Novelis, Inc.

Etienne Combaz

Corrado Bassi

Aude Celine Despois

Julie Richard

Pasquier Romain

Maude Fumeaux

Described are processes for shaping age hardenable aluminum alloys, such as 2XXX, 6XXX and 7XXX aluminum alloys in T4 temper, or articles made of such alloys, including aluminum alloy sheets. The processes involve heating the sheet or article before and/or concurrently with a forming step. In some examples, the sheet is heated to a specified temperature in the range of about 100-600&#xb0; C. at a specified heating rate within the range of about 3-600&#xb0; C./s, for example about 3-90&#xb0; C./s. Such a combination of temperature and heating rate results in an advantageous combination of sheet properties.

Process for warm forming an age hardenable aluminum alloy in T4 temper

Described are processes for shaping a hardened heat treatable, age-hardenable aluminum alloys, such as hardened 2XXX, 6XXX and 7XXX aluminum alloys, or articles made from such alloys, including aluminum alloy sheets. The processes involve heating the article, which may be in a form of a sheet or a blank, before and/or concurrently with a forming step. In some examples, the alloy is heated to a specified temperature in the range of 125-425&#xb0; C. at a specified heating rate within the range of about 3-200&#xb0; C./s, for example, 3-90&#xb0; C./s or 90-150&#xb0; C./s. Such a combination of the temperature and the heating rate can result in an advantageous combination of article properties.

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Bramois, Switzerland

Etienne Combaz