A method for manufacturing high-strength aluminum alloy sheets or plates, and articles containing aluminum alloys manufactured using the method for manufacturing high-strength aluminum alloy sheets or plates.

Abstract

A method for manufacturing an aluminum alloy sheet or plate is provided, comprising: a step of casting an alloy, wherein the alloy has a composition comprising the following elements and weight percentages: 6.80 to 10.00 wt% Zn, 2.20 to 3.50 wt% Mg, 1.30 to 4.00 wt% Cu, 0.01 to 0.30 wt% Sc, and 0.05 to 0.20 wt% Zr; a step of cold rolling the aluminum alloy sheet or plate at room temperature under a reduction of about 5% to about 20% per pass; a step of subjecting the sheet or plate to solution heat treatment by heating the sheet or plate to a temperature of about 400°C to 500°C; a step of quenching the sheet or plate; and a step of performing artificial aging hardening by heating the sheet or plate to a temperature of about 80°C to 200°C and maintaining the sheet or plate at this temperature for a period of about 30 minutes to 100 hours.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the production of high-strength aluminum alloys. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for producing a high-strength aluminum alloy sheet or plate, and high-performance articles and products such as, for example, but not limited to, sports equipment, aircraft parts, etc., which contain an aluminum alloy produced using a method for producing a high-strength aluminum alloy sheet or plate that is particularly well-suited for use in these products.

Background Art

[0002] In order to produce high-strength aluminum, it is known in the art to add zinc (Zn) and magnesium (Mg) to aluminum alloys. Such a combination is, in the art, called a 7000 series aluminum alloy. It is also known to add additional elements to further enhance the desired properties of the alloy within this series. Among these added elements, the most common elements added to this aluminum series are copper (Cu) and zirconium (Zr).

[0003] One of the best 7000 series aluminum alloys with the addition of copper (Cu) and zirconium (Zr) is the 7068 aluminum alloy, which is known to have a yield strength of about 600 MPa and a tensile strength of about 650 MPa. The composition of this alloy is as follows.

[0004]

Table 1

[0005] In the case of 7068 aluminum alloy, an optimized aluminum alloy with high resistance can be obtained through a combination of optimized alloying element concentrations and specific thermomechanical sequences used in its manufacture. From this perspective, 7068 aluminum alloy is often used in industries such as aerospace, medical devices, high-end sports equipment, and the automotive industry, where components with high yield strength and / or tensile strength are required. However, the drawbacks of such high-strength alloys generally include relatively low elongation at fracture, limited stress corrosion cracking resistance, limited thermal stability, and / or poor weldability.

[0006] Generally, 7000 series alloys are widely used in the manufacture of sporting goods or other types of components where a good balance is required between being lightweight and providing high-performance properties such as rigidity, durability, and strength. For example, this applies to high-performance, rigid alpine skis for expert and advanced skiers, which may include modern high-strength aluminum alloy reinforcements to increase rigidity and minimize vibration. This also applies to aircraft components and other types of parts where weight is a critical factor.

[0007] Other doping elements can be added to aluminum alloys to improve their mechanical properties. One of these non-standard doping elements is scandium (Sc). When added to aluminum alloys, this element significantly increases strength by promoting a smaller, more uniform particle structure in the alloy during solidification and by forming fine aluminum-scandium precipitates. However, because scandium is expensive, it is generally used only in alloys for the most demanding applications and products. Consequently, the commercial adoption of scandium in a wide range of applications and products has been limited to date.

[0008] The increase in strength due to the addition of low concentrations of scandium is greater in some aluminum series than in others. For example, 5000 series aluminum alloys show a large strength response with the addition of small amounts of scandium, but even with scandium, the yield strength of these alloys does not exceed that of 7000 series aluminum alloys. 7000 series aluminum alloys also show a strength response with the addition of small amounts of scandium, but there is still a need for significantly increased mechanical properties such as strength beyond what is currently known in the field for some applications, such as high-end sports equipment, aerospace, and automotive industries.

[0009] In light of the above, there is a need for improved methods for manufacturing high-strength aluminum alloys, particularly in sheet or plate form, and for articles or components using such manufactured high-strength aluminum alloys, whose design and components can overcome or at least minimize some of the concerns of the prior art discussed above. [Overview of the project]

[0010] According to a first general embodiment, a method for manufacturing an aluminum alloy sheet or plate is provided. This method comprises the steps of: casting an alloy, wherein the alloy has a composition comprising the following elements in specified weight percent ranges: 6.80 to 10.00 wt% Zn, 2.20 to 3.50 wt% Mg, 1.30 to 4.00 wt% Cu, 0.01 to 0.30 wt% Sc, and 0.05 to 0.20 wt% Zr; cold rolling the aluminum alloy sheet or plate, which is carried out at room temperature with a reduction ratio of about 5% to about 20% per pass; and solid solution in the aluminum alloy sheet or plate. A process of applying a heat treatment, which is carried out by heating the aluminum alloy sheet or plate to a temperature of about 400°C to about 500°C; a process of quenching the aluminum alloy sheet or plate; and a process of performing an artificial aging hardening treatment, which is carried out by heating the aluminum alloy sheet or plate to a temperature of about 80°C to about 200°C and maintaining the aluminum alloy sheet or plate at this temperature for a period of about 30 minutes to about 100 hours.

[0011] In one embodiment, the process of cold-rolling an aluminum alloy sheet or plate allows for a reduction of approximately 20% to 95% in the thickness of the ingot.

[0012] In one embodiment, the process of cold-rolling an aluminum alloy sheet or plate allows for a reduction of approximately 50% to 95% in the thickness of the ingot.

[0013] In one embodiment, the method further includes a step of homogenizing an alloy ingot, which is carried out at a maximum temperature of approximately 400°C to approximately 500°C.

[0014] In one embodiment, the process of homogenizing the alloy ingot is carried out over a period of approximately 4 hours to approximately 26.5 hours.

[0015] In one embodiment, the process of homogenizing the alloy ingot involves performing hot isostatic compression molding of the ingot, which is carried out at a temperature of about 300°C to about 500°C for a period of about 1 to 5 hours, during which time an isostatic pressure of about 10,000 psi to about 20,000 psi is simultaneously applied to the ingot.

[0016] In one embodiment, the method further includes hot rolling of a pre-homogenized aluminum alloy ingot, which is performed prior to cold rolling of an aluminum alloy sheet or plate at a temperature of about 400°C to about 500°C and a reduction ratio of about 5% to about 20% per pass.

[0017] In one embodiment, the method further includes completely annealing a pre-hot-rolled aluminum alloy sheet or plate, wherein the process is carried out at a temperature of about 365°C to about 465°C for a period of about 15 minutes to 5 hours.

[0018] In one embodiment, a step of cooling the aluminum alloy sheet or plate at a rate of about 30°C / h until the temperature of the aluminum alloy sheet or plate reaches about 260°C is provided after a step of completely annealing the pre-hot-rolled aluminum alloy sheet or plate.

[0019] In one embodiment, the method includes performing at least one intermediate partial annealing of an aluminum alloy sheet or plate between cold rolling passes of the aluminum alloy sheet or plate.

[0020] In one embodiment, intermediate partial annealing is performed at a temperature of approximately 200°C to approximately 500°C for a period of approximately 1 minute to 4 hours.

[0021] In one embodiment, the method further includes stretching an aluminum alloy sheet or plate before performing an artificial aging hardening treatment.

[0022] According to another general aspect, a sliding device is provided that includes at least one sheet or plate of an aluminum alloy manufactured using the method for manufacturing an aluminum alloy sheet or plate described herein.

[0023] In one embodiment, the sliding device includes a core, and at least one sheet or plate of the aluminum alloy is laminated on the core.

[0024] According to another general aspect, a sports article is provided that includes an aluminum alloy manufactured using the method for manufacturing an aluminum sheet or plate of aluminum described herein.

[0025] According to another general aspect, an aerospace article or part is provided that includes an aluminum alloy manufactured using the method for manufacturing an aluminum alloy sheet or plate described herein.

[0026] According to another general aspect, the use of an aluminum alloy manufactured using the method for manufacturing an aluminum alloy sheet or plate described herein in the manufacture of an article or part is provided.

[0027] In one embodiment, the article or part is at least one of a sports article or part, an aerospace article or part, a medical device article or part, and a transportation vehicle article or part.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] Other objects, advantages, and features will become more apparent by reading the following non-limiting description of the embodiments shown by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] It is a flowchart showing the steps of a method for manufacturing a high-strength aluminum alloy sheet or plate according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a metallographic image of the structure of a 7068 aluminum alloy. [Figure 3]This is a metallographic image of the structure of an aluminum alloy manufactured using the method for producing high-strength aluminum alloy sheets or plates described herein. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Note that the same reference numerals refer to similar elements. The embodiments, configurations, materials, and / or dimensions shown in the drawings or described herein are merely illustrative embodiments.

[0030] Furthermore, while the methods for manufacturing high-strength aluminum alloys and articles using them include steps as described and illustrated herein, not all of these steps are necessarily required and should therefore not be interpreted in a restrictive sense. It will be understood that the steps of the methods for manufacturing high-strength aluminum alloys and articles using them described herein may be carried out in the order described or in any suitable order.

[0031] To provide a more concise explanation, some of the quantitative and qualitative expressions given herein may be modified with terms such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially.” Whether or not terms such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially” are explicitly used, all quantities or limits given herein are meant to refer to actual given values ​​or limits, and are understood to also refer to approximations to such given values ​​or limits that are reasonably inferred by those skilled in the art, including approximations by experimental and / or measurement conditions for such given values ​​or limits.

[0032] In particular, all references in the following descriptions of alloy compositions are given in weight percent (wt%) unless otherwise specified. When referring to any numerical range of values, such range should be understood to include all numbers and / or minor parts between the minimum and maximum values ​​of the stated range. For example, the range of approximately 0.001 to 0.1 wt% of an element includes all intermediate values ​​between lower and higher values, along with any intermediate values ​​in between.

[0033] In the process described herein, the term “substantially absent” is understood to mean having no significant composition. However, those skilled in the art will understand that trace amounts of incidental elements and / or impurities may be present in the desired final product, and the product may still be substantially absent of its corresponding elements.

[0034] The terms "a," "an," and "one" are defined herein as meaning "at least one," and therefore, unless otherwise stated, these terms do not exclude multiple units.

[0035] Referring to Figure 1, one embodiment provides a method 100 for producing a high-strength aluminum (Al)-magnesium (Mg)-zinc (Zn)-copper (Cu) alloy with added scandium (Sc). More specifically, as will be described in more detail below, this method is used to produce a sheet or plate of Al-Mg-Zn-Cu alloy with added scandium (Sc). The method for producing the alloy described herein includes a combination of process steps for producing a sheet or plate of the alloy and the specific alloy composition used. As will be described in more detail below, the combination of the alloy production method and the specific alloy composition described below allows the production method to produce a sheet or plate of aluminum-scandium alloy having more advantageous mechanical properties than known prior art alloys.

[0036] More specifically, in one embodiment, the Al-Mg-Zn-Cu alloy with added scandium (Sc) is characterized by high yield strength / tensile strength and ductility. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the Al-Mg-Zn-Cu alloy produced by the present invention with added scandium (Sc) provides improvement in at least one of weldability, fracture toughness, thermal stability, and corrosion resistance.

[0037] In one embodiment, the Al-Mg-Zn-Cu alloy of the present invention with added scandium (Sc) may contain about 0.01% to about 1% scandium (Sc). However, as will be explained in more detail below, given the high cost of scandium (Sc), in some embodiments, the amount of scandium (Sc) in the alloy is balanced to produce an alloy with desired increased mechanical properties (e.g., a desired increase in yield strength and / or tensile strength) while minimizing its cost. Thus, in one embodiment, the Al-Mg-Zn-Cu alloy of the present invention with added scandium (Sc) may contain up to 0.3% scandium (Sc).

[0038] In one embodiment, the aluminum-scandium alloy of the present invention may include aluminum produced by electrolysis using an inert anode, or aluminum produced by other industrial processes that produce aluminum (Al), such as aluminum produced using the process used by Elysis®.

[0039] In one embodiment, the aluminum-scandium alloy of the present invention may also include scandium(Sc) extracted from waste acids of titania slag, which is upgraded using ion exchange resins, such as scandium(Sc) produced using a proprietary process from Element North 21® to produce high-purity scandium oxide from titanium manufacturing by-products.

[0040] A method 100 for producing a high-strength aluminum-scandium alloy includes an initial step 110 for casting the alloy. During this step, the constituent elements of the aluminum-scandium alloy are melted and then cast into an ingot for subsequent processing. In the process described below, a single ingot will be referred to, and thereafter, the steps applied to form a sheet or plate of high-strength aluminum-scandium alloy following the casting of the ingot will be described. Those skilled in the art will understand that in one embodiment, multiple ingots can be processed using similar steps to produce multiple sheets or plates of high-strength aluminum-scandium alloy.

[0041] In one embodiment, the constituent elements of the aluminum-scandium alloy are melted up to a temperature of 650°C. In an alternative embodiment, the constituent elements of the aluminum-scandium alloy may be melted up to a temperature of 710°C.

[0042] In one embodiment, referring to Table I, the practical ranges of the main alloying elements used in this alloy are shown below.

[0043] [Table 2]

[0044] As described above, in alternative embodiments, larger amounts of scandium (Sc) can be used in the alloy. For example, in one embodiment, though not limited to, the amount of scandium (Sc) may be about 0.01% to about 1%. It will be understood that if the amount of scandium (Sc) exceeds about 0.3%, the price of the alloy will increase considerably. However, in applications where the need for scandium justifies the higher cost of the alloy, such amounts of scandium may be desirable.

[0045] The above range of the amount of doping elements in the alloy of the present invention is, for example, not limited to, but is specifically used to provide a target alloy structure having the above-mentioned advantageous mechanical properties such as increased yield strength / tensile strength, ductility, weldability, thermal stability, and / or corrosion resistance.

[0046] For example, zinc (Zn) and magnesium (Mg) provided in the above-mentioned ranges, though not limited to those mentioned above, are particularly useful for forming secondary separation of the strengthening phase (MgZn2) by dispersion hardening; smaller amounts negatively affect the yield strength / tensile strength of the alloy, while larger amounts negatively affect the ductility of the alloy.

[0047] Furthermore, copper (Cu) provided in the aforementioned range of amounts is particularly useful for further increasing the strength of the alloy by forming fine precipitates during artificial aging hardening, which will be described in more detail below. In one embodiment, copper (Cu) provided in the aforementioned range of amounts can also refine the microstructure of the material, resulting in smaller, more uniformly distributed primary and secondary phase particles, which can result in improved mechanical properties such as higher strength, better fatigue resistance, and improved toughness. At lower concentrations, it will be understood that the strengthening is no longer sufficient to increase the alloy strength. Conversely, a higher amount of copper (Cu) in an aluminum-scandium alloy may reduce ductility, stress corrosion cracking resistance, and hot tear resistance, or increase the brittleness of the alloy.

[0048] Furthermore, scandium (Sc) and zirconium (Zr), provided in the aforementioned quantities, are particularly useful for increasing the yield strength / tensile strength of the alloy. Smaller amounts negatively affect the yield strength / tensile strength of the alloy, while larger amounts significantly impact the price of the resulting alloy and may even negatively affect some of the alloy's mechanical properties.

[0049] Referring further to Figure 1, in the shown embodiment, the method 100 for producing a high-strength aluminum-scandium alloy also includes a step 120 for homogenizing the alloy ingot at a high temperature. In one embodiment, the process of homogenizing the alloy ingot can be carried out at a maximum temperature of about 400°C to about 500°C for a period of about 4 hours to about 26.5 hours. That is, in this manufacturing process, the aluminum-scandium alloy ingot is heated at a temperature within the above range and for a period of time within the above range. For example, but not limited to, more specifically, in one embodiment, the process of homogenizing the aluminum-scandium alloy ingot can be carried out at a temperature of about 465°C for a period of about 26.5 hours. In one embodiment, this step can be omitted. Those skilled in the art will understand that the length of the period may vary depending on the size of the alloy ingot. For example, but not limited to, in embodiments where the alloy ingot is larger in size, the process of homogenizing the alloy ingot can be carried out for a period of longer than 26.5 hours.

[0050] In one embodiment, a further step in the homogenization step 120 of the aluminum-scandium alloy ingot may further include performing hot isostatic compression molding of the ingot to improve the density of the ingot and remove any remaining pores. In one embodiment, this step is performed by applying isostatic pressure to the heated ingot. In one embodiment, isostatic compression molding of the ingot may be performed at a temperature of about 300°C to about 500°C for a period of about 1 to 5 hours, during which time an isostatic pressure of about 10,000 psi to about 20,000 psi is applied to the ingot. More specifically, in one embodiment, hot isostatic compression molding of the ingot may be performed by subjecting the ingot to a temperature of about 350°C, during which time an isostatic pressure of about 14,000 psi is applied to the ingot for a period of about 2 hours. However, in one embodiment, this step may be omitted.

[0051] Referring further to Figure 1, in the shown embodiment, the method 100 for producing a high-strength aluminum alloy sheet or plate includes a subsequent step 130 in which a pre-homogenized aluminum alloy ingot is hot-rolled. In one embodiment, the hot-rolling of the pre-homogenized aluminum alloy ingot is carried out at a temperature of about 400°C to about 500°C with a reduction rate of about 5% to about 20% per pass. In one embodiment, different reduction rates can be applied between first and second portions of the hot-rolling. For example, but not limited to, in one embodiment, a first reduction rate can be applied between first portions of the hot-rolling, and a second reduction rate can be applied between second portions of the hot-rolling.

[0052] In one embodiment, the hot rolling process can be carried out until a reduction of approximately 20% to approximately 95% of the ingot's thickness is required before the remaining thickness of the ingot reaches its final thickness (i.e., the subsequent cold rolling process, described in more detail below, provides a reduction of approximately 20% to approximately 95% of the ingot's thickness between the end of the hot rolling process and the final thickness).

[0053] In an alternative embodiment, the hot rolling process may be carried out until the remaining thickness of the ingot requires a reduction of about 50% to about 95% of the ingot's thickness before reaching the final thickness (i.e., the subsequent cold rolling process, described in more detail below, provides a reduction of about 50% to about 95% of the ingot's thickness between the end of the hot rolling process and the final thickness).

[0054] In one embodiment, the process of hot rolling a pre-homogenized aluminum alloy ingot can be omitted.

[0055] In one embodiment, the method for manufacturing an aluminum alloy sheet or plate includes a step 140 of completely annealing a pre-hot-rolled aluminum alloy sheet or plate. In one embodiment, the step of completely annealing the aluminum alloy sheet or plate can be carried out at a temperature of about 365°C to about 465°C for a period of about 15 minutes to 5 hours. Furthermore, in one embodiment, this step then includes cooling the aluminum alloy sheet or plate at a rate of about 30°C / h until the temperature of the aluminum alloy sheet or plate reaches about 260°C. In one embodiment, this step of completely annealing a pre-hot-rolled aluminum alloy sheet or plate can be omitted.

[0056] In one embodiment, the present method 100 for manufacturing an aluminum alloy sheet or plate includes a further step 150 of cold rolling the aluminum alloy sheet or plate to further reduce the thickness of the material and improve the surface finish. In one embodiment, the cold rolling of the aluminum alloy sheet or plate is carried out at room temperature with a reduction rate between about 5% and about 20% per pass.

[0057] In one embodiment, the process of cold-rolling an aluminum alloy sheet or plate allows for a reduction of approximately 20% to approximately 95% in the thickness of the ingot. In embodiments in which a hot-rolling process is provided, the process of cold-rolling an aluminum alloy sheet or plate can therefore allow for a reduction of approximately 20% to approximately 95% in the thickness of the ingot from the thickness of the ingot at the end of the hot-rolling process to the final thickness.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment, the process of cold-rolling an aluminum alloy sheet or plate allows for a reduction of approximately 50% to approximately 95% in the thickness of the ingot. In embodiments in which a hot-rolling process is provided, the process of cold-rolling an aluminum alloy sheet or plate can therefore allow for a reduction of approximately 50% to approximately 95% in the thickness of the ingot from the thickness of the ingot at the end of the hot-rolling process to the final thickness.

[0059] In one embodiment, method 100 includes performing at least one intermediate partial annealing of the aluminum alloy sheet or plate between the aforementioned cold rolling passes of the aluminum alloy sheet or plate. In one embodiment, the intermediate partial annealing of the aluminum alloy sheet or plate may be performed at a temperature of about 200°C to about 500°C for a period of about 1 minute to 4 hours. In one embodiment, each partial annealing is performed at a temperature of about 350°C for about 30 minutes. In one embodiment, this step of performing at least one intermediate partial annealing of the aluminum alloy sheet or plate may be omitted.

[0060] In one embodiment, the present method 100 for manufacturing an aluminum alloy sheet or plate includes a further step 160 of performing a solution heat treatment on the aluminum alloy sheet or plate to dissolve any second-phase particles or solute clusters formed during the previous treatment. In one embodiment, during this step, the aluminum alloy sheet or plate is heated to a temperature of about 400°C to about 500°C and maintained at this temperature for a corresponding period. In one embodiment, the step of performing the solution heat treatment includes heating the aluminum alloy to a temperature of about 460°C and maintaining the aluminum alloy sheet or plate at this temperature for a period of about 30 minutes. Those skilled in the art will understand that the length of time the sheet or plate is maintained at the above temperature depends on the thickness of the sheet or plate, with thicker sheets or plates requiring a longer time.

[0061] Referring further to Figure 1, in one embodiment, the method 100 of the present invention for manufacturing an aluminum alloy sheet or plate includes a step 170 of quenching the aluminum alloy sheet or plate to prevent undesirable precipitates. In one embodiment, the quenching of the aluminum alloy sheet or plate can be carried out by water quenching.

[0062] In one embodiment, the process of stretching an aluminum alloy sheet or plate may be carried out to remove mechanical stress from the sheet or plate and enable it to be straightened. For example, but not limited to, in one embodiment, the stretching may be carried out to stretch the aluminum alloy sheet or plate by about 1% to about 3%. In one embodiment, this step may be omitted.

[0063] Finally, in one embodiment, a further step 180 can be provided in which the aluminum alloy sheet or plate is subjected to an artificial aging treatment to promote the formation of a desired precipitate. In one embodiment, during this step, the aluminum alloy sheet or plate is heated to a temperature of about 80°C to about 200°C and maintained at this temperature for a period of about 30 minutes to about 100 hours. For example, in one embodiment, but not limited to, the artificial aging treatment includes heating the aluminum alloy sheet or plate to a temperature of about 120°C and maintaining the aluminum alloy sheet or plate at this temperature for a period of about 18 hours. In another alternative embodiment, the artificial aging treatment includes heating the aluminum alloy sheet or plate to a temperature of about 120°C and maintaining the aluminum alloy sheet or plate at this temperature for a period of about 24 hours.

[0064] The technical effects obtained by using the above-described manufacturing method 100 for aluminum alloy sheets or plates having the above-described elements within the above-described range include improving the strength properties and / or reducing the weight of articles made of alloys obtained from the addition of scandium. In one embodiment, the increase in the yield strength and mechanical properties of the alloy is due to the precipitation of Al3Sc and the refinement of the grain size due to the presence of dispersed secondary particles of Al3Sc, which also inhibit recrystallization to some extent during thermomechanical treatment. This is evident from the images in Figure 2 and Figure 3, where the structure of a 7068 aluminum alloy (Figure 2) is compared with the structure of an aluminum alloy produced using the method for producing high-strength aluminum alloy sheets or plates described herein (Figure 3).

[0065] Given that bonding aluminum sheets or plates to other flexible materials is often difficult, in one embodiment, a surface treatment can be applied to the aluminum alloy sheet or plate to improve its adhesion. Those skilled in the art will understand that such a surface treatment affects the surface layer of the aluminum alloy sheet or plate and improves the mechanical and / or chemical bonding with a suitable adhesive. For example, in one embodiment, though not limited to, a phosphoric acid anodizing surface treatment can be applied. Those skilled in the art will understand that other surface treatments may also be used. [Examples]

[0066] The following are examples of aluminum alloys prepared using the above method for manufacturing aluminum alloy sheets or plates, as well as the measured mechanical properties, including yield strength and tensile strength, which show an increase in mechanical properties compared to conventional aluminum alloys.

[0067] Example 1 In the first embodiment, three alloys were prepared using the above method for producing aluminum alloy sheets or plates. The compositions of the alloys, including values ​​related to each of the main alloying elements used in the alloys of the present invention, are listed in Table II below. Those skilled in the art will understand that the alloys substantially do not contain additional alloying elements not listed in Table II below.

[0068] [Table 3]

[0069] The target mechanical properties of each of the alloys (#1, #2, #3) of this embodiment produced using the above method for manufacturing aluminum alloy sheets or plates are listed in Table III below.

[0070] [Table 4]

[0071] As can be seen from the results shown in Table III, the strength of the alloy increases with increasing scandium (Sc) content. This comparison of alloys does not indicate an optimal scandium concentration. However, considering the price of scandium, the price of these alloys is highly dependent on the scandium concentration. For this reason, as mentioned above, in one embodiment, the scandium concentration should be maintained between 0.01% and 1%.

[0072] Example 2 In Example 2, other alloys were produced using the aluminum alloy plate manufacturing method described above. The alloy compositions, including values ​​related to each of the main alloying elements used in the alloys of the present invention, are listed in Table IV below. Those skilled in the art will understand that the alloys substantially do not contain any additional alloying elements not listed in Table IV below.

[0073] [Table 5]

[0074] The mechanical properties of this alloy were measured for 10 samples. The average mechanical properties of this alloy are shown in Table V below.

[0075] [Table 6]

[0076] As can be seen from the table, the alloy produced in this embodiment further demonstrates the potential effects of adding scandium to aluminum when further combined with the proposed steps of the alloy manufacturing method. In this embodiment, the measured mechanical properties show that the mechanical strength of the alloy increased further to 710 MPa, while maintaining high ductility with a fracture elongation of 8.2%.

[0077] Use of aluminum alloy manufactured by the above manufacturing method In light of the above results showing that the proposed method for manufacturing aluminum alloy sheets or plates yields products having increased mechanical properties, such as increased mechanical strength, a person skilled in the art will understand that by manufacturing articles or parts using the manufactured aluminum alloy, articles or parts that provide advantageous properties can be obtained.

[0078] Therefore, in consideration of the above, those skilled in the art will understand that the description of the present invention extends to the manufacture of articles, parts, etc., manufactured using aluminum alloys manufactured using the above-described manufacturing method.

[0079] Those skilled in the art will understand, as already stated, that sports equipment requiring a good balance between being lightweight and providing high-performance characteristics such as rigidity, durability, and strength is particularly well suited to being manufactured using aluminum alloy sheets or plates produced using the manufacturing method described above.

[0080] Furthermore, this includes alpine skis manufactured using alloy reinforcements, particularly to increase the rigidity of the skis. For example, in one embodiment, alpine skis may be manufactured using a core made of wood or a material that provides the desired flexibility, rigidity, etc. In one embodiment, an aluminum alloy sheet or plate manufactured using the above-described manufacturing method may be laminated on the core (alone or in combination with a sheet or plate of composite material) so as to extend along at least a portion of the core to provide the desired mechanical properties of the resulting alpine skis. Those skilled in the art will understand that in alternative embodiments, for example, but not limited to, other sliding devices such as snowboards and cross-country skis may also be manufactured using a core having laminated sheets or plates of aluminum alloy manufactured using the above-described manufacturing method extending along at least a portion of it. In alternative embodiments, an aluminum alloy sheet or plate manufactured using the above-described manufacturing method may also be used for applications such as a top sheet or plate for a sliding device, for vertical strips along a sliding device or a portion thereof, in the manufacture of binding mounting plates for sliding devices, and as a tip / tail protector to protect the tip and / or tail of a sliding device.

[0081] For example, but not limited to, other articles or components that benefit from the improved mechanical properties of aluminum alloys manufactured using the above-described manufacturing method include other sporting goods, particularly those including shafts or tubes, such as ski poles, baseball bats, hockey sticks, golf clubs, bicycle frames, and ice axes.

[0082] Those skilled in the art will understand that, because aerospace articles or components require a good balance between weight and performance characteristics such as rigidity, durability, and strength, aerospace articles or components manufactured using the above-described manufacturing method will benefit from the enhanced mechanical properties of the aluminum alloy disclosed above.

[0083] The above examples of articles or parts from which profits can be made from aluminum alloys manufactured using the above-described manufacturing method are given only as examples, considering that there are a wide variety of articles or parts from which profits can be made from aluminum alloys manufactured using the above-described manufacturing method, and it is impossible to list them all comprehensively. In fact, many types of articles come to mind, such as automobiles, trains, buses, and boats.

[0084] Several alternative embodiments and examples are described and illustrated herein. The embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will understand the characteristics of each embodiment, as well as the possible combinations and variations of the components. Those skilled in the art will further understand that any of the embodiments may be provided in any combination with other embodiments disclosed herein. It will be understood that the present invention may be carried out in other specific forms without departing from its central features. Accordingly, these embodiments and examples should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive, and the present invention should not be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, although certain embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications are conceivable. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing an aluminum alloy sheet or plate, A step of casting the alloy, wherein the alloy has a composition comprising the following elements in specified weight percent ranges: 6.80 to 10.00% Zn, 2.20 to 3.50% Mg, 1.30 to 4.00% Cu, 0.01 to 0.30% Sc, and 0.05 to 0.20% Zr. A step of cold rolling the aforementioned aluminum alloy sheet or plate, wherein this step is carried out at room temperature with a reduction ratio of approximately 5% to approximately 20% per pass. A step of subjecting the aluminum alloy sheet or plate to solution heat treatment, wherein this step is carried out by heating the aluminum alloy sheet or plate to a temperature of approximately 400°C to approximately 500°C. The process of quenching the aforementioned aluminum alloy sheet or plate, A method comprising the step of performing an artificial aging hardening treatment, wherein the step is performed by heating the aluminum alloy sheet or plate to a temperature of about 80°C to about 200°C and maintaining the aluminum alloy sheet or plate at this temperature for a period of about 30 minutes to about 100 hours.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of cold-rolling the aluminum alloy sheet or plate allows for a reduction of about 20% to about 95% in the thickness of the ingot.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the step of cold-rolling the aluminum alloy sheet or plate allows for a reduction of about 50% to about 95% of the thickness of the ingot.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising the step of homogenizing the alloy ingot, wherein the step is carried out at a maximum temperature of about 400°C to about 500°C.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the step of homogenizing the alloy ingot is carried out over a period of time of about 4 hours to about 26.5 hours.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the step of homogenizing the alloy ingot is to perform hot isostatic compression molding of the ingot, the step of being performed at a temperature of about 300°C to about 500°C for a period of about 1 hour to 5 hours, during which time an isostatic pressure of about 10,000 psi to about 20,000 psi is simultaneously applied to the ingot.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising hot rolling the pre-homogenized aluminum alloy ingot, the step of which is performed prior to the step of cold rolling the aluminum alloy sheet or plate at a temperature of about 400°C to about 500°C and a reduction ratio of about 5% to about 20% per pass.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising completely annealing the pre-hot-rolled aluminum alloy sheet or plate, the step being carried out at a temperature of about 365°C to about 465°C for a period of about 15 minutes to 5 hours.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein a step of cooling the aluminum alloy sheet or plate at a rate of about 30°C / h until the temperature of the aluminum alloy sheet or plate reaches about 260°C is provided after the step of completely annealing the pre-hot-rolled aluminum alloy sheet or plate.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising performing at least one intermediate partial annealing of the aluminum alloy sheet or plate between the cold rolling passes of the aluminum alloy sheet or plate.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the intermediate partial annealing is carried out at a temperature of about 200°C to about 500°C for a period of about 1 minute to 4 hours.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising stretching the aluminum alloy sheet or plate before the step of performing the artificial aging hardening treatment.

13. A sliding device comprising at least one sheet or plate of an aluminum alloy, manufactured using the method for manufacturing an aluminum alloy sheet or plate described in any one of claims 1 to 12, integrated into a single unit.

14. The sliding device according to claim 13, wherein the sliding device includes a core, and at least one sheet or plate of the aluminum alloy is laminated on the core.

15. Sports equipment comprising an aluminum alloy manufactured using a method for manufacturing an aluminum alloy sheet or plate as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

16. An aerospace article or component comprising an aluminum alloy manufactured using a method for manufacturing an aluminum alloy sheet or plate as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

17. Use in the manufacture of articles or parts of an aluminum alloy manufactured using the method for manufacturing an aluminum alloy sheet or plate described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

18. The use of the aluminum alloy according to claim 17, wherein the article or part is at least one of sporting goods or parts, aerospace articles or parts, medical device articles or parts, and transport vehicle articles or parts.

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