T4 A PROCESS FOR WARM FORMING AN AGE HARDENABLE ALUMINUM ALLOY IN T4 TEMPER

摘要

Described are methods for forming aging-curable aluminum alloys, such as 2XXX, 6XXX and 7XXX aluminum alloys of T4 tempers, or articles made from such alloys including aluminum alloy sheets. The method involves heating the sheet or article before and / or at the same time as the forming step. The sheet is heated to a specific temperature in the range of about 100-600 ° C., with a specific heating rate in the range of about 3-600 ° C./s, for example 3-90 ° C./s. This combination of temperature and heating rate can result in an advantageous combination of sheet properties.