METHOD FOR INCREASING THE STRENGTH AND/OR CORROSION RESISTANCE OF 7000 SERIES Al AEROSPACE ALLOY PRODUCTS

摘要

This invention relates to a method for artificially aging 7000 Series Al aerospace alloys to impart improved strength and/or corrosion resistance performance thereto. The method purposefully adds a second aging step or stage to a one-step tempering, or a third step/stage to a low-high, two-step aging operation. The added step/stage extends at about 225-275 DEG F for about 3-24 hours. More preferably, the added stage extends at about 250 DEG F for about 6 hours or more.