Highly Alloyed Aluminum Sheet Processing for High Rolling Yield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solution treatment methods for highly alloyed aluminum alloy sheets result in low rolling yield due to edge cracking, strip breakage, and high energy consumption, with existing processes being inefficient and wasteful.
Innovation Solution
A method involving multiple high-temperature short-time solution treatments with quenching, followed by natural aging and artificial aging, combined with increased hot rolling temperatures and intermediate annealing, to enhance the mechanical properties and reduce deformation in the rolling process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional long-time solution treatment (0.5-4 h) is performed to dissolve alloy elements into the matrix, then the mechanical properties of the alloy are improved, but the production cycle is extended and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by increasing the solution treatment temperature from conventional 490-520°C to 505-535°C, and significantly reducing the treatment time from 0.5-4 hours to just 1-25 minutes. This high-temperature short-time approach maintains effective dissolution of alloy elements while dramatically shortening the production cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through multi-pass solution treatment, where the alloy sheet undergoes repeated cycles of heating, solution treatment, and quenching. This allows cumulative dissolution effect to be achieved through multiple short exposures rather than one long exposure, optimizing both time and effectiveness.
2Strength
If segmented solid solution and straightening treatment are performed to eliminate second phase particles, then the mechanical properties are improved, but the rolling yield is reduced due to head and corner waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the solution treatment and straightening operations into a single integrated process. By performing solution treatment on the entire alloy sheet in one operation rather than segmenting it, the process eliminates the need to discard heads and corners, thereby significantly improving rolling yield while still achieving the desired mechanical properties.
3Strength
If high alloying degree is used to achieve high service strength and heat resistance, then the mechanical properties are improved, but the solution treatment difficulty increases due to more coarse second phase particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the increased solution treatment difficulty of highly alloyed materials by changing the temperature parameter to 505-535°C, which is higher than conventional treatments. This elevated temperature accelerates the dissolution kinetics of coarse second phase particles, making the treatment of highly alloyed sheets feasible within a short time frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic multi-pass solution treatment to progressively dissolve the abundant coarse second phase particles in highly alloyed sheets. Through repeated heating and quenching cycles, the cumulative dissolution effect overcomes the initial high difficulty of treating highly alloyed materials.
4Loss of energy
If conventional solution treatment temperature (490-520°C) is used, then the process is energy efficient, but the dissolution of alloy elements is insufficient for highly alloyed sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from conventional 490-520°C to a higher range of 505-535°C. This moderate temperature increase significantly enhances the dissolution capacity for highly alloyed sheets while maintaining reasonable energy consumption, achieving better dissolution without excessive energy input.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This process significantly increases the rolling yield, reduces waste, and matches or exceeds the mechanical properties of conventionally solid solution heat-treated alloys, making it suitable for industrial production while conserving energy.
Implementation Method 1
heating a rolled Al—Cu—Mg—Ag sheet to 515-535° C. in an air cushion furnace
Implementation Method 2
making a coiled material enter a quenching water tank to finish alloy quenching
Implementation Method 3
naturally aging the water quenched alloy sheet at room temperature for 18-36 h
Implementation Method 4
subjecting the alloy sheet after step S3 to artificial aging treatment to a required aging state
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a method for processing a highly alloyed aluminum alloy sheet with a high rolling yield, including the steps of cold rolling and hot rolling of an alloy sheet followed by heat treatment. The highly alloyed Al—Cu—Mg—Ag alloy sheet is subjected to short-time solution treatment and quenching at high temperature for multiple times by increasing the solution treatment temperature and shortening the solution treatment time. In this way, the mechanical properties of the alloy at room temperature and high temperature match with or even exceed those of a conventional alloy subjected to long-time solution treatment at high temperature. The present invention implements multiple times of short-time continuous solution treatment and quenching of a highly-alloyed coiled aluminum alloy sheet. This prevents a large amount of scraps caused by the conventional processes of segmented solution treatment and quenching of the coiled material and stretching straightening treatment.