Method to improve properties of aluminium alloys processed by solid state joining

摘要

A method for forming an aluminum alloy article having improved mechanical properties using a solid-state joining process in which the problem of ductility reduction is minimized by conducting a thermal exposure treatment prior to solution heat treatment. This thermal exposure treatment, done at a temperature below the solution heat treatment temperature, releases stored energy in the aluminum-alloy material. The aluminum-alloy material then does not have sufficient energy to cause recrystallization and abnormal grain growth during the subsequent solution heat treatment process. The resultant aluminum-alloy material has a restored mechanical strength with only a minor, but acceptable, decrease in original ductility.