrap to be used to produce the alloy. At the same time, limiting the Mn content to a maximum of 0.8 wt.% results in improved formability of the aluminum strip or sheet produced from the aluminum alloy.

[0039] In one embodiment, the composition of the aluminum alloy satisfies the specifications a1) to d1) for one or two alloying elements from the group Si, Fe, Cu, Mn, a1) 0.20wt% ≦ Si ≦ 0.6wt%, b1) 0.35% by weight ≦ Fe ≦ 0.8% by weight, c1) 0.15% by weight ≦ Cu ≦ 0.25% by weight, d1) 0.50% by weight ≦ Mn ≦ 1.4% by weight, and for the remaining alloying elements from the groups Si, Fe, Cu, Mn, standards a2) to d2), a2) 0.03wt% ≦ Si ≦ 0.20wt%, b2) 0.15% by weight ≦ Fe ≦ 0.35% by weight, c2) 0.02wt% ≦ Cu ≦ 0.15wt%, d2) 0.20wt% ≦ Mn ≦ 0.50wt%, Meets the corresponding standards from

[0040] For example, the composition of the aluminum alloy can satisfy the relevant specifications a1) and d1) for Si and Mn, and the relevant specifications b2) and c2) for Fe and Cu.

[0041] In this way, an aluminum alloy is provided which better meets the requirements for aluminum end strips and / or aluminum tab strips, in particular the mechanical requirements, and at the same time allows for an increased use of old scrap due to the content limits specified for certain alloying elements.

[0042] The Mg content of the aluminum alloy is in the range of 3.0-5.0 wt.%. The addition of magnesium increases the strength and internal pressure stability of a can end made from the aluminum strip. To achieve good strength and internal pressure stability of the aluminum strip, the aluminum alloy preferably has a Mg content of at least 3.5 wt.%, more preferably at least 3.6 wt.%, and even more preferably at least 4.0 wt.%.

[0043] The Cr content of the present aluminum alloy is a maximum of 0.1 wt.%. Preferably, the present aluminum alloy has a Cr content of at least 0.01 wt.%, since a Cr content below 0.01 wt.% excessively limits the use of scrap.

[0044] The Zn content of the aluminum alloy is a maximum of 0.25% by weight. Preferably, the aluminum alloy has a Zn content of at least 0.01% by weight, since a Zn content below 0.01% by weight excessively limits the use of scrap.

[0045] The Ti content of the aluminum alloy is maximum 0.10 wt.%. Preferably, the aluminum alloy has a Ti content of at least 0.001 wt.%, since a Ti content below 0.001 wt.% excessively limits the use of scrap.

[0046] Various embodiments of the aluminium alloy, the aluminium strip, the method and the use are described below, the individual embodiments each applying independently of the other to both the aluminium alloy and the aluminium strip, as well as to both the method and the use, and furthermore the individual embodiments can be combined with one another as desired.

[0047] In one embodiment, the aluminum alloy has a Si content of more than 0.20 wt.% and / or an Fe content of more than 0.35 wt.% and / or a Cu content of more than 0.15 wt.% and / or an Mn content of more than 0.5 wt.%. These content ranges allow for the use of a larger proportion of old scrap to provide the aluminum alloy. It was recognized that even with these alloying element limits, the advantageous properties of the aluminum strip can still be realized, which allows it to be used for the manufacture of can ends and / or can tabs.

[0048] In one embodiment, the aluminum strip has an old scrap recyclate content, in particular a UBC scrap recyclate content, of at least 5 wt.%, preferably at least 20 wt.%, more preferably at least 30 wt.%, more preferably at least 35 wt.%, in particular at least 40 wt.%. In a corresponding embodiment of the method, the melt is provided by melting old scrap, in particular UBC scrap, in a proportion of at least 5 wt.%, preferably at least 20 wt.%, more preferably at least 30 wt.%, more preferably at least 35 wt.%, in particular at least 40 wt.%. The described aluminum alloy allows the use of old scrap with higher alloy specification AA5182, which is conventionally used for can end strip or can tab strip. In particular, the method allows the use of UBC scrap or other scrap available on the market for the aluminum alloy strip. The use of at least 5 wt.%, preferably at least 20 wt.%, more preferably at least 30 wt.%, particularly preferably at least 35 wt.%, especially at least 40 wt.% recycled scrap, especially recycled UBC scrap, can significantly improve the carbon footprint in the production of aluminum cans.

[0049] In one embodiment, the aluminum strip has a coating, in particular a stove enamel coating. In a corresponding embodiment of the method, this is - painting the cold strip, especially stove enamel painting; Further includes:

[0050] In preparation for painting, the cold strip may be, for example, degreased. The strip may be treated with an adhesion promoter to prepare the surface for painting.

[0051] For stove painting, a liquid lacquer may be applied to one or both sides of the aluminum strip, preferably after an optional degreasing step, and the aluminum strip is then stove painted in a stove painting step. The lacquer may be a polymer-based lacquer, for example an epoxy-based lacquer. The paint is preferably stove painted in an oven, for example a continuous oven, preferably at a temperature of PMT (peak metal temperature) of 180-320°C. Heating the aluminum strip during the stove painting step may cause a change in the condition of the aluminum strip. In particular, the aluminum strip may have a condition H48 according to EN 546-2 after stove enameling. In a corresponding embodiment, the aluminum strip has a condition H48 according to EN 546-2.

[0052] The coated, in particular stove enamelled, strip is preferably used for the production of can ends or can tabs. In this way, no painting process is necessary after punching and forming into can ends or can tabs. Can end strips or can tab strips can also be distinguished from aluminium strips intended for other purposes by the existing lacquer coating.

[0053] In one embodiment, the aluminum strip has a thickness in the range of 0.20 to 0.24 mm. In a corresponding embodiment of the process, cold rolling is performed to a final cold strip thickness in the range of 0.20 to 0.24 mm. Strip thicknesses in this range are particularly suitable for the production of can ends and can tabs.

[0054] In one embodiment, the aluminum strip has a yield stress Rp0.2 in the range of 250-400 MPa. In particular, the described alloy composition combined with the described manufacturing method can achieve a yield stress in this range. Aluminum strip with such strength properties meets the mechanical requirements for the manufacture of can ends and can tabs.

[0055] In one embodiment, the aluminum strip has a tensile strength Rm in the range of 300-450 MPa. In particular, the described alloy compositions in combination with the described manufacturing methods can achieve tensile strengths in this range. Aluminum strip having such strength properties meets the mechanical requirements for the manufacture of can ends and can tabs.

[0056] The yield stress Rp0.2 and the tensile strength Rm should each be determined by a tensile test in accordance with DIN EN ISO6892-1:2020-06.

[0057] Further advantages and features of the device and method are set forth in the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0058] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an aluminum beverage can. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a method for manufacturing aluminum strip. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0059] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an aluminum beverage can. The aluminum beverage can 2 comprises a can body 4, a can end 6 and a can tab 8.

[0060] The can body 4 on the one hand and the can ends 6 and can tabs 8 on the other hand are typically made from different aluminium alloys. To produce this aluminium beverage can, aluminium strips made from different alloys are therefore required: a can body stock from which a blank is punched and formed by draw into the can body, and a can end stock or can tab stock from which the can ends and can tabs are punched.

[0061] In the current state of the art, can body strips made from AA3104 and can end or can tab strips made from AA5182 are typically used.

[0062] Because the body 4, end 6 and tab 8 of the aluminium beverage can 2 are rigidly connected to each other and are not separated from each other when the aluminium beverage can 2 is scrapped at the end of its life cycle, the UBC scrap contains a mixture of different aluminium alloys, in particular a mixture of AA3104 and AA5182.

[0063] Due to the narrow tolerance limits in the AA5182 alloy specification for certain alloying elements, particularly Si, Fe, Cu and Mn, it is not currently possible to use a significant proportion of UBC scrap or other old scrap available in the scrap market for the production of can end strip and can tab strip. Thus, the production of strip from AA5182 currently requires a high use of primary aluminium and essentially pure production scrap, which has a negative impact on the carbon footprint.

[0064] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an example of a method for producing aluminum strip.

[0065] In a first step 110, 0.03% by weight ≦ Si ≦ 0.6% by weight, 0.15% by weight ≦ Fe ≦ 0.8% by weight, 0.02% by weight ≦ Cu ≦ 0.25% by weight, 0.20% by weight ≦ Mn ≦ 1.4% by weight, 3.0% by weight ≦ Mg ≦ 5.0% by weight, Cr ≦ 0.1% by weight, Zn ≦ 0.25% by weight, Ti ≦ 0.10% by weight, 0.05% max. individual impurities, 0.15% max. total impurities, balance aluminum; An aluminum melt 114 having a target composition of The composition of the aluminum melt 114 provided has a Si content greater than 0.20 wt. % and / or an Fe content greater than 0.35 wt. % and / or a Cu content greater than 0.15 wt. % and / or an Mn content greater than 0.5 wt. %.

[0066] The aluminum melt 114 is provided by melting old scrap 115, production scrap 116, primary aluminum 117, and additives 118. For example, UBC scrap or other commercially available scrap having a suitable composition may be used as the old scrap 115. The aforementioned target composition of the molten aluminum 114 allows for significant use of the old scrap to provide the molten aluminum 114. Preferably, the amount of old scrap is at least 5% by weight of the molten aluminum 114, preferably at least 30% by weight.

[0067] In a second step 120, the molten aluminum 114 is DC cast into an ingot 122. The ingot 122 may then be crushed (not shown).

[0068] In a third step 130, the ingot is homogenized, in particular in a pusher-type furnace or a crucible furnace 132, at a holding temperature of, for example, 450-550° C. for at least 0.5 hours.

[0069] In a fourth step 140 , the ingot is hot rolled, for example in a reversing hot mill 144 , to form a hot strip 142 .

[0070] In a fifth step 150, the hot strip 142 is cold rolled to form a cold strip 152. Cold rolling is typically performed in several passes, either in a single pass or in two or more tandem cold rolling stands 154 arranged one after the other. Optionally, the cold rolling may be interrupted for one or more recrystallization intermediate annealing steps 155, in which the coiled strip is annealed in a chamber furnace 156 at a holding temperature of, for example, 300-450° C. for 0.5-4 hours. After the last cold rolling pass, the cold strip 152 preferably has a thickness of 0.20-0.24 mm. After cold rolling, the cold strip may be trimmed (not shown), for example to remove irregular edges of the cold strip and to adjust the width of the cold strip.

[0071] In an optional sixth step 160, the cold strip is subjected to a degreasing treatment to prepare the strip surface for the next coat of paint in a seventh step 170. For the degreasing treatment, the strip 152 may, for example, be passed through or exposed to a degreasing solution 162, such as an alkaline or acidic degreasing solution.

[0072] In an optional seventh step 170, the strip 152 is painted. In particular, the painting may take the form of a stove enamel coating. For this purpose, the aluminum strip may be coated on one or both sides with a liquid lacquer 174 by a lacquer applicator 172 and then passed through a stove furnace 176, which is preferably designed as a continuous oven.

[0073] After the last step, the finished aluminum strip 182 may be wound into coils 184 and supplied to aluminum can manufacturers as can end strip and / or can tab strip. From the aluminum melt 114 provision, the aluminum strip 182 has a recycled scrap content of at least 5% by weight, preferably at least 30% by weight.

[0074] The use of the aluminum strip 182 produced in this way for the production of can ends and / or can tabs of aluminum cans, for example as shown in FIG. 1, makes it possible to reduce the use of old scrap in the production of aluminum cans and thus improve the carbon footprint of aluminum cans.

Claims

1. 0.03% by weight ≦ Si ≦ 0.6% by weight, 0.15% by weight ≦ Fe ≦ 0.8% by weight, 0.02% by weight ≦ Cu ≦ 0.25% by weight, 0.20% by weight ≦ Mn ≦ 1.4% by weight, 3.0% by weight ≦ Mg ≦ 5.0% by weight, Cr≦0.1% by weight, Zn≦0.25% by weight, Ti≦0.10% by weight, Maximum 0.05 wt.% individually and maximum 0.15 wt.% in total impurities, balance aluminum; An aluminum alloy having the composition:

2. 2. An aluminum alloy according to claim 1, characterized in that the Cr-content is in the range of 0.01 to 0.1 wt.% and / or the Zn-content is in the range of 0.01 to 0.25 wt.% and / or the Ti-content is in the range of 0.001 to 0.10 wt.%.

3. 3. An aluminum alloy according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the Mg content is in the range of 3.0 to 5.0 wt.%, preferably in the range of 3.5 to 5.0 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 4.0 to 5.0 wt.%.

4. 3. Aluminium alloy according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the aluminium alloy has a Si-content greater than 0.20% by weight and / or an Fe-content greater than 0.35% by weight and / or a Cu-content greater than 0.15% by weight and / or a Mn-content greater than 0.5% by weight.

5. - the Cr content is in the range of 0.01 to 0.1% by weight and / or the Zn content is in the range of 0.01 to 0.25% by weight and / or the Ti content is in the range of 0.001 to 0.10% by weight, the Mg content is in the range of 3.0 to 5.0 wt.%, preferably in the range of 3.5 to 5.0 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 4.0 to 5.0 wt.%, and - the aluminium alloy has a Si-content greater than 0.20% by weight and / or an Fe-content greater than 0.35% by weight and / or a Cu-content greater than 0.15% by weight and / or an Mn-content greater than 0.5% by weight, The aluminum alloy of claim 1 ,

6. An aluminum strip (182) for producing can ends (6) and / or can tabs (8) from an aluminum alloy according to claim 1 or 5.

7. The aluminum strip (182) is an aluminum strip as described in claim 6, manufactured by claim 13.

8. 7. The aluminum strip according to claim 6, characterized in that the aluminum strip (182) has an aluminum scrap recycled content, in particular an old scrap recycled content, of at least 5% by weight, preferably at least 30% by weight.

9. 7. An aluminum strip according to claim 6, characterized in that the aluminum strip (182) has a coating, in particular a stove enamel coating.

10. The aluminum strip according to claim 6, characterized in that the aluminum strip (182) has a thickness in the range of 0.20 to 0.24 mm.

11. The aluminum strip (182) according to claim 6, characterized in that it has a yield stress Rp0.2 in the range of 250 to 400 MPa.

12. - the aluminum strip (182) has an aluminum scrap recycled content, in particular an old scrap recycled content, of at least 5% by weight, preferably at least 30% by weight, - said aluminum strip (182) has a coating; - said aluminum strip (182) has a thickness ranging from 0.20 to 0.24 mm; and - said aluminum strip (182) has a yield stress Rp0.2 ranging from 250 to 400 MPa; 7. The aluminum strip according to claim 6,

13. 7. A method for manufacturing an aluminum strip (182) according to claim 6, comprising the steps of: - providing a melt (114) of an aluminium alloy according to claim 1 or 5, - casting said melt (114) into an ingot (122), preferably by DC casting; - homogenizing said ingot (122); - hot rolling said ingot to form a hot strip (142); - cold rolling said hot strip (142), optionally with one or more intermediate annealing steps, to form a cold strip (152) of final thickness, said final thickness preferably being in the range of 0.20 to 0.24 mm; - optionally painting said cold strip (152), in particular with stove enamel; A method comprising:

14. 14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the melt (114) is provided by melting old scrap (115) in a proportion of at least 5% by weight, preferably at least 30% by weight.

15. 10. Use of an aluminum alloy according to claim 1 or 5 for producing can ends (6) and / or can tabs (8).

16. Use of an aluminum strip according to claim 6 for producing can ends (6) and / or can tabs (8).

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