STRUCTURES FABRICATED FROM ALUMINIUM COMPONENTS AND PROCESSES INVOLVED IN MAKING THESE STRUCTURES

摘要

Aluminium alloy components are coated with adhesive and spot-welded together, but are pre-treated to form a surface layer containing at least 5% by weight of chromium. Conversion coating and "no-rinse" pre-treatments are described. Environmentally stable structural adhesive bonds are formed. The pre-treatment can be performed more rapidly than in prior art structures. The components can be formed from aluminium sheet which has been pre-treated and then preferably coated with press-lubricant. Such sheet can be stored for up to 6 months prior to forming.