New 5xxx aluminum alloys and their manufacturing methods

Abstract

Novel 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet products and manufacturing methods and systems for producing the same are disclosed. The novel 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet products can achieve a yield point elongation (YPE), thereby facilitating the reduction or elimination of A-type Lueders bands (stretcher strain lines). The novel 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet products may be hot rolled to an intermediate gauge product, then cold rolled to a final gauge product without any intermediate annealing before or between cold rolling, followed by a post-cold rolling anneal at a temperature and for a time sufficient to first achieve a recovered but non-recrystallized microstructure, and then converting at least a portion of the recovered but non-recrystallized microstructure to a recrystallized microstructure via a second annealing operation in the post-cold rolling annealing step.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 432,022, filed December 12, 2022, and entitled "NEW 5XXX ALUMINUM ALLOYS AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] 5xxx aluminum alloys are aluminum alloys that contain magnesium as a major alloying element in addition to aluminum. It is unclear how to improve one or more properties of an aluminum alloy without degrading other properties. For example, in automotive applications, it may be important to achieve high strength while avoiding type A Lüders bands (stretcher strain lines). Summary of the Invention

[0003] Generally, this patent application relates to a novel method for processing 5xxx aluminum alloys. The novel method can, for example, facilitate the achievement of aluminum alloy sheets with high strength while limiting or preventing A-type Lueders bands. The novel method (processing) and associated compositions, microstructures, properties, and product applications are described below. Definitions are also provided below.

[0004] i. Processing Referring to Figure 1, one non-limiting embodiment of a novel method for producing 5xxx aluminum alloys is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the method (10) includes hot rolling a 5xxx aluminum alloy into an intermediate gauge product (100), followed by a cold rolling operation to obtain a final gauge product (200), the cold rolling operation including at least one cold rolling step, without intermediate annealing (250) before or during the cold rolling operation. The final gauge product (300) is then subjected to a post-cold rolling anneal. The post-cold rolling anneal (300) may be performed at one or more temperatures and for one or more times. In one embodiment, the post-cold rolling anneal includes a first annealing step, which achieves a recovered, but not recrystallized, microstructure in the final gauge product. The second annealing step may be performed after the first annealing step, and the first annealing step converts at least a portion of the recovered, but unrecrystallized, microstructure to a recrystallized microstructure (defined below). In one embodiment, the post-cold rolling annealing step may be performed at one or more temperatures for one or more times sufficient to achieve a final gauge product with (i) a YPE of 0.60% or less, (ii) no A-type Lueders bands, or (iii) both (i) and (ii).

[0005] A. Hot rolling The hot rolling step (100) generally involves hot rolling a 5xxx aluminum alloy ingot or continuously cast strip into an intermediate gauge product. The ingot may be produced by a conventional direct chill casting operation. The continuously cast strip may be produced by a conventional strip casting operation. In either case, the ingot or continuously cast strip may be homogenized prior to the hot rolling step (100). Any number of hot rolling passes may be used to produce the intermediate gauge product. In one embodiment, the intermediate gauge product has a thickness sufficient to yield a final gauge product of 0.5 to 5.0 mm after completion of the cold rolling operation (200), described below.

[0006] B. Cold rolling operations After the hot rolling (100), a cold rolling operation (200) is completed. The cold rolling operation (200) may include any number of cold rolling steps. The cold rolling operation (200) does not include an intermediate annealing step (250), thereby saving time and allowing for more efficient processing.

[0007] In one embodiment, the cold rolling operation is completed in a single cold rolling pass. It has been unexpectedly discovered that the unique processing steps described herein enable the final gauge product to achieve a YPE of 0.60% or less in a single cold rolling pass and without intermediate annealing, despite the large amount of cold work applied. Nevertheless, the cold rolling operation (200) may be completed in one or more cold rolling passes.

[0008] In one embodiment, the cold rolling operation (200) comprises reducing the thickness of the intermediate gauge product by at least 25%. In another embodiment, the cold rolling operation (200) comprises reducing the thickness of the intermediate gauge product by at least 30%. In yet another embodiment, the cold rolling operation (200) comprises reducing the thickness of the intermediate gauge product by at least 35%. In another embodiment, the cold rolling operation (200) comprises reducing the thickness of the intermediate gauge product by at least 40%. In yet another embodiment, the cold rolling operation (200) comprises reducing the thickness of the intermediate gauge product by at least 45%. In another embodiment, the cold rolling operation (200) comprises reducing the thickness of the intermediate gauge product by at least 50%. In yet another embodiment, the cold rolling operation (200) comprises reducing the thickness of the intermediate gauge product by at least 55%. In another embodiment, the cold rolling operation (200) comprises reducing the thickness of the intermediate gauge product by at least 60%. In yet another embodiment, the cold rolling operation (200) comprises reducing the thickness of the intermediate gauge product by at least 65%.

[0009] In one embodiment, the cold rolling operation (200) comprises reducing the thickness of the intermediate gauge product by 80% or less. In another embodiment, the cold rolling operation (200) comprises reducing the thickness of the intermediate gauge product by 75% or less. In yet another embodiment, the cold rolling operation (200) comprises reducing the thickness of the intermediate gauge product by 70% or less.

[0010] In one approach, the final gauge product produced by the cold rolling operation (200) has a thickness of 0.5 to 5.0 mm. In one embodiment, the final gauge product has a thickness of at least 1.0 mm. In one embodiment, the final gauge product has a thickness of 4.5 mm or less. In another embodiment, the final gauge product has a thickness of 4.0 mm or less. In yet another embodiment, the final gauge product has a thickness of 3.5 mm or less. In another embodiment, the final gauge product has a thickness of 3.0 mm or less. In yet another embodiment, the final gauge product has a thickness of 2.5 mm or less. In another embodiment, the final gauge product has a thickness of 2.4 mm or less. In yet another embodiment, the final gauge product has a thickness of 2.3 mm or less. In another embodiment, the final gauge product has a thickness of 2.2 mm or less. In yet another embodiment, the final gauge product has a thickness of 2.1 mm or less. In another embodiment, the final gauge product has a thickness of 2.0 mm or less.

[0011] C. Annealing after cold rolling As described above, after the cold rolling operation (200), the method (10) includes a post-cold rolling annealing step (300). Referring now to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the post-cold rolling annealing step (300) includes a first annealing step (320) at a first temperature for a first duration and a second annealing step (340) at a second temperature for a second duration. The first annealing step (320) may result in the final gauge product achieving a recovered, non-recrystallized microstructure (322). The second annealing step (340) may result in the final gauge product achieving a recrystallized microstructure (342). In one embodiment, the second annealing step (340) may convert at least a portion of the recovered, non-recrystallized microstructure (322) to the recrystallized microstructure (342).

[0012] The temperature of the first annealing step (320) may have one temperature set point or multiple temperature set points. The duration of the first annealing step (320) may include one duration or multiple durations and may span one or more temperatures for the first annealing step (320). The temperature of the second annealing step (340) may have one temperature set point or multiple temperature set points. The duration of the second annealing step (340) may include one duration or multiple durations and may span one or more temperatures for the second annealing step (340). In one embodiment, the temperature of the first annealing step (320) is below the recrystallization temperature of the final gauge product, and the temperature of the second annealing step (340) is above the recrystallization temperature of the final gauge product.

[0013] In an approximate embodiment, the temperature (first temperature) of the first annealing step (320) is 350 o F~500 o In one embodiment, the first temperature is at least 375°F. o In another embodiment, the first temperature is at least 400° F. o In yet another embodiment, the first temperature is at least 410°F.o In another embodiment, the first temperature is at least 420°F. o In yet another embodiment, the first temperature is at least 430°F. o In another embodiment, the first temperature is at least 440°F. o In yet another embodiment, the first temperature is at least 450°F. o In one embodiment, the first temperature is 490 o In another embodiment, the first temperature is 480°F or less. o In yet another embodiment, the first temperature is 470°F or less. o In another embodiment, the first temperature is 460°F or less. o It is below F.

[0014] The duration (first period) of the first annealing step (320) is generally at least 30 minutes. In one approach, the first period is at least 1 hour and not more than 10 days. In one embodiment, the first period is at least 2 hours. In another embodiment, the first period is at least 4 hours. In yet another embodiment, the first period is at least 6 hours. In another embodiment, the first period is at least 8 hours. In yet another embodiment, the first period is at least 10 hours. In another embodiment, the first period is at least 12 hours. In yet another embodiment, the first period is at least 14 hours. In another embodiment, the first period is at least 16 hours. In yet another embodiment, the first period is at least 18 hours. In another embodiment, the first period is at least 20 hours. In yet another embodiment, the first period is at least 22 hours. In another embodiment, the first period is at least 24 hours. In yet another embodiment, the first period of time is at least 26 hours. In another embodiment, the first period of time is at least 28 hours. In yet another embodiment, the first period of time is at least 30 hours. In another embodiment, the first period of time is at least 32 hours. In yet another embodiment, the first period of time is at least 34 hours. In another embodiment, the first period of time is at least 36 hours. In yet another embodiment, the first period of time is at least 38 hours. In another embodiment, the first period of time is at least 40 hours. In yet another embodiment, the first period of time is at least 42 hours. In another embodiment, the first period of time is at least 44 hours. In yet another embodiment, the first period of time is at least 46 hours. In another embodiment, the first period of time is at least 48 hours. In yet another embodiment, the first period of time is at least 50 hours.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first period of time is 9 days or less. In another embodiment, the first period of time of the first annealing step is 8 days or less. In yet another embodiment, the first period of time of the first annealing step is 7 days or less. In another embodiment, the first period of time of the first annealing step is 6 days or less. In yet another embodiment, the first period of time of the first annealing step is 5 days or less. In another embodiment, the first period of time is 4 days or less. In yet another embodiment, the first period of time is 3 days or less. In another embodiment, the first period of time is 65 hours or less. In yet another embodiment, the first period of time is 60 hours or less.

[0016] The first temperature and first duration of the first annealing step (320) may achieve a recovered but non-recrystallized microstructure (322) in the final gauge 5xxx aluminum alloy product. In one embodiment, the combination of the first temperature and first duration of the first annealing step (320) is sufficient to achieve a non-recrystallized and recovered microstructure (322) in the final gauge 5xxx aluminum alloy product.

[0017] In one approach, the temperature ("second temperature") of the second annealing step (340) is at least 25°F higher than the first temperature of the first annealing step (320). In one embodiment, the second temperature of the second annealing step (340) is at least 50°F higher than the first temperature of the first annealing step (320). In another embodiment, the second temperature of the second annealing step (340) is at least 100°F higher than the first temperature of the first annealing step (320). In yet another embodiment, the second temperature of the second annealing step (340) is at least 150°F higher than the first temperature of the first annealing step (320). In another embodiment, the second temperature of the second annealing step (340) is at least 200°F higher than the first temperature of the first annealing step (320). In yet another embodiment, the second temperature of the second annealing step (340) is at least 250°F higher than the first temperature of the first annealing step (320). In another embodiment, the second temperature of the second annealing step (340) is at least 300°F higher than the first temperature of the first annealing step (320). In yet another embodiment, the second temperature of the second annealing step (340) is at least 350°F higher than the first temperature of the first annealing step (320). In another embodiment, the second temperature of the second annealing step (340) is at least 400°F higher than the first temperature of the first annealing step (320).

[0018] In one approach, the second temperature of the second annealing step (340) is greater than 500°F and less than or equal to 900°F. In one embodiment, the second temperature is at least 550°F. In another embodiment, the second temperature is at least 600°F. In yet another embodiment, the second temperature is at least 650°F. In another embodiment, the second temperature is at least 700°F. In yet another embodiment, the second temperature is at least 725°F. In another embodiment, the second temperature is at least 750°F. In yet another embodiment, the second temperature is at least 775°F. In another embodiment, the second temperature is at least 800°F. In yet another embodiment, the second temperature is at least 825°F. In one embodiment, the second temperature is less than or equal to 890°F. In another embodiment, the second temperature is less than or equal to 880°F. In yet another embodiment, the second temperature is less than or equal to 870°F. In another embodiment, the second temperature is less than or equal to 860° F. In yet another embodiment, the second temperature is less than or equal to 850° F. In another embodiment, the second temperature is less than or equal to 840° F.

[0019] Typically, the duration ("second period") of the second annealing step (340) is at least 1 second (e.g., for continuous in-line operation). In one approach, the second period is from 5 seconds to 48 hours. In one embodiment, the second period is at least 10 seconds. In another embodiment, the second period is at least 15 seconds. In yet another embodiment, the second period is at least 20 seconds. In another embodiment, the second period is at least 30 seconds. In yet another embodiment, the second period is at least 45 seconds. In another embodiment, the second period is at least 60 seconds. In yet another embodiment, the second period is at least 3 minutes (e.g., in a batch annealing embodiment). In another embodiment, the second period is 5 minutes. In yet another embodiment, the second period is at least 10 minutes. In another embodiment, the second period is 20 minutes. In yet another embodiment, the second period is at least 30 minutes. In another embodiment, the second period of time is 45 minutes. In yet another embodiment, the second period of time is at least 60 minutes. In another embodiment, the second period of time is 75 minutes. In yet another embodiment, the second period of time is at least 90 minutes. In another embodiment, the second period of time is 105 minutes. In yet another embodiment, the second period of time is at least 120 minutes.

[0020] In one embodiment, the second period of time is 36 hours or less. In another embodiment, the second period of time is 30 hours or less. In yet another embodiment, the second period of time is 24 hours or less. In another embodiment, the second period of time is 18 hours or less. In yet another embodiment, the second period of time is 12 hours or less. In another embodiment, the second period of time is 11 hours or less. In yet another embodiment, the second period of time is 10 hours or less. In another embodiment, the second period of time is 9 hours or less. In yet another embodiment, the second period of time is 8 hours or less. In another embodiment, the second period of time is 7 hours or less. In yet another embodiment, the second period of time is 6 hours or less. In another embodiment, the second period of time is 5 hours or less. In yet another embodiment, the second period of time is 4 hours or less.

[0021] The second temperature and second duration of the second annealing step (340) may cause the final gauge 5xxx aluminum alloy product to achieve a recrystallized microstructure (342). In one embodiment, the combination of the second temperature and second duration of the second annealing step (320) is sufficient to achieve a recrystallized microstructure (342) in the final gauge 5xxx aluminum alloy product.

[0022] ii. Composition Any suitable 5xxx aluminum alloy may be processed according to the new processing techniques disclosed in this disclosure, which may be particularly useful for limiting or preventing A-type Lueders bands in 5xxx aluminum alloys having high amounts of magnesium (e.g., 4.0-6.0 wt. % Mg).

[0023] In one embodiment, the 5xxx aluminum alloy contains at least 4.0 wt.% Mg. In another embodiment, the 5xxx aluminum alloy contains at least 4.1 wt.% Mg. In yet another embodiment, the 5xxx aluminum alloy contains at least 4.2 wt.% Mg. In another embodiment, the 5xxx aluminum alloy contains at least 4.3 wt.% Mg. In yet another embodiment, the 5xxx aluminum alloy contains at least 4.4 wt.% Mg. In another embodiment, the 5xxx aluminum alloy contains at least 4.5 wt.% Mg.

[0024] In one embodiment, the 5xxx aluminum alloy contains not more than 5.5 wt.% Mg. In another embodiment, the 5xxx aluminum alloy contains not more than 5.4 wt.% Mg. In yet another embodiment, the 5xxx aluminum alloy contains not more than 5.3 wt.% Mg. In another embodiment, the 5xxx aluminum alloy contains not more than 5.2 wt.% Mg. In yet another embodiment, the 5xxx aluminum alloy contains not more than 5.1 wt.% Mg. In another embodiment, the 5xxx aluminum alloy contains not more than 5.0 wt.% Mg. In yet another embodiment, the 5xxx aluminum alloy contains not more than 4.9 wt.% Mg. In another embodiment, the 5xxx aluminum alloy contains not more than 4.8 wt.% Mg.

[0025] In one approach, the 5xxx aluminum alloys contain 4.0-5.0 wt.% Mg, up to 0.50 wt.% Mn, up to 0.75 wt.% Zn, up to 0.35 wt.% Fe, up to 0.20 wt.% Si, up to 0.15 wt.% Cu, up to 0.10 wt.% Cr, and up to 0.10 wt.% Ti, with the balance being aluminum, optional incidental elements, and impurities. In one approach, the 5xxx aluminum alloys contain less than 0.25 wt.% Zn, e.g., 0.20 wt.% Zn or less, or 0.15 wt.% Zn or less, or 0.10 wt.% Zn or less. In another embodiment, the 5xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 0.25 wt.% Zn, e.g., at least 0.30 wt.% Zn, or at least 0.35 wt.% Zn, or at least 0.40 wt.% Zn, or at least 0.45 wt.% Zn, or at least 0.50 wt.% Zn.

[0026] In one embodiment, the 5xxx aluminum alloys are manufactured in accordance with the Aluminum Association's document "International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum and Wrought Aluminum Alloys," January 2015, The Aluminum Association Inc., 1525 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 600, Arlington, VA. 22209), 5182, 5019, 5019A, 5119, 5119A, 5022, 5023, 5024, 5026, 5027, 5028, 5056, 5356, 5356A, 5456, 5456A, 5456B, 5556, 5556A, 5556B, 5556C, 5058, 5059, 5070, 5180, 5180A, 5082, 5083, 5183, 5183A, 5283, 5283A, 5283B, 5383, 5483, 5086, 5186, 5087, 5187, and 5088 aluminum alloys. In one embodiment, the 5xxx aluminum alloy is 5082 or 5182. In one embodiment, the 5xxx aluminum alloy contains 4.0-5.0 wt. % Mg and is selected from the group consisting of 5182, 5019, 5019A, 5119, 5119A, 5022, 5024, 5026, 5027, 5028, 5056, 5356, 5356A, 5456, 5456A, 5456B, 5556, 5556C, 5058, 5070, 5180, 5180A, 5082, 5083, 5183, 5183A, 5283, 5283A, 5283B, 5383, 5483, 5086, 5186, 5087, 5187, and 5088 alloys.

[0027] As noted above, the balance of a 5xxx aluminum alloy generally consists of aluminum, optional accessory elements, and impurities. As used in this disclosure, "accessory elements" refers to elements or materials, other than those listed above, that can be optionally added to an alloy to aid in the production of the alloy. Examples of accessory elements include casting aids such as grain refiners and deoxidizers. Optional accessory elements may be included in the alloy in a cumulative amount of up to 1.0 wt.%. As one non-limiting example, one or more accessory elements may be added to the alloy during casting to, for example, reduce or limit (or in some cases eliminate) cracking of the ingot due to oxide wrinkles, pits, and oxide patches. These types of accessory elements are generally referred to as deoxidizers in this disclosure. Examples of some deoxidizers include Ca, Sr, and Be. When calcium (Ca) is included in the alloy, it is generally present in an amount of up to about 0.05 wt.%, or up to about 0.03 wt.%. In some embodiments, Ca is included in the alloy in an amount of about 0.001-0.03 wt.%, such as 0.001-0.008 wt.% (i.e., 10-80 ppm). Strontium (Sr) can be included in the alloy (in whole or in part) as a substitute for Ca, and thus may be included in the alloy in the same or similar amount as Ca. Traditionally, the addition of beryllium (Be) has helped reduce the tendency of ingots to crack, but for environmental, health, and safety reasons, some embodiments of the alloy are substantially free of Be. When Be is included in the alloy, it is generally present in an amount up to about 20 ppm. Accessory elements can be present in minor or significant amounts, and may themselves add desirable or other properties without departing from the alloy described herein, so long as the alloy retains the desired properties described herein. However, it should be understood that the scope of the present disclosure should not / cannot be circumvented by simply adding elements in amounts that would not otherwise affect the desired obtained combination of properties in the present disclosure.

[0028] The novel 5xxx aluminum alloys may be configured to contain small amounts of impurities. In one embodiment, the 5xxx aluminum alloys contain no more than 0.15 wt.% total impurities, with each impurity contained in the 5xxx aluminum alloy being no more than 0.05 wt.%. In another embodiment, the 5xxx aluminum alloys contain no more than 0.10 wt.% total impurities, with each impurity contained in the 5xxx aluminum alloy being no more than 0.03 wt.%.

[0029] iii. Microstructure The new 5xxx aluminum alloys described herein may achieve a unique microstructure. In one embodiment, due at least in part to the combination of the first annealing step (320) and the second annealing step (340), the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products are recrystallized (342), as measured according to the Microstructure Evaluation Procedure described in the Definitions section below. In one embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products are at least 60% recrystallized. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products are at least 70% recrystallized. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products are at least 75% recrystallized. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products are at least 80% recrystallized. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products are at least 85% recrystallized. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products are at least 90% recrystallized. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products are at least 95% recrystallized.

[0030] In one embodiment, due at least in part to the combination of the first annealing step (320) and the second annealing step (340), the final gauge product achieves at least one of the following: (A) an area-weighted average grain size of 40 micrometers or less (e.g., 20-40 micrometers), (B) a brass texture content of 14% or less, or (C) an S texture content of 19% or less, as measured, for example, according to the Microstructure Evaluation Procedure described in the Definitions section below. In another embodiment, due at least in part to the combination of the first annealing step (320) and the second annealing step (340), the final gauge product achieves at least two of the aforementioned characteristics (A), (B), and (C). In yet another embodiment, due at least in part to the combination of the first annealing step (320) and the second annealing step (340), the final gauge product achieves all three of the above-described properties (A), (B), and (C).

[0031] As noted above, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products may achieve an area weighted average grain size of 40 micrometers or less. In one embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products achieve an area weighted average grain size of at least 15 micrometers. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products achieve an area weighted average grain size of at least 18 micrometers. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products achieve an area weighted average grain size of at least 20 micrometers. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products achieve an area weighted average grain size of at least 22 micrometers. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products achieve an area weighted average grain size of at least 24 micrometers.

[0032] In one embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products realize an area weighted average grain size of 39 micrometers or less. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products realize an area weighted average grain size of 38 micrometers or less. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products realize an area weighted average grain size of 37 micrometers or less. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products realize an area weighted average grain size of 36 micrometers or less.

[0033] In one embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products achieve a brass texture of 13% or less. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products achieve a brass texture of 12% or less. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products achieve a brass texture of 11% or less. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products achieve a brass texture of 10% or less. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products achieve a brass texture of 9% or less. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products achieve a brass texture of 8% or less. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products achieve a brass texture of 7% or less.

[0034] In one embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products realize at least 1% brass texture. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products realize at least 2% brass texture. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products realize at least 3% brass texture. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products realize at least 4% brass texture. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products realize at least 5% brass texture. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products realize at least 6% brass texture.

[0035] In one embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products achieve an S-texture level of 18% or less. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products achieve an S-texture level of 17% or less. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products achieve an S-texture level of 16% or less. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products achieve an S-texture level of 15% or less. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products achieve an S-texture level of 14% or less.

[0036] In one embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products realize an S-texture amount of at least 5%. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products realize an S-texture amount of at least 7%. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products realize an S-texture amount of at least 9%. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products realize an S-texture amount of at least 11%. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products realize an S-texture amount of at least 12%. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products realize an S-texture amount of at least 13%.

[0037] In one embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products have at least 1% (absolute value) less brass texture than a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products have at least 2% (absolute value) less brass texture than a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products have at least 3% (absolute value) less brass texture than a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products have at least 4% (absolute value) less brass texture than a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products contain at least 5% (absolute value) less brass texture than a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products contain at least 6% (absolute value) less brass texture than a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products contain at least 7% (absolute value) less brass texture than the equivalent gauge 5182-OE21 product. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products contain at least 8% (absolute value) less brass texture than the equivalent gauge 5182-OE21 product. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products contain at least 9% (absolute value) less brass texture than the equivalent gauge 5182-OE21 product.

[0038] For example, if a new 5xxx aluminum alloy product has 10% brass texture and a comparable gauge 5182-OE21 product has 14% brass texture, then the new 5xxx aluminum alloy product will have 4% less (in absolute value) brass texture than the comparable gauge 5182-OE21 product.

[0039] In one embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products have at least 1% (absolute value) less S texture than a 5182-OE21 product of comparable gauge. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products have at least 2% (absolute value) less S texture than a 5182-OE21 product of comparable gauge. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products have at least 3% (absolute value) less S texture than a 5182-OE21 product of comparable gauge. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products have at least 4% (absolute value) less S texture than a 5182-OE21 product of comparable gauge. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products contain at least 5% (absolute value) less S texture than a 5182-OE21 product of comparable gauge. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products contain at least 6% (absolute value) less S texture than a 5182-OE21 product of comparable gauge. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products contain at least 7% (absolute value) less S texture than a comparable gauge 5182-OE21 product.

[0040] For example, if a new 5xxx aluminum alloy product has 14% S texture and a comparable gauge 5182-OE21 product has 22% S texture, then the new 5xxx aluminum alloy product has 8% (absolute value) less S texture than the comparable gauge 5182-OE21 product.

[0041] In one embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products achieve an area weighted average grain size that is at least 2 micrometers less than the area weighted average grain size of a comparable gauge 5182-OE21 product. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products achieve an area weighted average grain size that is at least 3 micrometers less than the area weighted average grain size of a comparable gauge 5182-OE21 product. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products achieve an area weighted average grain size that is at least 4 micrometers less than the area weighted average grain size of a comparable gauge 5182-OE21 product. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products achieve an area weighted average grain size that is at least 5 micrometers less than the area weighted average grain size of a comparable gauge 5182-OE21 product. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products achieve an area weighted average grain size that is at least 6 micrometers less than the area weighted average grain size of a comparable gauge 5182-OE21 product. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products realize an area weighted average grain size that is at least 7 micrometers less than the area weighted average grain size of a comparable gauge 5182-OE21 product. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products realize an area weighted average grain size that is at least 8 micrometers less than the area weighted average grain size of a comparable gauge 5182-OE21 product. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products realize an area weighted average grain size that is at least 9 micrometers less than the area weighted average grain size of a comparable gauge 5182-OE21 product. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products realize an area weighted average grain size that is at least 10 micrometers less than the area weighted average grain size of a comparable gauge 5182-OE21 product. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products realize an area weighted average grain size that is at least 11 micrometers less than the area weighted average grain size of a comparable gauge 5182-OE21 product. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products achieve an area weighted mean grain size that is at least 12 micrometers less than the area weighted mean grain size of a comparable gauge 5182-OE21 product.In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products achieve an area weighted average grain size that is at least 13 micrometers less than the area weighted average grain size of a comparable gauge 5182-OE21 product. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products achieve an area weighted average grain size that is at least 14 micrometers less than the area weighted average grain size of a comparable gauge 5182-OE21 product. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products achieve an area weighted average grain size that is at least 15 micrometers less than the area weighted average grain size of a comparable gauge 5182-OE21 product. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products achieve an area weighted average grain size that is at least 16 micrometers less than the area weighted average grain size of a comparable gauge 5182-OE21 product. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products achieve an area weighted average grain size that is at least 17 micrometers less than the area weighted average grain size of a comparable gauge 5182-OE21 product.

[0042] For example, if a new 5xxx aluminum alloy product achieves an area weighted average grain size of 35 micrometers and a comparable gauge 5182-OE21 product achieves an area weighted average grain size of 45 micrometers, the area weighted average grain size of the new 5xxx aluminum alloy product is 10 micrometers less than the area weighted average grain size of the comparable gauge 5182-OE21 product.

[0043] iv.Characteristics As noted above, the new 5xxx aluminum alloys described in the present disclosure may realize improved combinations of properties. For example, products made from the new 5xxx aluminum alloys may realize improved combinations of two or more of the following properties, such as a combination of two or more of the following: (a) absence or limited presence of A-type Lueders bands (stretcher strain lines), (b) strength, (c) yield point elongation, and (d) ductility.

[0044] In one embodiment, the new final gauge 5xxx aluminum alloy products do not have A-type Lueders bands (stretcher strain wires).

[0045] As discussed above, the new 5xxx aluminum alloys may achieve a yield point elongation (YPE) of 0.60% or less, which may be an indicator of a tendency toward the development of type A Lueders bands. In one embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloys achieve a YPE of 0.55% or less. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloys achieve a YPE of 0.50% or less. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloys achieve a YPE of 0.45% or less. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloys achieve a YPE of 0.40% or less. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloys achieve a YPE of 0.35% or less. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloys achieve a YPE of 0.30% or less. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloys achieve a YPE of 0.25% or less. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloys achieve a YPE of 0.20% or less.

[0046] In one embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloys achieve a tensile yield strength (LT) of at least 100 MPa. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloys achieve a tensile yield strength (LT) of at least 105 MPa. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloys achieve a tensile yield strength (LT) of at least 110 MPa. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloys achieve a tensile yield strength (LT) of at least 115 MPa. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloys achieve a tensile yield strength (LT) of at least 120 MPa. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloys achieve a tensile yield strength (LT) of at least 125 MPa.

[0047] In one embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloys achieve an ultimate tensile strength (LT) of at least 260 MPa. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloys achieve an ultimate tensile strength (LT) of at least 265 MPa. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloys achieve an ultimate tensile strength (LT) of at least 270 MPa. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloys achieve an ultimate tensile strength (LT) of at least 275 MPa. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloys achieve an ultimate tensile strength (LT) of at least 280 MPa. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloys achieve an ultimate tensile strength (LT) of at least 285 MPa.

[0048] In one embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloys achieve a uniform elongation (LT) of at least 15%. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloys achieve a uniform elongation (LT) of at least 16%. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloys achieve a uniform elongation (LT) of at least 17%. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloys achieve a uniform elongation (LT) of at least 18%. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloys achieve a uniform elongation (LT) of at least 19%. In another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloys achieve a uniform elongation (LT) of at least 20%. In yet another embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloys achieve a uniform elongation (LT) of at least 21%.

[0049] v.Product usage The novel aluminum alloys described in this disclosure can be used in a variety of applications, including automotive, consumer electronics, and consumer electronics applications, as well as beverage can stock, among others. For example, the novel aluminum alloys can be formed into automotive components. Non-limiting examples of automotive components include vehicle bodies and automotive panels. Non-limiting examples of automotive panels can include exterior and interior panels for use in vehicle doors, vehicle hoods, or vehicle trunks (decklids), among others. An example of an automotive body product is a sheet metal part of an automotive body (e.g., a body-in-white), which can be a structural component and typically requires additional strength to withstand crash requirements. In one embodiment, the novel aluminum alloy is a battery housing, such as those used in electric vehicles. The novel aluminum alloys can also be used in other transportation applications, such as light trucks or heavy trucks. Consumer electronics applications include laptop cases and battery cases, among other stamped and formed products. Beverage can stock includes can tab and can end applications.

[0050] vi.Definition "Wrought aluminum alloy product" means an aluminum alloy product that is hot worked after casting, and includes rolled products (sheet or plate), forged products, and extruded products.

[0051] "Hot working," for example, by hot rolling, means working an aluminum alloy product at an elevated temperature, generally at least 250°F (121.1°C). Strain hardening is limited / avoided during hot working, and generally distinguishes hot working from cold working.

[0052] "Cold working," e.g., by cold rolling, means working an aluminum alloy product at temperatures that are not considered hot working temperatures, generally below about 121.1°C (250°F) (e.g., at ambient temperature).

[0053] The definition of tempering is from ANSI H35.1 (2009), published by the Aluminum Association, entitled "American National Standard Alloy and Temper Designation Systems for Aluminum."

[0054] Strength and elongation are measured according to ASTM E8 / E8M-16a and B557-15.

[0055] "Intermediate annealing" refers to an intentional heat treatment performed on a material while it is at an intermediate gauge. For example, intermediate annealing refers to annealing performed on an intermediate gauge material before or between cold rolling passes.

[0056] "Yield point elongation" (YPE) is measured as follows: • First, the stress-strain curve of the aluminum alloy is obtained by tensile testing the aluminum alloy in the LT direction according to ASTM E8 and B557. ● Next, enlarge the stress-strain curve so that strains between 0% and 1.5% are visible. ● Then, identify the "YPE plateau." The YPE plateau is defined as the strain from the onset of significant yielding on the stress-strain curve to the end of the plateau. The YPE end is the onset of sustained work hardening. • Finally, the YPE is calculated by the difference in total strain at the beginning and end of the plateau and expressed as a percentage with two decimal points. • For an alloy to be classified as having reduced stretcher strain, the YPE must be 0.60% or less.

[0057] "A-type Luders bands" and the like refer to bright stretcher strain marks as per Romhanji, Endre et al., "On the Al-Mg alloy sheets for automotive application: Problems and solutions," Metalurgija 10.3 (2004):205-216, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0058] As used in this disclosure, "recrystallized microstructure" means a microstructure having at least 50% by volume of type 1 grains. In one embodiment, the recrystallized microstructure comprises at least 60% by volume of type 1 grains, or at least 70% by volume of type 1 grains, or at least 75% by volume of type 1 grains, or at least 80% by volume of type 1 grains, or at least 85% by volume of type 1 grains, or at least 90% by volume of type 1 grains, or at least 95% by volume of type 1 grains.

[0059] As used in this disclosure, "non-crystallized microstructure" means a microstructure having less than 50% by volume of first type grains.

[0060] As used in this disclosure, "recovered microstructure" means that while the substructure may change, such as cell size growth, dislocation collapse, and dislocation network rearrangement, among others, the overall grain structure remains unrecrystallized.

[0061] vii. Microstructural Evaluation Procedure The following procedures and definitions apply to measuring the microstructural makeup (e.g., percent recrystallization, texture) of products made according to this application.

[0062] A. Recrystallization Measurement Procedure "Percent recrystallization" and the like means the volume fraction of a wrought aluminum alloy product that has recrystallized grains. The amount of recrystallized grains is measured by EBSD (Electron Backscatter Diffraction) analysis of a suitable number of SEM micrographs of the wrought aluminum alloy product in accordance with this "Recrystallization Measurement Procedure." Typically, at least five micrographs should be analyzed.

[0063] "Recrystallized grains" means grains of a crystalline microstructure that meet the "Criteria for Type I Grains" defined below, as measured using the OIM (Orientation Imaging Microscopy) sample preparation procedure described below.

[0064] OIM analysis should be completed through the entire thickness of the sheet sample on the L-ST plane using the following OIM sample procedure. The size of the sample analyzed will generally vary depending on the gauge. Prior to measurement, the OIM sample is prepared using standard metallographic sample preparation methods. For example, the OIM sample is metallographically prepared and then polished (e.g., using 0.05 micron colloidal silica). The sample is then anodized for 90 seconds with Barker's reagent, a dilute fluoroboric acid solution. The sample is then stripped using an aqueous phosphoric acid solution containing chromium trioxide, rinsed, and dried.

[0065] The "OIM Sample Procedure" is as follows: ● The software used is APEX EBSD Collection Software version 2 (EDAX Inc., New Jersey, USA) or equivalent, connected to a Velocity EBSD camera (EDAX Inc., New Jersey, USA) or equivalent. The SEM is an APREO S field emission electron gun (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA) or equivalent. ● The OIM operating conditions are: tilt 68°, working distance 18 mm, accelerating voltage 20 kV, dynamic focusing, and instrument-specific beam current 51 nA (nanoamperes). The collection mode is hexagonal grid. Orientation is selected to be collected for analysis (i.e., Hough peak information is not collected). The area size per scan (i.e., frame) is 2.0 mm x 1 mm for a 2 mm gauge sample at 40X with 1 micron steps. Depending on the gauge, various frame sizes can be used. The collected data is output to an *.osc file. This data can be used to calculate the volume fraction of type 1 grains, as described below. ● Calculation of the volume fraction of type 1 grains: The volume fraction of type 1 grains is calculated using the data in the *.osc file and OIM analysis software (EDAX Inc., New Jersey, USA) version 8.1.0, or equivalent. Prior to the calculation, a two-stage data cleanup can be performed. First, an adjacent orientation correlation cleanup is performed for any points with a confidence index below a threshold of 0.08. Next, a grain expansion cleanup is performed for any grains with fewer than three data points. The amount of type 1 grains is then calculated by the software using the criteria for type 1 grains (below). ● Criterion for Type 1 grains: The grain average misorientation (GAM) is calculated. "Apply partition before calculation", "Include edge grains", and "Ignore twin boundary definition" are all required. Any grain with a GAM ≤ 1° is a Type 1 grain.

[0066] "First grain volume" (FGV) means the volume fraction of first grains in a crystalline material.

[0067] "Percent Recrystallized" is calculated by the following formula: FGV*100%.

[0068] The term "grain" has the meaning defined in ASTM E112 §3.2.2, i.e., "the area within the original (primary) boundary as observed on a two-dimensional plane of grinding, or that volume enclosed by the original (primary) boundary of a three-dimensional object."

[0069] "Grain size" is calculated by the following formula:

number

[0070] The "area-weighted average particle size" is calculated by the following formula:

number

[0071] B. Texture "Texture" means the preferred orientation of at least some of the grains of a crystalline structure. Texture components resulting from the manufacturing of an aluminum alloy product may include one or more of copper, S texture, brass, cube, and Goss texture, to name a few. Each of these texture components is defined in Table A below. [Table A] The EBSD data for texture quantification is the same as the data generated as described above to determine "grain size" and "recrystallization fraction." Quantification of the texture components present is performed using EBSD software, i.e., OIM Analysis Software version 8.1.0 or equivalent. The first step is to align the EBSD data from the L-ST plane to the more commonly used L-LT reference plane. Quantification of the texture components present (cube%, goss%, brass%, S%, copper%) is determined as the percentage of the number of measured points assigned to a particular texture component. If the misorientation angle deviates from the ideal orientation by less than 15 degrees, the point is assigned to the texture component. This numerical percentage is multiplied by 100 to determine the percentage of each texture component in the sample.

[0072] viii. Other These and other aspects, advantages, and novel features of the new technology are described in part in the description that follows, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and drawings, or may be learned by practicing one or more embodiments of the technology provided by this disclosure.

[0073] Among those benefits and improvements that have been disclosed, other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Although detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in this disclosure, it should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Furthermore, each of the examples given in connection with various embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative and not limiting.

[0074] Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take on the meanings clearly associated with the present disclosure, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the phrases "in one embodiment" and "in some embodiments" do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may. Furthermore, as used in this disclosure, the phrases "in another embodiment" and "in some other embodiments" do not necessarily refer to different embodiments, although they may. Thus, various embodiments of the invention may be readily combined without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

[0075] Additionally, as used herein, the term "or" is an inclusive "or" modifier and is equivalent to the term "and / or" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "based on" is not exclusive and may be based on additional unrecited elements unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, throughout this specification, "a," "an," and "the" include plural meanings unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. "In" includes "in" and "on" meanings unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0076] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, it should be understood that these embodiments are illustrative only, not limiting, and that many variations may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Moreover, unless the context clearly requires, the various steps may be performed in any desired order, and any applicable steps may be added and / or removed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0077] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a process flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for producing a 5xxx aluminum alloy according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0078] [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a process flow diagram illustrating an embodiment relating to the post-cold rolling annealing step (300) of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0079] Example 1

[0080] Industrial-scale ingots of 5182 aluminum alloy were direct-chill (DC) cast, homogenized, skived / peeled according to conventional techniques, and then hot-rolled in a shop to intermediate gauge. Test specimens of the intermediate gauge material were then processed on a laboratory scale by cold rolling according to the conditions shown in Table 1 below, followed by a post-cold-rolling anneal (final anneal), thereby producing various sheet products (Products 1-5). Products 1-2 represent conventional processing to either the O temper (Product 1) or the OE21 temper (Product 2). Products 3-5 represent material produced according to the novel processing techniques described in this disclosure, with Products 3 and 5 being particularly preferred, achieving a YPE of 0.60% or less (described below) and free of A-type Lueders bands. [Table 1] After processing, the mechanical properties and microstructure of Products 1-5 were evaluated, and the results are shown in Tables 2-3 below. All mechanical property values ​​are the average of at least two specimens unless otherwise indicated. Strength and elongation properties are in the LT direction. Grain size, texture (15°), dispersoid fraction, and recrystallization fraction were measured according to the microstructure evaluation procedure described above.

[0081] To evaluate YPE and type A Luders bands / stretcher strain marks, specimens of the sheet products were stretched 1% in the LT direction and then painted. Type A Luders bands were evident in Products 1 and 4. The YPE results are shown in Table 2 below. [Table 2] [Table 3]

[0082] As shown in the figure, the conventional 5182-O temper exhibits a very low YPE (yield point elongation) of 1.21%, which is consistent with the presence of Type A Lüders bands / stretcher strain marks. In fact, the 5182-O temper is known to exhibit significant Type A Lüders banding, making it unusable for cosmetically important applications. See Ebenberger P, Uggowitzer PJ, Gerold B, Pogatscher S., Effect of Compositional and Processing Variations in New 5182-Type AlMgMn Alloys on Mechanical Properties and Deformation Surface Quality Materials (Basel). 2019 May 20;12(10):1645. doi:10.3390 / ma12101645. PMID:31137562; PMCID:PMC6566914.

[0083] Conversely, 5182-OE21 achieves a low YPE (0.40%) consistent with the absence of type A Lueders bands, but processing 5182-OE21 requires intermediate annealing steps between cold rolling. This process is expensive and time consuming. Multiple cold rolling passes are also required, which are also expensive and time consuming. As shown in this disclosure, in some embodiments, the novel methods described herein may involve a single cold rolling pass. In other embodiments, the novel methods described in this disclosure may involve multiple cold rolling passes.

[0084] Products 3 and 5 also did not exhibit type A Lueders bands and did not require an intermediate annealing step. Products 3 and 5 achieve low YPE (≦0.60%), strength, and elongation values ​​consistent with the 5182-OE21 temper. Products 3 and 5 have a smaller area-weighted mean grain size than the 5182-OE21 temper, as well as less brass texture and S texture.

[0085] Product 4 had a Lueders band type A and achieved a YPE just above the 0.60% YPE threshold, indicating that in some circumstances a final anneal at 450°F for more than one day may be required to achieve a YPE of 0.60% or less.

[0086] Example 2 Three industrial-scale ingots of 5182 aluminum alloy were direct-cooled (DC) cast, homogenized, skinned / peeled according to conventional techniques, and then hot-rolled in a factory to intermediate gauge. Some specimens of the intermediate gauge material (Products 6-7) were then cold-rolled at an industrial (factory) scale and then annealed after cold rolling (final annealing) according to the conditions shown in Table 4. Other specimens of the intermediate gauge material (Products 8-9) were cold-rolled at an industrial scale and then annealed after cold rolling (final annealing) according to the conditions shown in Table 4. Products 6-7 represent conventional processing to either the O temper (Product 6) or the OE21 temper (Product 7). Products 8-9 represent material produced according to the novel processing techniques described in this disclosure. [Table 4] After processing, the mechanical properties and microstructure of Products 6-9 were evaluated, and the results are shown in Tables 5-6 below. All mechanical property values ​​are the average of at least two specimens unless otherwise specified. Strength and elongation properties are in the L direction, while OE21 material properties are in the LT direction. Grain size, texture, dispersoid fraction, and recrystallization fraction were measured according to the microstructure evaluation procedures described above.

[0087] To evaluate YPE and type A Luders bands / stretcher strain marks, alloy specimens were stretched by 1% and then painted. Type A Luders bands / stretcher strain marks only occurred in Product 6. YPE results are shown in Table 5 below. [Table 5] [Table 6]

[0088] Similar to Example 1, the 5182-O tempered sheet product (Product 6) exhibited a very high YPE of 0.93%, while 5182-OE21 (Product 7) achieved a low YPE of 0.16%. Products 8-9 also achieved low YPE (≦0.60%) without intermediate annealing. Product 8, which underwent two cold rolling passes, exhibited a higher YPE, while Product 9, which underwent one cold rolling pass, achieved a much lower YPE. The grain size of Products 8-9 was smaller than that of 5182-OE21 (Product 7), as were the brass texture and S texture components.

[0089] Example 3 Industrial-scale ingots of 5182 aluminum alloy were direct-chill (DC) cast, homogenized, skinned / peeled, and then hot rolled to an intermediate gauge according to conventional techniques. The intermediate gauge material was then cold rolled at a 64% reduction to a final gauge of 0.059 inches (1.50 mm). No intermediate annealing was performed between hot and cold rolling or during cold rolling. After cold rolling, the final gauge material was annealed at various conditions as shown in Table 7 below. The mechanical properties of the sheet products were then tested, and the results are also shown in Table 7 below. To evaluate the YPE, the alloy specimens were elongated by 1%. The YPE results are shown in Table 7 below. [Table 7]

[0090] As shown, two-step final annealing is more beneficial than single-step final annealing. For example, Product 14, which underwent a single-step final annealing over five days, achieved a YPE of 1.17%, significantly higher than the YPE of two-step final annealed products annealed at 450°F or 500°F for at least 24 hours. Similarly, a shorter first annealing step may not be sufficient. For example, Products 10 and 13, which had first-step annealing times of 24 hours and 3 hours, respectively, failed to achieve a YPE of 0.60% or less. Conversely, Products 11-12 and 15, which had first-step annealing times of 48, 72, and 96 hours, respectively, achieved a YPE of less than 0.60%. Even higher first-step annealing temperatures may not be sufficient to achieve a low YPE. For example, Product 16, which had a first step anneal at 500°F for 24 hours, exhibited a YPE that was equal to or worse than Product 10, which had a first step anneal at 450°F for 24 hours.

[0091] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it is apparent that variations and modifications to those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art, but it should be expressly understood that such variations and modifications are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. A method comprising: (a) hot rolling a 5xxx aluminum alloy into an intermediate gauge product; (b) performing a cold rolling operation after the hot rolling operation to obtain a final gauge product, the cold rolling operation comprising at least one cold rolling operation without intermediate annealing before or during the cold rolling operation; (c) post-cold rolling annealing the final gauge product after the cold rolling operation, wherein the post-cold rolling annealing step (c) comprises: (i) performing a first annealing at a first temperature for a first period of time, wherein said first annealing results in said final gauge product comprising a recovered but non-recrystallized microstructure; (ii) applying a second annealing step to the final gauge product after the first annealing step, thereby converting at least a portion of the recovered but non-recrystallized microstructure to a recrystallized microstructure.

2. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said post-cold rolling annealing step comprises annealing said final gauge product at a temperature and for a time sufficient to achieve a YPE of 0.60% or less in said final gauge product.

3. 10. The final gauge product comprising: (A) an area-weighted average particle size of 40 micrometers or less; (B) a brass texture content of 14% or less; and The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the method achieves at least one of the following: (C) an S texture amount of 19% or less.

4. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the second annealing step causes the final gauge product to achieve at least two of (A), (B), and (C).

5. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the second annealing step causes the final gauge product to achieve all of (A), (B), and (C).

6. 6. The method of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the final gauge product achieves an area weighted mean particle size of at least 15 micrometers, or at least 18 micrometers, or at least 20 micrometers, or at least 22 micrometers, or at least 24 micrometers.

7. 7. The method of any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the final gauge product achieves an area weighted mean particle size of 39 micrometers or less, 38 micrometers or less, or 37 micrometers or less, or 36 micrometers or less.

8. 8. The method of any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the final gauge product achieves 13% or less brass texture, or 12% or less brass texture, or 11% or less brass texture, or 10% or less brass texture, or 9% or less brass texture, or 8% or less brass texture, or 7% or less brass texture.

9. 9. The method of any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the final gauge product achieves at least 1% brass texture, or at least 2% brass texture, or at least 3% brass texture, or at least 4% brass texture, or at least 4% brass texture, or at least 6% brass texture.

10. 10. The method of any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the final gauge product achieves an S texture amount of 18% or less, or an S texture amount of 17% or less, or an S texture amount of 16% or less, or an S texture amount of 15% or less, or an S texture amount of 14% or less.

11. 11. The method of any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the final gauge product achieves an S texture amount of at least 5%, or at least 7%, or at least 9%, or at least 11%, or at least 12%, or at least 13%.

12. the second temperature is at least 25°F higher than the first temperature; the first period of time is at least 30 minutes; The method of any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein the second period of time is at least 1 second.

13. 13. The method of any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein the first temperature is below a recrystallization temperature of the final gauge product and the second temperature is above a recrystallization temperature of the final gauge product.

14. The first temperature is 350 ｏ F to 500 ｏ The method according to any one of claims 3 to 13, wherein F is F.

15. The first temperature is at least 375 ｏ F, or 400 ｏ F, or at least 410 ｏ F, or at least 420 ｏ F, or at least 430 ｏ F, or at least 440 ｏ F, or at least 450 ｏ 15. The method of claim 14, wherein F.

16. The first temperature is 490 ｏ F or below, or 480 ｏ F or below, or 470 ｏ F or below, or 460 ｏ 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the .lambda.

17. 17. The method of any one of claims 3 to 16, wherein the first period of time is at least 1 hour and not more than 10 days.

18. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first period of time is at least 2 hours, or at least 4 hours, or at least 6 hours, or at least 8 hours, or at least 10 hours, or at least 12 hours, or at least 14 hours, or at least 16 hours, or at least 18 hours, or at least 20 hours, or at least 22 hours, or at least 24 hours, or at least 26 hours, or at least 28 hours, or at least 30 hours, or at least 32 hours, or at least 34 hours, or at least 36 hours, or at least 38 hours, or at least 40 hours, or at least 42 hours, or at least 44 hours, or at least 46 hours, or at least 48 hours, or at least 50 hours.

19. 19. The method of any one of claims 17-18, wherein the first period of time is 9 days or less, or 8 days or less, or 7 days or less, or 6 days or less, or 5 days or less, or 4 days or less, or 3 days or less, or 65 hours or less, or 60 hours or less.

20. 20. The method of any one of claims 3 to 19, wherein the second temperature is at least 50°F higher, or at least 100°F higher, or at least 150°F higher, or at least 200°F higher, or at least 250°F higher, or at least 300°F higher, or at least 350°F higher, or at least 400°F higher than the first temperature.

21. The method of any one of claims 3 to 20, wherein the second temperature is greater than 500°F and less than or equal to 900°F.

22. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the second temperature is at least 550°F, or 600°F, or at least 650°F, or at least 700°F, or at least 725°F, or at least 750°F, or at least 775°F, or at least 800°F, or 825°F.

23. 24. The method of any one of claims 22-23, wherein the second temperature is 890°F or less, or 880°F or less, or 870°F or less, or 860°F or less, or 850°F or less, or 840°F or less.

24. 24. The method of any one of claims 3 to 23, wherein the second period of time is from 5 seconds to 48 hours.

25. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the second period of time is at least 10 seconds, or at least 15 seconds, or at least 20 seconds, or at least 25 seconds, or at least 30 seconds, or at least 45 seconds, or at least 60 seconds, or at least 3 minutes, or at least 5 minutes, or at least 10 minutes, or at least 20 minutes, or at least 30 minutes, or at least 45 minutes, or at least 60 minutes, or at least 75 minutes, or at least 90 minutes, or at least 105 minutes, or at least 120 minutes.

26. 26. The method of any one of claims 24-25, wherein the second period of time is 36 hours or less, or 30 hours or less, or 24 hours or less, or 18 hours or less, or 12 hours or less, or 11 hours or less, or 10 hours or less, or 9 hours or less, or 8 hours or less, or 7 hours or less, or 6 hours or less, or 5 hours or less, or 4 hours or less.

27. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the cold rolling operation is accomplished in a single cold rolling pass.

28. The method of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the cold rolling operation is accomplished in multiple cold rolling passes.

29. 29. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cold rolling operation comprises reducing the thickness of the intermediate gauge product by at least 25%, or at least 30%, or at least 35%, or at least 40%, or at least 45%, or at least 50%, or at least 55%, or at least 60%, or at least 65%.

30. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the cold rolling operation comprises reducing the thickness of the intermediate gauge product by 80% or less, or 75% or less, or 70% or less.

31. 31. The method of any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein said hot rolling comprises hot rolling an ingot or continuously cast strip of the 5xxx aluminum alloy.

32. 32. The method of any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein the final gauge product achieves a tensile yield strength (LT) of at least 100 MPa, or at least 105 MPa, or at least 110 MPa, or at least 115 MPa, or at least 120 MPa, or at least 125 MPa.

33. 33. The method of any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the final gauge product achieves an ultimate tensile strength (LT) of at least 260 MPa, or at least 265 MPa, or at least 270 MPa, or at least 275 MPa, or at least 280 MPa, or at least 285 MPa.

34. 34. The method of any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the final gauge product achieves a uniform elongation (LT) of at least 15%, or at least 16%, or at least 17%, or at least 18%, or at least 19%, or at least 20%, or at least 21%.

35. 35. The method of any one of claims 1 to 34, wherein the final gauge product achieves a YPE of 0.55% or less, or 0.50% or less, or 0.45% or less, or 0.40% or less, or 0.35% or less, or 0.30% or less, or 0.25% or less, or 0.20% or less.

36. 36. The method of any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the final gauge product is at least 60% recrystallized, or at least 70% recrystallized, or at least 75% recrystallized, or at least 80% recrystallized, or at least 85% recrystallized, or at least 90% recrystallized.

37. 37. The method of any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein the final gauge product achieves an area weighted mean particle size of from 15 micrometers to 40 micrometers.

38. 38. The method of any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein the final gauge product contains at least 1% (absolute value) less brass texture, or at least 2% less brass texture, or at least 3% less brass texture, or at least 4% less brass texture, or at least 5% less brass texture, or at least 6% less brass texture, or at least 7% less brass texture, or at least 8% less brass texture, or at least 9% less brass texture than a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge.

39. 39. The method of any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein the final gauge product has at least 1% (absolute value) less S texture, or at least 2% less S texture, or at least 3% less S texture, or at least 4% less S texture, or at least 5% S texture, or at least 6% less S texture, or at least 7% less S texture than a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge.

40. The final gauge product is at least 2 micrometers smaller than the area weighted average particle size of a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge, or at least 3 micrometers smaller than the area weighted average particle size of a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge, or at least 4 micrometers smaller than the area weighted average particle size of a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge, or at least 5 micrometers smaller than the area weighted average particle size of a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge, or at least 6 micrometers smaller than the area weighted average particle size of a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge, or at least 7 micrometers smaller than the area weighted average particle size of a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge, or at least 8 micrometers smaller than the area weighted average particle size of a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge, or at least 9 micrometers smaller than the area weighted average particle size of a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge, or 40. The method of any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein the method achieves an area weighted average particle size that is at least 10 micrometers less than the area weighted average particle size of the 5182-OE21 product, or at least 11 micrometers less than the area weighted average particle size of the 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge, or at least 12 micrometers less than the area weighted average particle size of the 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge, or at least 13 micrometers less than the area weighted average particle size of the 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge, or at least 14 micrometers less than the area weighted average particle size of the 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge, or at least 15 micrometers less than the area weighted average particle size of the 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge, or at least 16 micrometers less than the area weighted average particle size of the 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge, or at least 17 micrometers less than the area weighted average particle size of the 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge.

41. 41. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the 5xxx aluminium alloy contains at least 4.0 wt.% Mg, or at least 4.1 wt.% Mg, or 4.2 wt.% Mg, or at least 4.3 wt.% Mg, or at least 4.4 wt.% Mg, or at least 4.5 wt.% Mg.

42. 42. The method of claim 41, wherein the 5xxx aluminum alloy contains up to 5.5% Mg, or up to 5.4% Mg, or up to 5.3% Mg, or up to 5.2% Mg, or up to 5.1% Mg, or up to 5.0% Mg, or up to 4.9% Mg, or up to 4.8% Mg.

43. 43. The method of any one of claims 1-42, wherein the 5xxx aluminum alloy is selected from the group consisting of 5182, 5019, 5019A, 5119, 5119A, 5022, 5023, 5024, 5026, 5027, 5028, 5056, 5356, 5356A, 5456, 5456A, 5456B, 5556, 5556A, 5556B, 5556C, 5058, 5059, 5070, 5180, 5180A, 5082, 5083, 5183, 5183A, 5283, 5283A, 5283B, 5383, 5483, 5086, 5186, 5087, 5187, and 5088.

44. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the 5xxx aluminum alloy is 5082 or 5182.

45. 45. The method of any one of claims 1 to 44, wherein the thickness of the final gauge product is 0.5 to 5.0 mm.

46. 46. ​​The method of claim 45, wherein the final gauge product has a thickness of at least 1.0 mm.

47. 47. The method of any one of claims 45 to 46, wherein the thickness of the final gauge product is 4.5mm or less, or 4.0mm or less, or 3.5mm or less, or 3.0mm or less, or 2.5mm or less, or 2.4mm or less, or 2.3mm or less, or 2.2mm or less, or 2.1mm or less, or 2.0mm or less.

48. 4.0 to 6.0 wt. % Mg and having a thickness of 0.5 to 5.0 mm, wherein the 5xxxx aluminum alloy sheet product is at least 60% recrystallized and achieves a YPE of 0.60% or less, and wherein the 5xxxx aluminum alloy sheet product (A) an area-weighted average particle size of 40 micrometers or less; (B) a brass texture content of 14% or less; and (C) an S texture content of 19% or less.

49. 4.0 to 5.0 wt. % Mg; up to 0.50 wt.% Mn; Zn up to 0.75 wt. %; up to 0.35 wt.% Fe; 0.20 wt.% max Si; up to 0.15 wt.% Cu; 0.10 wt.% maximum Cr; and a maximum of 0.10 wt. % Ti; 49. The 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of claim 48, wherein the balance is aluminum, any incidental elements, and impurities.

50. 50. The 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of claim 49, wherein the 5xxx aluminum alloy contains at least 0.25 wt.% Zn, or at least 0.30 wt.% Zn, or at least 0.35 wt.% Zn, or at least 0.40 wt.% Zn, or at least 0.45 wt.% Zn, or at least 0.50 wt.% Zn.

51. 51. The 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of any one of claims 48 to 50, achieving at least two of (A), (B), and (C).

52. 51. The 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of any one of claims 48 to 50, wherein at least all of (A), (B), and (C) are realized.

53. 53. The 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of any one of claims 48 to 52, wherein the 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product realizes an area weighted mean grain size of at least 15 micrometers, or at least 18 micrometers, or at least 20 micrometers, or at least 22 micrometers, or at least 24 micrometers.

54. 54. The 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of any one of claims 48 to 53, wherein the 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product achieves an area weighted mean grain size of 39 micrometers or less, or 38 micrometers or less, or 37 micrometers or less, or 36 micrometers or less.

55. 55. The 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of any one of claims 48 to 54, wherein the 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product realizes an amount of brass texture of 13% or less, or an amount of brass texture of 12% or less, or an amount of brass texture of 11% or less, or an amount of brass texture of 10% or less, or an amount of brass texture of 9% or less, or an amount of brass texture of 8% or less, or an amount of brass texture of 7% or less.

56. 56. The 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of any one of claims 48 to 55, wherein the 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product realizes at least 1% amount of brass texture, or at least 2% amount of brass texture, or at least 3% amount of brass texture, or at least 4% amount of brass texture, or at least 4% amount of brass texture, or at least 6% amount of brass texture.

57. 57. The 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of any one of claims 48 to 56, wherein the 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product realizes an S-texture amount of 18% or less, or an S-texture amount of 17% or less, or an S-texture amount of 16% or less, or an S-texture amount of 15% or less, or an S-texture amount of 14% or less.

58. 58. The 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of any one of claims 48 to 57, wherein the 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product realizes at least 5% S-texture content, or at least 7% S-texture content, or at least 9% S-texture content, or at least 11% S-texture content, or at least 12% S-texture content, or at least 13% S-texture content.

59. 59. The 5xxx aluminium alloy sheet product of any one of claims 48 to 58, wherein the 5xxx aluminium alloy sheet product realizes a tensile yield strength (LT) of at least 100 MPa, or at least 105 MPa, or at least 110 MPa, or at least 115 MPa, or at least 120 MPa, or at least 125 MPa.

60. 60. The 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of any one of claims 48 to 59, wherein the 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product realizes an ultimate tensile strength (LT) of at least 260 MPa, or at least 265 MPa, or at least 270 MPa, or at least 275 MPa, or at least 280 MPa, or at least 285 MPa.

61. 61. The 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of any one of claims 48 to 60, wherein the 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product realizes a uniform elongation (LT) of at least 15%, or at least 16%, or at least 17%, or at least 18%, or at least 19%, or at least 20%, or at least 21%.

62. 62. The 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of any one of claims 48 to 61, wherein the 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product realizes a YPE of 0.55% or less, or 0.50% or less, or 0.45% or less, or 0.40% or less, or 0.35% or less, or 0.30% or less, or 0.25% or less, or 0.20% or less.

63. 63. The 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of any one of claims 48 to 62, wherein the 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product is at least 60% recrystallized, or at least 70% recrystallized, or at least 75% recrystallized, or at least 80% recrystallized, or at least 85% recrystallized, or at least 90% recrystallized.

64. 64. The 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of any one of claims 48 to 63, wherein the 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product achieves an area weighted mean grain size of 15 to 40 micrometers.

65. 65. The 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of any one of claims 48 to 64, wherein the 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product has at least 1% (absolute value) less brass texture, or at least 2% less brass texture, or at least 3% less brass texture, or at least 4% less brass texture, or at least 5% less brass texture, or at least 6% less brass texture, or at least 7% less brass texture, or at least 8% less brass texture, or at least 9% less brass texture than an equivalent gauge 5182-OE21 product.

66. 66. The 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of any one of claims 48 to 65, wherein the 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product has at least 1% (absolute value) less S texture, or at least 2% less S texture, or at least 3% less S texture, or at least 4% less S texture, or at least 5% S texture, or at least 6% less S texture, or at least 7% less S texture than a comparable gauge 5182-OE21 product.

67. the 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product has an area weighted average grain size at least 2 micrometers smaller than the area weighted average grain size of a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge, or at least 3 micrometers smaller than the area weighted average grain size of a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge, or at least 4 micrometers smaller than the area weighted average grain size of a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge, or at least 5 micrometers smaller than the area weighted average grain size of a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge; or at least 6 micrometers less than the area weighted average particle size of a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge, or at least 7 micrometers less than the area weighted average particle size of a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge, or at least 8 micrometers less than the area weighted average particle size of a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge, or at least 9 micrometers less than the area weighted average particle size of a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge, or at least 9 micrometers less than the area weighted average particle size of a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge 67. The 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of any one of claims 48 to 66, wherein the product achieves an area weighted average grain size that is at least 10 micrometers less than the area weighted average grain size of a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge, or at least 11 micrometers less than the area weighted average grain size of a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge, or at least 12 micrometers less than the area weighted average grain size of a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge, or at least 13 micrometers less than the area weighted average grain size of a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge, or at least 14 micrometers less than the area weighted average grain size of a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge, or at least 15 micrometers less than the area weighted average grain size of a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge, or at least 16 micrometers less than the area weighted average grain size of a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge, or at least 17 micrometers less than the area weighted average grain size of a 5182-OE21 product of equivalent gauge.

68. 68. The 5xxx aluminium alloy sheet product of any one of claims 48 to 67, wherein the 5xxx aluminium alloy sheet product contains at least 4.0wt% Mg, or at least 4.1wt% Mg, or 4.2wt% Mg, or at least 4.3wt% Mg, or at least 4.4wt% Mg, or at least 4.5wt% Mg.

69. 69. The 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of claim 68, wherein the 5xxx aluminum alloy contains not more than 5.5% Mg, or not more than 5.4% Mg, or not more than 5.3% Mg, or not more than 5.2% Mg, or not more than 5.1% Mg, or not more than 5.0% Mg, or not more than 4.9% Mg, or not more than 4.8% Mg.

70. 70. The 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of any one of claims 48 to 69, wherein the 5xxx aluminum alloy is selected from the group consisting of 5182, 5019, 5019A, 5119, 5119A, 5022, 5024, 5026, 5027, 5028, 5056, 5356, 5356A, 5456, 5456A, 5456B, 5556, 5556C, 5058, 5070, 5180, 5180A, 5082, 5083, 5183, 5183A, 5283, 5283A, 5283B, 5383, 5483, 5086, 5186, 5087, 5187, and 5088.

71. 70. The 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of any one of claims 48 to 69, wherein the 5xxx aluminum alloy is 5082 or 5182.

72. 72. The 5xxx aluminium alloy sheet product of any one of claims 48 to 71, wherein the 5xxx aluminium alloy sheet product has a thickness of at least 1.0 mm.

73. 73. The 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product of any one of claims 48 to 72, wherein the 5xxx aluminum alloy sheet product has a thickness of 4.5mm or less, or 4.0mm or less, or 3.5mm or less, or 3.0mm or less, or 2.5mm or less, or 2.4mm or less, or 2.3mm or less, or 2.2mm or less, or 2.1mm or less, or 2.0mm or less.

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