Low gauge leveled can body stock and method for making same

Abstract

Described herein are leveled, degreased aluminum alloys having reduced gauge for producing can body stock. The aluminum alloys exhibit improved formability. Also described herein are methods for processing the aluminum alloys to produce beverage can bodies. The aluminum alloys and sheets described herein are suitable for producing cups and beverage can bodies at high production rates. [Selection diagram] None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Priority This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 679,222, filed on June 1, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This disclosure relates to aluminum alloy products and their properties. This disclosure further relates to can body stock and methods of manufacturing and processing the same.

Background Art

[0003] Metal cans are well known and widely used as beverage containers. Conventional beverage can bodies are generally made of metal with a thickness of at least 240 μm, which is considered necessary to achieve the strength requirements of the can body. Beverage can bodies are manufactured at high production rates, and there is an increasing demand to reduce the metal content of beverage cans, and thus the cost, by gauge down. There is also a demand to further increase the production rate of beverage cans by eliminating metal-related jams in the cupping press and tear-off and dome cracking in the body maker. However, the inherent non-flatness, insufficient surface lubricity, surface fines and the presence of residual rolling oil of cold-rolled aluminum sheets, as well as the forming characteristics of existing aluminum can body stock, may prevent the successful reduction of the metal content (weight reduction), and may reduce the productivity of can body manufacturing.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention are defined by the claims, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the present invention and introduces some of the concepts further described in the following detailed description section. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used alone to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to the entire specification, any or all of the drawings, and the appropriate portions of each claim.

[0005] A method for manufacturing an aluminum alloy product, such as an aluminum alloy sheet, for use as a raw material for a can body is described herein. The method includes casting an aluminum alloy containing about 0.05 to 0.4 wt.% Cu, 0.25 to 0.9 wt.% Fe, 0.8 to 3.0 wt.% Mg, 0.1 to 2.0 wt.% Mn, 0.2 to 0.7 wt.% Si, up to 0.1 wt.% Ti, up to 0.25 wt.% Zn, up to 0.4 wt.% Cr, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and Al to form a cast aluminum alloy; heating the cast aluminum alloy; hot rolling the cast aluminum alloy to produce a rolled product; cold rolling the rolled product to produce an aluminum alloy product; and leveling the aluminum alloy product. Optionally, casting can be performed by semi - continuous direct chill ingot casting or strip casting. In some cases, the step of heating the cast aluminum includes homogenizing the cast aluminum alloy. The method can further include degreasing the aluminum alloy product, removing aluminum fine powder, rolling oil, and debris from the aluminum alloy product, and / or lubricating the aluminum alloy product with a capping lubricant. In some cases, the degreasing process includes the use of a solvent or warm water.

[0006] An aluminum alloy product produced by the method described herein is also described herein. The aluminum alloy can include an aluminum alloy of the 3xxx series or an aluminum alloy of the 5xxx series. In some cases, the aluminum alloy contains about 0.05 to 0.3 wt.% Cu, 0.4 to 0.8 wt.% Fe, 0.8 to 2.8 wt.% Mg, 0.1 to 1.5 wt.% Mn, 0.25 to 0.6 wt.% Si, up to 0.1 wt.% Ti, 0.1 to 0.25 wt.% Zn, up to 0.35 wt.% Cr, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and Al.

[0007] The aluminum alloy product may be a sheet. In some cases, the aluminum alloy product includes a thickness of less than about 240 μm (e.g., from about 170 μm to less than about 240 μm or from about 180 μm to about 230 μm). The sheet may have a longitudinal yield strength of at least about 260 MPa (e.g., from about 260 MPa to about 300 MPa). Optionally, one or more surfaces of the aluminum alloy product include an isotropic surface texture. One or more surfaces of the aluminum alloy product may optionally have a texture aspect ratio of from 0.1 to 0.7. In some cases, one or more surfaces of the aluminum alloy product include a capping lubricant of at least about 200 mg / m 2 (mg / m 2 / side) (e.g., from about 200 mg / m 2 / side to about 1000 mg / m 2 / side or from about 500 mg / m 2 / side to about 800 mg / m 2 / side). Optionally, one or more surfaces of the aluminum alloy product include from about 5 mg / m 2 / side to about 100 mg / m 2 / side (e.g., from about 10 mg / m 2 / side to about 25 mg / m 2 / side or from about 20 mg / m 2 / side to about 50 mg / m 2The product contains a post-lubricant in an amount equal to (side) of the aluminum alloy. In some cases, the post-lubricant may include dibutyl adipate, dibutyl sebacate, dihexyl adipate, dihexyl sebacate, dicyclohexyl adipate, dicyclohexyl sebacate, dioctyl adipate, dioctyl sebacate, diisodecyl adipate, diisodecyl sebacate, diundecyl adipate, diundecyl sebacate, didodecanyl adipate, didodecanyl sebacate, diphenyl sebacate, diphenyl adipate, or mixtures thereof. Optionally, leveling of the aluminum alloy product is carried out longitudinally. Leveling may be carried out in such a way that residual stress from cold rolling is reduced, which results in a much flatter product. In some cases, the aluminum alloy product is substantially free of aluminum dust, rolling oil, and surface debris from the rolling process. The aluminum alloy product may include beverage can bodies.

[0008] Further described herein are aluminum alloy products including aluminum alloys containing approximately 0.05–0.4 wt.% Cu, 0.25–0.9 wt.% Fe, 0.8–3.0 wt.% Mg, 0.1–2.0 wt.% Mn, 0.2–0.7 wt.% Si, up to 0.1 wt.% Ti, up to 0.25 wt.% Zn, up to 0.4 wt.% Cr, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and Al, which include thicknesses of less than approximately 240 μm (e.g., from approximately 170 μm to less than approximately 240 μm or from approximately 180 μm to approximately 230 μm). Optionally, aluminum alloys contain approximately 0.05–0.3 wt.% Cu, 0.4–0.8 wt.% Fe, 0.8–2.8 wt.% Mg, 0.1–1.5 wt.% Mn, 0.25–0.6 wt.% Si, up to 0.1 wt.% Ti, 0.1–0.25 wt.% Zn, up to 0.35 wt.% Cr, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and Al. In some cases, one or more surfaces of an aluminum alloy product have a texture aspect ratio of 0.1 to 0.7.

[0009] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a graph of yield strength against soaking time for various soaking temperatures, as an example of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a graph showing the maximum tensile strength against soaking time for various soaking temperatures, as an example of this disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a graph of malleability with respect to soaking time for various soaking temperatures, as an example of the disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a graph showing the total elapsed time against soaking time for various soaking temperatures, as an example of this disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a graph of yield stress as a function of soaking time for various soaking temperatures, as an example of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] This specification describes an aluminum alloy with reduced gauge and improved formability, products containing the aluminum alloy, and methods for producing such products. The aluminum alloy compositions and methods described herein provide aluminum alloy sheets with improved raw material usage and production rates for the efficient production of products such as aluminum beverage cans. For example, the aluminum alloy sheets described herein have a reduced gauge (e.g., from about 180 μm to about 240 μm) compared to conventional aluminum alloy sheets used for cans, resulting in a reduction in the amount of aluminum in each beverage can. Cans produced from the aluminum alloy sheets described herein achieve the desired strength characteristics for beverage cans with this reduced gauge.

[0012] Furthermore, the aluminum alloy sheets described herein have an isotropic surface texture. Surface anisotropy can be measured by the texture aspect ratio (Str) according to ISO 25178. The Str value is the ratio of the shortest wavelength to the longest wavelength measured in any direction relative to the rolling direction. In some examples, the Str values ​​for the surface of the alloy sheets described herein range from about 0.1 to about 0.7. For example, the Str value may be 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, or 0.7. However, conventional aluminum alloy sheets used to produce can body raw materials generally have an anisotropic surface texture. The Str values ​​for the surface of conventional alloy sheets are less than 0.1. The anisotropic nature of conventional can body raw materials can cause formability problems such as dome cracking and tear-off. The aluminum alloy products described herein do not exhibit significant anisotropy.

[0013] Furthermore, the aluminum alloy sheets described herein can be used for more efficient can body manufacturing compared to conventional can body raw materials produced by conventional methods. Conventional can body raw materials contain a high level of surface debris from hot and cold rolling. Such debris causes the accumulation of fine particles in copper machine tools and additional tool wear, and also necessitates frequent cleaning of the body maker coolant. According to some methods described herein, aluminum alloy sheets for use as can body raw materials are degreased, leveled, and / or lubricated with a suitable lubricant, which allows the cupping press to operate at high speed and efficiently. For example, a cupping press can process the aluminum alloy sheets described herein at speeds ranging from 200 to 500 strokes per minute (spm) without significant supply problems and without the need to apply additional copper lubricant.

[0014] Definition and Description As used herein, the terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention,” and “the present invention” are intended to broadly refer to all the subject matter of this patent application and the attached claims. Any statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or the meaning or scope of the attached claims.

[0015] This description refers to alloys identified by aluminum industry names such as "Series" or "3xxx." For an understanding of the most commonly used numbering system for naming and identifying aluminum and its alloys, see either "International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum and Wrought Aluminum Alloys" or "Registration Record of Aluminum Association Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Aluminum Alloys in the Form of Castings and Ingot," both published by the Aluminum Association.

[0016] As used herein, the meanings of “a,” “an,” or “the” include singular and plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0017] As used herein, a plate generally has a thickness of more than about 15 mm. For example, a plate may refer to an aluminum product having a thickness of more than about 15 mm, more than about 20 mm, more than about 25 mm, more than about 30 mm, more than about 35 mm, more than about 40 mm, more than about 45 mm, more than about 50 mm, or more than about 100 mm.

[0018] As used herein, a shade (also referred to as a sheet plate) generally has a thickness of about 4 mm to about 15 mm. For example, a shade may have a thickness of about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, or about 15 mm.

[0019] As used herein, a sheet generally refers to an aluminum product having a thickness of less than approximately 4 mm. For example, a sheet may have a thickness of less than approximately 4 mm, less than approximately 3 mm, less than approximately 2 mm, less than approximately 1 mm, less than approximately 0.5 mm, less than approximately 0.3 mm, or less than approximately 0.1 mm.

[0020] As used herein, terms such as “cast metal products,” “cast products,” and “cast aluminum alloy products” are interchangeable and refer to products manufactured by direct chill casting (including direct chill co-casting) or semi-continuous casting, continuous casting (including, for example, by the use of a twin-belt caster, twin-roll caster, block caster, or any other continuous caster), electromagnetic casting, hot top casting, or any other casting method.

[0021] All scopes disclosed herein should be understood to encompass all subranges contained therein. For example, the described range "1 to 10" should be considered to encompass all subranges between (and including) the minimum value 1 and the maximum value 10; that is, all subranges begin with a minimum value greater than or equal to 1, e.g., 1 to 6.1, and end with a maximum value less than or equal to 10, e.g., 5.5 to 10.

[0022] The following aluminum alloys are described in terms of their elemental composition as a weight percentage (wt.%) based on the total weight of the alloy. In specific examples of each alloy, the remainder is aluminum, with impurities totaling a maximum of 0.15% wt.%.

[0023] Aluminum alloys and products Aluminum alloys, products made therefrom, and methods for producing aluminum alloys and products are described herein. Examples of products described herein include reduced-gauge sheets having an isotropic surface texture. Such products can be used, for example, as can body raw materials. Specifically, aluminum alloy products described herein having a gauge lower than approximately 240 μm exhibit the strength of conventional aluminum alloy can body raw materials having a gauge of 240 μm or greater. The aluminum alloy products described herein are also leveled to the advantage of producing relatively flat sheets, which enables efficient use of the aluminum alloy products in high-speed cupping presses. Reduced-gauge aluminum alloy sheets can exhibit a longitudinal yield strength of 260 MPa or more. Furthermore, the aluminum alloy products described herein exhibit excellent surface quality, which results in visually shinier aluminum cans. The aluminum alloy products also exhibit excellent lubricity, eliminating the need for additional lubricants prior to cupping. In addition, aluminum dust, surface debris, and rolling oil are removed from the aluminum alloy products, reducing the potential for contamination of cupping and body-making presses. As a result of the leveled and lubricated surfaces of the products disclosed herein, downtime in the cupping line can be significantly reduced, thereby leading to a substantial improvement in production rates and a reduction in operating costs.

[0024] Furthermore, due to the isotropic rolled surface, surface friction and lubricant distribution no longer depend on the rolling direction. Therefore, the more directionally consistent form improves drawing, wall ironing, and dome formation capabilities in bodymaking operations (e.g., reducing punch-through, tear-off, dome cracking (or "perforated dome"), and the tendency for "bleed-through").

[0025] Furthermore, the aluminum alloy products described herein can advance along the cupping line without the use of lubrication and feed rolls, which can cause surface damage or stress deformation of the product. By utilizing the Lenz effect, the aluminum alloy products can advance along the cupping line by rotating a magnet to induce an electric current and a magnetic field. The use of the Lenz effect thereby eliminates the possibility of stress deformation and / or surface defects caused by conventional compression and pinch rolls.

[0026] Examples of aluminum alloys for use in the products and methods described herein include 3xxx series aluminum alloys and 5xxx series aluminum alloys. Suitable 3xxx series aluminum alloys include, for example, AA3002, AA3102, AA3003, AA3103, AA3103A, AA3103B, AA3203, AA3403, AA3004, AA3004A, AA3104, AA3204, AA3304, AA3005, AA3005A, AA3105, AA3105A, AA3105B, AA3007, AA Examples include 3107, AA3207, AA3207A, AA3307, AA3009, AA3010, AA3110, AA3011, AA3012, AA3012A, AA3013, AA3014, AA3015, AA3016, AA3017, AA3019, AA3020, AA3021, AA3025, AA3026, AA3030, AA3130, and AA3065.

[0027] Suitable 5xxx series aluminum alloys include, for example, AA5005, AA5005A, AA5205, AA5305, AA5505, AA5605, AA5006, AA5106, AA5010, AA5110, AA5110A, AA5210, AA5310, AA5016, AA5017, AA5018, AA5018A, AA5019, AA5019A, AA5119, AA5119A, AA5021, AA5 022, AA5023, AA5024, AA5026, AA5027, AA5028, AA5040, AA5140, AA5041, AA5042, AA5043, AA5049, AA5149, AA5249, AA5349, AA5449, AA5449A, AA5050, AA5050A, AA5050C, AA5150, AA5051, AA5051A, AA5151, AA5251, AA5251A, AA5351 , AA5451, AA5052, AA5252, AA5352, AA5154, AA5154A, AA5154B, AA5154C, AA5254, AA5354, AA5454, AA5554, AA5654, AA5654A, AA5754, AA5854, AA5954, AA5056, AA5356, AA5356A, AA5456, AA5456A, AA5456B, AA5556, AA5556A, AA5556 Examples include B, AA5556C, AA5257, AA5457, AA5557, AA5657, AA5058, AA5059, AA5070, AA5180, AA5180A, AA5082, AA5182, AA5083, AA5183, AA5183A, AA5283, AA5283A, AA5283B, AA5383, AA5483, AA5086, AA5186, AA5087, AA5187, and AA5088.

[0028] In some examples, alloys for use in the products and methods described herein may have the following elemental compositions shown in Table 1.

[0029] Table 1

[0030] In some examples, the alloy may have the following elemental compositions shown in Table 2.

[0031] Table 2

[0032] In some examples, the alloys described herein contain copper (Cu) in an amount of about 0.05% to about 0.40% (e.g., about 0.05% to about 0.35% or about 0.10% to about 0.30%) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy may contain 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.10%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, 0.20%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0.24%, 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0.29%, 0.30%, 0.31%, 0.32%, 0.33%, 0.34%, 0.35%, 0.36%, 0.37%, 0.38%, 0.39%, or 0.40% Cu. All values ​​are expressed in wt.%.

[0033] In some examples, the alloys described herein contain iron (Fe) in an amount of about 0.25% to about 0.9% (e.g., about 0.3% to about 0.85% or about 0.4% to about 0.8%) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, alloys are 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0.29%, 0.30%, 0.31%, 0.32%, 0.33%, 0.34%, 0.35%, 0.36%, 0.37%, 0.38%, 0.39%, 0.40%, 0.41%, 0.42%, 0.43%, 0.44%, 0.45%, 0.46%, 0.47%, 0.48%, 0.49%, 0.5%, 0.51%, 0.52%, 0.53%, 0.54%, 0.55%, 0.56%, 0.57%, 0 It may contain 0.58%, 0.59%, 0.6%, 0.61%, 0.62%, 0.63%, 0.64%, 0.65%, 0.66%, 0.67%, 0.68%, 0.69%, 0.7%, 0.71%, 0.72%, 0.73%, 0.74%, 0.75%, 0.76%, 0.77%, 0.78%, 0.79%, 0.8%, 0.81%, 0.82%, 0.83%, 0.84%, 0.85%, 0.86%, 0.87%, 0.88%, 0.89%, or 0.9% Fe. All values ​​are expressed in wt.%.

[0034] In some examples, the alloys described herein contain magnesium (Mg) in amounts ranging from about 0.8% to about 3.0% (e.g., about 0.8% to about 2.8% or about 1.0% to about 2.5%) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy may contain 0.8%, 0.81%, 0.82%, 0.83%, 0.84%, 0.85%, 0.86%, 0.87%, 0.88%, 0.89%, 0.9%, 0.91%, 0.92%, 0.93%, 0.94%, 0.95%, 0.96%, 0.97%, 0.98%, 0.99%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%, 2.0%, 2.1%, 2.2%, 2.3%, 2.4%, 2.5%, 2.6%, 2.7%, 2.8%, 2.9%, or 3.0% Mg. All values ​​are expressed in wt.%.

[0035] In some examples, the alloys described herein contain manganese (Mn) in amounts ranging from about 0.1% to about 2.0% (e.g., about 0.1% to about 1.5% or about 0.5% to about 1.5%) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloys contain 0.1%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, 0.2%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0.24%, 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0.29%, 0.3%, 0.31%, 0.32%, 0.33%, 0.3%. 4%, 0.35%, 0.36%, 0.37%, 0.38%, 0.39%, 0.4%, 0.41%, 0.42%, 0.43%, 0.44%, 0.45%, 0.46%, 0.47%, 0.48%, 0.49%, 0.5%, 0.51%, 0.52%, 0.53%, 0.54%, 0.55%, 0.56%, 0.57%, 0.58%, 0.59%, 0 0.6%, 0.61%, 0.62%, 0.63%, 0.64%, 0.65%, 0.66%, 0.67%, 0.68%, 0.69%, 0.7%, 0.71%, 0.72%, 0.73%, 0.74%, 0.75%, 0.76%, 0.77%, 0.78%, 0.79%, 0.8%, 0.81%, 0.82%, 0.83%, 0.84%, 0.85% It may contain Mn in the following proportions: 0.86%, 0.87%, 0.88%, 0.89%, 0.9%, 0.91%, 0.92%, 0.93%, 0.94%, 0.95%, 0.96%, 0.97%, 0.98%, 0.99%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%, or 2.0%. All are expressed in wt.%.

[0036] In some examples, the alloys described herein contain silicon (Si) in amounts ranging from about 0.2% to about 0.7% (e.g., about 0.25% to about 0.6% or about 0.3% to about 0.55%) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloys may contain 0.2%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0.24%, 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0.29%, 0.3%, 0.31%, 0.32%, 0.33%, 0.34%, 0.35%, 0.36%, 0.37%, 0.38%, 0.39%, 0.4%, 0.41%, 0.42%, 0.43%, 0.44%, and 0.45%. It may also contain Si in the following amounts: 0.46%, 0.47%, 0.48%, 0.49%, 0.5%, 0.51%, 0.52%, 0.53%, 0.54%, 0.55%, 0.56%, 0.57%, 0.58%, 0.59%, 0.6%, 0.61%, 0.62%, 0.63%, 0.64%, 0.65%, 0.66%, 0.67%, 0.68%, 0.69%, or 0.7%. All values ​​are expressed in wt.%.

[0037] In some examples, the alloys described herein contain titanium (Ti) in amounts up to about 0.1% (e.g., about 0.01% to about 0.08% or about 0.02% to about 0.05%) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, an alloy may contain 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, or 0.1% Ti. In some cases, Ti is not present in the alloy (i.e., 0%). All amounts are expressed in wt.%.

[0038] In some examples, the alloys described herein contain zinc (Zn) in amounts up to about 0.25% (e.g., about 0.01% to about 0.25% or about 0.1% to about 0.2%) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, an alloy may contain 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.1%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, 0.2%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0.24%, or 0.25% Zn. In some cases, Zn is not present in the alloy (i.e., 0%). All amounts are expressed in wt.%.

[0039] In some examples, the alloys described herein contain chromium (Cr) in amounts up to about 0.4% (e.g., about 0.01% to about 0.35% or about 0.05% to about 0.3%) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy may contain 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.1%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, 0.2%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0.24%, 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0.29%, 0.3%, 0.31%, 0.32%, 0.33%, 0.34%, 0.35%, 0.36%, 0.37%, 0.38%, 0.39%, or 0.4% Cr. In some cases, Cr is not present in the alloy (i.e., 0%). All values ​​are expressed in wt.%.

[0040] Optionally, the alloy compositions described herein may further contain other trace elements, sometimes called impurities, in amounts of about 0.05%, 0.04%, 0.03%, 0.02%, or 0.01% or less. These impurities may include, but are not limited to, Zr, Sn, Ga, Ca, Bi, Na, Pb, or combinations thereof. Thus, Zr, Sn, Ga, Ca, Bi, Na, or Pb may be present in the alloy in amounts of 0.05%, 0.04%, 0.03%, 0.02%, or 0.01% or less. In some cases, the total of all impurities does not exceed 0.15% (e.g., 0.10%). All amounts are expressed in wt.%. The remaining percentage of the alloy is aluminum.

[0041] Various products containing the aluminum alloys described herein can be manufactured. The aluminum alloy products described herein can have any suitable gauge. In some examples, the aluminum alloy product may be a sheet. Optionally, the sheet gauge is less than about 240 μm (e.g., from about 170 μm to less than about 240 μm, from about 180 μm to about 230 μm, or from about 190 μm to about 220 μm). For example, a sheet may have a gauge of about 170 μm, 175 μm, 180 μm, 185 μm, 190 μm, 195 μm, 200 μm, 205 μm, 210 μm, 215 μm, 220 μm, 225 μm, 230 μm, 235 μm, or 240 μm. The sheet can be used as a raw material for can bodies.

[0042] Aluminum alloy product characteristics The aluminum alloy products described herein have a desired combination of properties, including suitable strength and high formability. The aluminum alloy products can exhibit a longitudinal yield strength of at least about 260 MPa (e.g., from about 260 MPa to about 300 MPa). For example, the longitudinal yield strength may be at least about 260 MPa, at least about 265 MPa, at least about 270 MPa, at least about 275 MPa, at least about 280 MPa, at least about 285 MPa, at least 290 MPa, at least about 295 MPa, or at least about 300 MPa.

[0043] In some cases, aluminum alloy products are substantially homogeneous with very few heterogeneous areas. Optionally, aluminum alloy products can be leveled to reduce residual stress, cold-rolled, and have an isotropic surface texture, as described in more detail below. In some cases, aluminum alloy products are tension-leveled longitudinally. In some cases, aluminum alloy products are thermal-leveled. Optionally, the leveling of aluminum alloy products, such as aluminum alloy strips, can be measured on a flatness table with a resolution of 2 mm in the x and y directions. The flatness of a leveled sheet can be measured in I-units. In some cases, deviations in height and length (i.e., non-flat areas) can be measured, and I-units can be calculated using the following formula.

[0044] I-unit = (DL / L) × 10 5 Unit (1) In the formula, DL is the length deviation, and L is the segment length of the leveled sheet. In some examples, the leveled sheet may have an I value of approximately 50 or less (e.g., approximately 45 or less, approximately 40 or less, approximately 35 or less, approximately 30 or less, approximately 25 or less, approximately 20 or less, approximately 15 or less, approximately 10 or less, or approximately 5 or less).

[0045] In some cases, one or more surfaces of an aluminum alloy product are substantially free of rolling lubricants, aluminum powder, and debris. As used herein, the term "substantially free of rolling lubricants, aluminum powder, and debris" means that one or more surfaces of an aluminum alloy product are free of rolling lubricants, aluminum powder, and debris per square millimeter (mm) of the surface of the aluminum alloy product. 2 This means that the product may contain elements (e.g., rolling lubricants, aluminum powder, and / or fragments) in amounts of less than approximately 1%, less than approximately 0.1%, less than approximately 0.01%, less than approximately 0.001%, less than approximately 0.0001%, or 0% per square meter. In some cases, an aluminum alloy product may have a cupping lubricant on one or more surfaces for use in downstream processes, such as a cupping process. In some cases, one or more surfaces of an aluminum alloy product may have a surface area of ​​one side, per square meter (m²). 2 ) at least about 200 mg of cupping lubricant per side (for example, about 200 mg / m² per side) 2 From approximately 1000 mg / m² 2 Or approximately 500 mg / m² 2 From approximately 800 mg / m² 2 It has a cupping lubricant. For example, one or more surfaces of an aluminum alloy product have about 200 mg / m² per side. 2 , about 250mg / m 2 , about 300mg / m 2 , about 350mg / m 2 , about 400mg / m 2 , about 450mg / m 2 , about 500mg / m 2 , about 550mg / m 2 , about 600mg / m 2 , about 650mg / m 2 , about 700mg / m 2 , about 750mg / m 2 , about 800mg / m 2 , about 850mg / m 2 , about 900mg / m 2 , about 950mg / m 2 , or approximately 1000 mg / m² 2 The cupping lubricant may be present. The lubricant can eliminate the need for additional lubricants for the manufacture of beverage can bodies.

[0046] In some cases, aluminum alloy products may contain a post-lubricant on one or more surfaces to help suppress corrosion related to moisture in the air and fretting corrosion caused by overlapping movement during transport and stretching. In some cases, one or more surfaces of an aluminum alloy product may contain a post-lubricant on one side, per square meter (m²). 2 ) at least about 5 mg of post-lubricant per side (for example, about 5 mg / m² per side) 2 From approximately 100 mg / m² 2 Or approximately 25 mg / m² 2 From approximately 75 mg / m² 2 It has a post-lubricant. For example, one or more surfaces of an aluminum alloy product have about 5 mg / m² per side. 2 , about 10mg / m 2 , about 15mg / m 2 , about 20mg / m 2 , about 25mg / m 2 , about 30mg / m 2 , about 35mg / m 2 , about 40mg / m 2 , about 45mg / m 2 , about 50mg / m 2 , about 55mg / m 2 , about 60mg / m 2 , about 65mg / m 2 , about 70mg / m 2 , about 75mg / m 2 , about 80mg / m 2 , about 85mg / m 2 , about 90mg / m 2 , about 95mg / m 2 , or approximately 100 mg / m² 2The post-lubricant may include one or more of the following: dibutyl adipate, dibutyl sebacate, dihexyl adipate, dihexyl sebacate, dicyclohexyl adipate, dicyclohexyl sebacate, dioctyl adipate, dioctyl sebacate, diisodecyl adipate, diisodecyl sebacate, diundecyl adipate, diundecyl sebacate, didodecanyl adipate, didodecanyl sebacate, diphenyl sebacate, or diphenyl adipate.

[0047] Method of production The above aluminum alloys may be cast into cast products. The alloys can be cast using any casting process carried out in accordance with standards known to those skilled in the art and commonly used in the aluminum industry. For example, the alloys may be cast using a continuous casting (CC) process, which may include, but is not limited to, the use of a twin-belt casting machine, a twin-roll casting machine, or a block casting machine. In some examples, the casting process is carried out by a CC process to form cast products such as billets, slabs, shades, and strips. In some examples, the casting process is carried out by a direct chill (DC) casting process to form cast products such as ingots. In some examples, the casting process is carried out by strip casting. The cast products can then be subjected to further processing steps. Such processing steps include, but are not limited to, heating, hot rolling, cold rolling, and / or annealing. Optionally, the heating step may include homogenizing the cast aluminum alloy. Optionally, the sheets can be further processed using degreasing, leveling, and / or lubrication steps.

[0048] heating The heating step may include heating a cast aluminum alloy product, such as an ingot made from an aluminum alloy composition described herein, to achieve a maximum plate temperature (PMT) of about, or at least about 450°C (e.g., at least about 460°C, at least about 470°C, at least about 480°C, at least about 490°C, at least about 500°C, at least about 510°C, at least about 520°C, at least about 530°C, at least about 540°C, at least about 550°C, at least about 560°C, at least about 570°C, or at least about 580°C). For example, the cast aluminum alloy product may be heated to temperatures of about 450°C to about 580°C, about 460°C to about 575°C, about 470°C to about 570°C, about 480°C to about 565°C, about 490°C to about 555°C, or about 500°C to about 550°C. In some cases, the heating rate to the PMT may be approximately 100°C / hour or less, 75°C / hour or less, 50°C / hour or less, 40°C / hour or less, 30°C / hour or less, 25°C / hour or less, 20°C / hour or less, or 15°C / hour or less. In other cases, the heating rate to the PMT may be approximately 10°C / min to approximately 100°C / min (for example, approximately 10°C / min to approximately 90°C / min, approximately 10°C / min to approximately 70°C / min, approximately 10°C / min to approximately 60°C / min, approximately 20°C / min to approximately 90°C / min, approximately 30°C / min to approximately 80°C / min, approximately 40°C / min to approximately 70°C / min, or approximately 50°C / min to approximately 60°C / min).

[0049] In some cases, the heating step includes homogenizing the cast aluminum alloy, in which case the cast aluminum alloy product is soaked for a certain period of time (i.e., held at the indicated temperature). In some cases, the cast aluminum alloy product is soaked for at least 30 minutes at the highest plate temperature reached above. According to one non-limiting example, the cast aluminum alloy product is soaked for up to approximately 36 hours (e.g., from approximately 30 minutes to approximately 36 hours, including both ends). For example, a cast aluminum alloy product may be soaked at the highest achievable plate temperature for 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours, 9 hours, 10 hours, 11 hours, 12 hours, 13 hours, 14 hours, 15 hours, 16 hours, 17 hours, 18 hours, 19 hours, 20 hours, 21 hours, 22 hours, 23 hours, 24 hours, 25 hours, 26 hours, 27 hours, 28 hours, 29 hours, 30 hours, 31 hours, 32 hours, 33 hours, 34 hours, 35 hours, 36 hours, or any of the times in between.

[0050] Hot rolling and cold rolling A hot rolling step may be performed after the homogenization step. The hot rolling step may include hot reversible rolling mill operation and / or hot tandem rolling mill operation.

[0051] The hot rolling step may be carried out at a temperature in the range of about 250°C to about 550°C (for example, about 300°C to about 500°C or about 350°C to about 450°C).

[0052] The cold rolling step may be optionally used to form aluminum alloy products. For example, cast aluminum alloy products may be cold-rolled to a thickness of less than about 4 mm. In some examples, the sheets may have thicknesses of less than 4 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.9 mm, less than 0.8 mm, less than 0.7 mm, less than 0.6 mm, less than 0.5 mm, less than 0.4 mm, less than 0.3 mm, less than 0.2 mm, or less than 0.1 mm. Optionally, the sheet gauge is less than about 240 μm (e.g., about 170 μm to less than 240 μm, about 180 μm to about 230 μm, or about 190 μm to about 220 μm). For example, the sheets may have gauges of approximately 170 μm, 175 μm, 180 μm, 185 μm, 190 μm, 195 μm, 200 μm, 205 μm, 210 μm, 215 μm, 220 μm, 225 μm, 230 μm, 235 μm, or 240 μm. The sheets can be used as a raw material for can bodies.

[0053] Degreasing The processes described herein may optionally include at least one degreasing step used on aluminum alloy products. The term “degreasing,” as used herein, includes treating aluminum alloy products to remove residual oil accumulated on the surface from hot-rolling and cold-rolling processes. The degreasing step may also remove residual surface debris, rolling oil, and aluminum fines from the rolling process. A degreased surface provides an improved surface appearance to the can body and reduces the accumulation of fines during the cupping process. Examples of degreasing agents for use in the degreasing step include water and / or solvents. Optionally, the water used in the degreasing step may be warm water (i.e., water having a temperature of at least about 35°C, such as from about 35°C to about 100°C). In some cases, the degreasing agent may include acidic or alkaline agents. For example, suitable acidic agents for use in the degreasing step include phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, or mixtures thereof. In some cases, the degreasing agent may include a wetting agent. Optionally, the degreasing agent may be used in combination with electrochemical cleaning. In certain cases, the level of degreasing is controlled by the concentration of the chemical agent, the current density, the degreasing time, and / or the temperature of the degreasing section. After degreasing, the strips may be rinsed with water and dried prior to lubrication.

[0054] Leveling The processes described herein may include at least one leveling step used on an aluminum alloy product. The term “leveling,” as used herein, includes treating an aluminum alloy product to form a tension-leveled aluminum alloy product by removing residual rolling stress. The leveling step may also remove non-flat areas resulting from residual stress from the rolling process. Removing non-flat areas from the aluminum alloy product allows the cupping press to operate at higher speeds and throughput, thereby achieving even higher productivity. The isotropic surface texture of the aluminum alloy product reduces dome cracking and minimizes tear-offs, bleed-throughs, and looper lines during the cupping and body-making processes. Any suitable leveling process may be used, including tension leveling, stretch leveling, roller leveling, and / or thermal leveling. While we do not wish to be bound by theory, mechanical leveling processes such as tensioning, stretching, and roller leveling can stretch specific strips within a strip, and thermal leveling processes can alleviate and deform slippage within the strip, eliminating stress differences within the strip, thereby reliably lowering residual stress in the sheet and improving the strip shape, i.e., flatness. Furthermore, the level of deformation in the rest of the sheet is significantly reduced, for example, after removing cups in a cupping press.

[0055] In some examples, the strip may be heated for about 5 to 15 seconds to reach a maximum plate temperature of about 170°C to about 280°C (e.g., about 200°C to about 240°C) in order to thermally level the strip. For example, the maximum plate temperature to thermally level the strip may be about 170°C, 171°C, 172°C, 173°C, 174°C, 175°C, 176°C, 177°C, 178°C, 179°C, 180°C, 181°C, 182°C, 183°C, 184°C, 185°C, 186°C, 187°C, 188°C, 189°C, 190°C, 191°C, 192°C, 193°C ℃, 194℃, 195℃, 196℃, 197℃, 198℃, 199℃, 200℃, 201℃, 202℃, 203℃, 204℃, 205℃, 206℃, 207℃, 208℃, 209℃, 210℃, 211℃, 212℃, 213℃, 214℃, 215℃, 216℃, 217℃, 218℃, 219℃, 220℃, 221℃, 222℃, 22 3℃, 224℃, 225℃, 226℃, 227℃, 228℃, 229℃, 230℃, 231℃, 232℃, 233℃, 234℃, 235℃, 236℃, 237℃, 238℃, 239℃, 240℃, 241℃, 242℃, 243℃, 244℃, 245℃, 246℃, 247℃, 248℃, 249℃, 250℃, 251℃, 252℃, Possible temperatures for the leveling process include 253°C, 254°C, 255°C, 256°C, 257°C, 258°C, 259°C, 260°C, 261°C, 262°C, 263°C, 264°C, 265°C, 266°C, 267°C, 268°C, 269°C, 270°C, 271°C, 272°C, 273°C, 274°C, 275°C, 276°C, 277°C, 278°C, 279°C, or 280°C. The time for the thermal leveling process can be, for example, about 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, 10 seconds, 11 seconds, 12 seconds, 13 seconds, 14 seconds, or 15 seconds. The strip may be cooled to ambient temperature after the leveling process. The line speed can be adjusted to affect the leveling process. In some cases, the line speed may be approximately 100 m / min to approximately 300 m / min (for example, approximately 150 m / min to approximately 200 m / min).For example, line speeds for leveling are approximately 100m / min, 105m / min, 110m / min, 115m / min, 120m / min, 125m / min, 130m / min, 135m / min, 140m / min, 145m / min, 150m / min, 155m / min, 160m / min, 165m / min, 170m / min, 175m / min, 180m / min, 185m / min, 190m / min, and 195m / min. Possible flow rates include 200 m / min, 205 m / min, 210 m / min, 215 m / min, 220 m / min, 225 m / min, 230 m / min, 235 m / min, 240 m / min, 245 m / min, 250 m / min, 255 m / min, 260 m / min, 265 m / min, 270 m / min, 275 m / min, 280 m / min, 285 m / min, 290 m / min, 295 m / min, or 300 m / min. In some examples, the leveled product contains virtually no residual rolling stress. As used herein, the term “substantially free of residual rolling stress” means that an aluminum alloy product may have an I value of about 50 or less (e.g., about 45 or less, about 40 or less, about 35 or less, about 30 or less, about 25 or less, about 20 or less, about 15 or less, about 10 or less, or about 5 or less). Low levels of residual rolling stress facilitate the press feeding and the discharge process of the remaining material (thin metal sheet).

[0056] Lubrication The processes described herein may optionally include at least one lubrication step applied to an aluminum alloy product. The term “lubricate,” as used herein, includes treating an aluminum alloy product to apply a lubricant for subsequent cupping production. Optionally, the applied lubricant may be a dry film lubricant. In some cases, the lubricant may be applied uniformly. In some cases, a preferred level of lubrication is 200 to 1000 mg / m². 2 / Product side (for example, approximately 200 mg / m³) 2 Approximately 1000 mg / m² from the side 2 / Side or approximately 500 mg / m² 2 Approximately 800 mg / m² from the side 2Within the range of (sides). In some cases, the lubrication step eliminates the need for the use of additional lubricants during downstream processing (e.g., during the cupping process). In some cases, a post-lubricant may be applied to one or both surfaces to help suppress corrosion related to moisture in the air and fretting corrosion caused by overlapping movement during transport and stretching (e.g., caused by overlapping layers of rolled aluminum alloy products). The post-lubricant is approximately 5 mg / m 2 Approximately 100 mg / m² from the side 2 / Side (for example, about 10 mg / m²) 2 / Approximately 25 mg / m² from the side 2 / Side or approximately 20 mg / m² 2 Approximately 50 mg / m² from the side 2 The post-lubricant may be applied to one or both surfaces in an amount equal to (or on the sides). In some cases, the post-lubricant may contain one or more of the following: dibutyl azipart, dibutyl sebacate, dihexyl azipart, dihexyl sebacate, dicyclohexyl azipart, dicyclohexyl sebacate, dioctyl azipart, dioctyl sebacate, diisodecyl azipart, diisodecyl sebacate, diundecyl azipart, diundecyl sebacate, didodecanyl azipart, didodecanyl sebacate, diphenyl sebacate, or diphenyl azipart.

[0057] Method of use and downstream processing The aluminum alloy products and methods described herein can be used to manufacture beverage cans, food containers, or any other desired applications. In some examples, the aluminum alloy products and methods can be used to manufacture beverage can bodies. The aluminum alloy products described herein can be used in downstream processes such as cupping processes. The above aluminum alloy products can be moved into the cupping process without the use of pinch rollers. In particular, the rotation of a magnet adjacent to the aluminum product generates an induced current and magnetic field, causing the aluminum product to move along the resulting magnetic field. The induced current and magnetic field can be particularly useful in high-speed production lines such as beverage can production lines. In some cases, the magnet can be placed in front of the cupping apparatus, and the magnet can rhythmically feed and move the aluminum alloy product forward. This method of moving aluminum alloy products is also called the Lenz effect. By utilizing the Lenz effect, aluminum alloy products (e.g., sheets or can preforms made from sheets) can be advanced along the production line without the use of pinch rollers, which can compress the product and, in some cases, scratch the surface of the product or cause undesirable surface deformation in the finished beverage can. [Examples]

[0058] Example 1 Sheets of 3104-01 aluminum were tested for yield strength, maximum tensile strength, malleability, and total elongation. The sheets were then partially annealed for soaking times of 5, 10, and 15 seconds at maximum achievable temperatures of 180°C, 200°C, and 220°C. After the soaking time was complete, the sheets were tested for yield strength, maximum tensile strength, malleability, and total elongation. Figure 1 shows the change in yield strength with respect to soaking time and soaking temperature. Figure 2 shows the change in maximum tensile strength with respect to soaking time and soaking temperature. In both cases, the sheets treated at 220°C reacted faster than those treated at lower temperatures. At 220°C, a decrease in strength was observed within 5 seconds, while the sheets treated at 180°C and 200°C showed almost no change in strength at the 5-second mark. Figure 3 shows the change in malleability with respect to soaking time and soaking temperature. Malleability is the numerical difference between yield strength and maximum tensile strength. In this case as well, the sheets treated at 220°C reacted faster than those treated at lower temperatures, but their overall malleability remained stable. Figure 4 shows the change in elongation with respect to soak time and soak temperature. In this case as well, the sheets treated at 220°C reacted faster than those treated at lower temperatures, but did not show further decrease at 10 or 15 seconds of soaking time. The reaction was slower at lower temperatures, but the elongation decreased as the soaking time was extended.

[0059] Example 2 Sheets of 3104 were partially annealed at maximum plate temperatures of 180°C, 200°C, and 220°C for soaking times of 5, 10, and 15 minutes. The sheets were then cooled in a furnace from 170°C to 100°C, followed by air quenching and yield stress measurement. A total of 27 samples were subjected to three repeated tests at each temperature. A process model was used to predict the yield stress for partially annealed 3104 sheets at maximum plate temperatures ranging from 100°C to 240°C and soaking times from 1 second to 1,000,000 minutes. Figure 5 shows the experimental stress results, represented by markers overlapping the process model lines. The yield stress decreased with time, with the greatest decrease observed at higher temperatures. The modeled results correlate well with the experimental results at temperatures up to 200°C. Above 200°C, the experimentally based decrease in yield stress was greater than that predicted by the model.

[0060] Examples of suitable alloys, products, and methods Where used below, any reference to a series of exemplary alloys, products, or methods should be understood as separate from any reference to each of those alloys, products, or methods (for example, “Examples 1-4” should be understood as “Examples 1, 2, 3, or 4”).

[0061] Example 1 is a method for manufacturing aluminum alloy products, comprising casting an aluminum alloy containing approximately 0.05 to 0.4 wt.% Cu, 0.25 to 0.9 wt.% Fe, 0.8 to 3.0 wt.% Mg, 0.1 to 2.0 wt.% Mn, 0.2 to 0.7 wt.% Si, up to 0.1 wt.% Ti, up to 0.25 wt.% Zn, up to 0.4 wt.% Cr, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and Al to form a cast aluminum alloy; heating the cast aluminum alloy; hot rolling the cast aluminum alloy to produce a rolled product; cold rolling the rolled product to produce an aluminum alloy product; and leveling the aluminum alloy product.

[0062] Example 2 is a method of either the above or subsequent example in which casting is performed by semi-continuous direct chill ingot casting or strip casting.

[0063] Example 3 is a method of either the above or subsequent example, wherein heating the cast aluminum alloy includes homogenizing the cast aluminum alloy.

[0064] Example 4 is a method of either the above or subsequent example, further comprising degreasing an aluminum alloy product.

[0065] Example 5 is a method of any of the above or subsequent examples, further comprising removing aluminum powder, rolling oil, and fragments from an aluminum alloy product.

[0066] Example 6 is a method of either the above or subsequent example, further comprising lubricating an aluminum alloy product with a cupping lubricant.

[0067] Example 7 is an aluminum alloy product manufactured by the method of one of the above or subsequent examples.

[0068] Example 8 is an aluminum alloy product of any of the above or subsequent examples, including the 3xxx series aluminum alloys.

[0069] Example 9 is an aluminum alloy product of any of the above or subsequent examples, including the 5xxx series aluminum alloys.

[0070] Example 10 is an aluminum alloy product of either of the above or subsequent examples, containing approximately 0.05–0.3 wt.% Cu, 0.4–0.8 wt.% Fe, 0.8–2.8 wt.% Mg, 0.1–1.5 wt.% Mn, 0.25–0.6 wt.% Si, up to 0.1 wt.% Ti, 0.1–0.25 wt.% Zn, up to 0.35 wt.% Cr, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and Al.

[0071] Example 11 is an aluminum alloy product of either of the above or subsequent examples, wherein the aluminum alloy product is a sheet.

[0072] Example 12 is an aluminum alloy product of either of the above or subsequent examples, wherein the aluminum alloy product has a thickness of less than approximately 240 μm.

[0073] Example 13 is an aluminum alloy product of either of the above or subsequent examples, with a thickness of approximately 170 μm to less than approximately 240 μm.

[0074] Example 14 is an aluminum alloy product of either of the above or subsequent examples, with a thickness of approximately 180 μm to approximately 230 μm.

[0075] Example 15 is an aluminum alloy product of either of the above or subsequent examples, wherein the sheet has a longitudinal yield strength of at least about 260 MPa.

[0076] Example 16 is an aluminum alloy product of either of the above or subsequent examples, with a longitudinal yield strength of approximately 260 MPa to approximately 300 MPa.

[0077] Example 17 is an aluminum alloy product of any of the above or subsequent examples, wherein one or more surfaces of the aluminum alloy product include an isotropic surface morphology.

[0078] Example 18 is an aluminum alloy product of any of the above or subsequent examples, wherein one or more surfaces of the aluminum alloy product have a texture aspect ratio of 0.1 to 0.7.

[0079] Example 19 shows that one or more surfaces of an aluminum alloy product have at least approximately 200 mg (mg / m²) per side, per square meter. 2 An aluminum alloy product of any of the above or subsequent examples, including a cupping lubricant on the side.

[0080] Example 20 shows that one or more surfaces of an aluminum alloy product have a concentration of approximately 200 mg / m². 2 Approximately 1000 mg / m² from the side 2 The aluminum alloy product of either the above or subsequent example contains a cupping lubricant in a lateral quantity.

[0081] Example 21 shows that one or more surfaces of an aluminum alloy product have a concentration of approximately 5 mg / m². 2 Approximately 100 mg / m² from the side 2 The aluminum alloy product of either the above or subsequent example contains a post-lubricant in a lateral quantity.

[0082] Example 22 is an aluminum alloy product of any of the above or subsequent examples, wherein the post-lubricant comprises dibutyl adipate, dibutyl sebacate, dihexyl adipate, dihexyl sebacate, dicyclohexyl adipate, dicyclohexyl sebacate, dioctyl adipate, dioctyl sebacate, diisodecyl adipate, diisodecyl sebacate, diundecyl adipate, diundecyl sebacate, didodecanyl adipate, didodecanyl sebacate, diphenyl sebacate, or diphenyl adipate.

[0083] Example 23 is an aluminum alloy product of either of the above or subsequent examples, in which the sheet is tension-leveled in the longitudinal direction.

[0084] Example 24 is an aluminum alloy product of either of the above or subsequent examples, in which the sheet is heat-leveled at a temperature in the range of approximately 170°C to approximately 280°C.

[0085] Example 25 is an aluminum alloy product of either of the above or subsequent examples, wherein the aluminum alloy product substantially does not contain aluminum powder and fragments.

[0086] Example 26 is an aluminum alloy product of either of the above or subsequent examples, which includes a beverage can body.

[0087] Example 27 is an aluminum alloy product containing an aluminum alloy with a thickness of less than approximately 240 μm, comprising approximately 0.05–0.4 wt.% Cu, 0.25–0.9 wt.% Fe, 0.8–3.0 wt.% Mg, 0.1–2.0 wt.% Mn, 0.2–0.7 wt.% Si, up to 0.1 wt.% Ti, up to 0.25 wt.% Zn, up to 0.4 wt.% Cr, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and Al.

[0088] Example 28 is an aluminum alloy product of either of the above or subsequent examples, with a thickness of approximately 170 μm to less than approximately 240 μm.

[0089] Example 29 is an aluminum alloy product of either of the above or subsequent examples, with a thickness of approximately 180 μm to approximately 230 μm.

[0090] Example 30 is an aluminum alloy product of any of the above or subsequent examples, wherein the aluminum alloy contains approximately 0.05–0.3 wt.% Cu, 0.4–0.8 wt.% Fe, 0.8–2.8 wt.% Mg, 0.1–1.5 wt.% Mn, 0.25–0.6 wt.% Si, up to 0.1 wt.% Ti, 0.1–0.25 wt.% Zn, up to 0.35 wt.% Cr, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and Al.

[0091] Example 31 is an aluminum alloy product of any of the above or subsequent examples, wherein one or more surfaces of the aluminum alloy product have a texture aspect ratio of 0.1 to 0.7.

[0092] All patents, publications, and abstracts cited above are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Various embodiments of the present invention are described in relation to the achievement of various objectives of the present invention. It should be recognized that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and adaptations thereof will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A method for producing an aluminum alloy product, comprising: casting an aluminum alloy containing about 0.05-0.4 wt.% Cu, 0.25-0.9 wt.% Fe, 0.8-3.0 wt.% Mg, 0.1-2.0 wt.% Mn, 0.2-0.7 wt.% Si, up to 0.1 wt.% Ti, up to 0.25 wt.% Zn, up to 0.4 wt.% Cr, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and Al to form a cast aluminum alloy; heating the cast aluminum alloy; hot rolling the cast aluminum alloy to produce a rolled product; cold rolling the rolled product to produce an aluminum alloy product; and leveling the aluminum alloy product.

2. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the casting is performed by semi-continuous direct chill ingot casting or strip casting.

3. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein heating the cast aluminum alloy comprises homogenizing the cast aluminum alloy.

4. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising degreasing the aluminum alloy product.

5. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising removing aluminum fines, rolling oil, and debris from the aluminum alloy product.

6. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising lubricating the aluminum alloy product with a cupping lubricant.

7. 7. An aluminium alloy product made by the method of any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. 8. The aluminum alloy product of claim 7, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises a 3xxx series or a 5xxx series aluminum alloy.

9. 9. The aluminum alloy product according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the aluminum alloy product is a sheet.

10. 10. The aluminum alloy product of claim 9, wherein the sheet has a longitudinal yield strength of at least about 260 MPa.

11. 11. The aluminium alloy product according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the sheet is heat levelled at a temperature in the range of about 170°C to about 280°C.

12. 12. An aluminium alloy product according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the sheet is tension levelled in the longitudinal direction.

13. 13. The aluminium alloy product of any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the aluminium alloy product comprises a thickness of less than about 240 μm.

14. 14. An aluminium alloy product according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein one or more surfaces of the aluminium alloy product have a texture aspect ratio of from 0.1 to 0.

7.

15. One or more surfaces of the aluminum alloy product have a surface area of ​​at least about 200 mg per square meter (mg / m 2 15. The aluminium alloy product of claim 7, further comprising a cupping lubricant in an amount of (a) 1 / 2 inch (above / below) 1 / 4 inch (below ...

16. The one or more surfaces of the aluminum alloy article are about 5 mg / m 2 / Approx. 100 mg / m from the side 2 16. An aluminium alloy product according to any one of claims 7 to 15, comprising a post lubricant in a lateral amount.

17. 17. The aluminum alloy product of claim 16, wherein the post lubricant comprises dibutyl adipate, dibutyl sebacate, dihexyl adipate, dihexyl sebacate, dicyclohexyl adipate, dicyclohexyl sebacate, dioctyl adipate, dioctyl sebacate, diisodecyl adipate, diisodecyl sebacate, diundecyl adipate, diundecyl sebacate, didodecanyl adipate, didodecanyl sebacate, diphenyl sebacate, or diphenyl adipate.

18. 18. The aluminium alloy product of claim 7, wherein the aluminium alloy product is substantially free of aluminium fines and debris.

19. 19. The aluminium alloy product according to any one of claims 7 to 18, wherein the aluminium alloy product comprises a beverage can body.

20. An aluminum alloy product, an aluminum alloy containing about 0.05-0.4 wt.% Cu, 0.25-0.9 wt.% Fe, 0.8-3.0 wt.% Mg, 0.1-2.0 wt.% Mn, 0.2-0.7 wt.% Si, up to 0.1 wt.% Ti, up to 0.25 wt.% Zn, up to 0.4 wt.% Cr, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and Al; The aluminum alloy product comprises a thickness of less than about 240 μm.

21. 21. The aluminium alloy product of claim 20, wherein one or more surfaces of the aluminium alloy product have a texture aspect ratio of 0.1 to 0.7.

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