Aluminum Company of America

Alcoa Inc.

Alcon, Inc.

James R Anglin

Patricia Stewart

Larry F Wieserman

Ray T Richter

Theresa S Knighton

Brian C Reynolds

Lawrence W Cisko

Thomas J Kasun

Robert C Wallace

Jim N Hart

H Gray Reavis, Jr

Aladar Fricke

Thomas A Ferrazzoli

Frank E Savor

John Bahaychick

Phillip J Pallone

Dean K Vinnedge

Julie A Urbanski

Jim M Hart

Donald R Smith

Larry F Weiserman

In a lubricant composition suitable for use in the manufacture of aluminum alloys comprising lubricant base selected from the group consisting of solid lubricants, liquid lubricants, grease lubricants, emulsion lubricants, and dispersion lubricants, the improvement wherein the lubricant composition further comprises: an effective amount of water and surfactant. It is believed that mixing oil with water and surfactant provides a method for uniformly distributing the surface oxide at the meniscus for casting applications. Uniform distribution of the oxide at the meniscus reduces vertical fold formation that can lead to cracks in the aluminum ingot. In addition, the mixture promotes uniform heat transfer around the mold. Uniform heat transfer around the mold allows the solidifying aluminum alloy to stay in contact with the mold longer and form stronger ingot shells. A process for continuous or semi-continuous casting of aluminum alloys via the use of this lubricant composition is also disclosed.

Lubricant for improved surface quality of cast aluminum and method

In a lubricant composition suitable for use in the manufacture of aluminum alloys comprising lubricant base selected from the group consisting of solid lubricants, liquid lubricants, grease lubricants, emulsion lubricants, and dispersion lubricants, the improvement wherein the lubricant composition further comprises: an effective amount of water and surfactant or water and a compound comprising phosphates, borates, fluorides, and silicates. It is believed that mixing oil with water and surfactant or one of these compounds provides a method for uniformly distributing the surface oxide at the meniscus for casting applications, thereby reducing vertical fold formation that lead to cracks in aluminum ingots. In addition, the mixture promotes uniform heat transfer around the mold allowing the solidifying aluminum alloy to stay in contact with the mold longer and form stronger ingot shells. A process for continuous or semi-continuous casting of aluminum alloys via the use of this lubricant composition is also disclosed.

In a lubricant composition suitable for use in the manufacture of aluminum alloys comprising a lubricant base, the improvement wherein the lubricant composition further comprises: an effective amount of water, surfactant, and a high viscosity organic material having a low vapor pressure. It is believed that this mixture provides a method for uniformly distributing the surface oxide at the meniscus for casting applications and increasing meniscus stability. Uniform distribution of the oxide and increased stability at the meniscus reduces vertical fold formation that can lead to cracks in the aluminum ingot. In addition, the mixture promotes uniform heat transfer around the mold. Uniform heat transfer around the mold allows the solidifying aluminum alloy to stay in contact with the mold longer and form stronger ingot shells. A process for continuous or semi-continuous casting of aluminum alloys via the use of this lubricant composition is also disclosed.

There is disclosed a metal sheet product, more particularly formed food container stock and/or industrial sheet product, which has been treated with an ester-free, lubricant composition that is suitable for direct food contact. This composition consists essentially of: (i) about 10-90 wt. % of a polyalphaolefin; (ii) about 10-90 wt. % of an oleic acid; (iii) about 0-60 wt. % of an isostearic acid; and preferably, about 10-35 wt. % isostearic acid. It should be noted that especially good smudge testing results were observed with the presence of oleic acid. In alternative embodiments, the lubricant composition further includes: (iv) up to about 5 wt. % of an antioxidant, preferably about 0.1-3 wt. % butylated hydroxytoluene; and (v) up to about 10 wt. % of a conductivity enhancer, such as about 2-7 wt. % lecithin. When applied in total deposited weights of about 0.1-30 mg/ft,per side, this invention produces formed food container stock or industrial sheet having improved formability and relatively lower smudge results when compared to its fatty acid and ester-containing alternatives.

Lubricated sheet product and lubricant composition

Metal sheet product, more particularly food can stock and beer and beverage can tab, end and body stock, is treated with a lubricant made by blending a mixture consisting essentially of about 25-90 wt.% of: (i) an ester selected from the group consisting of: bis(2-ethylhexyl)sebacate (or DOS), butyl stearate, and an acetylated, partially hydrogenated soybean oil; and (ii) about 10-75 wt.% of a blend consisting essentially of: (a) about 35-65 wt.% of a polyalphaolefin; and (b) about 65-35 wt.% of a microcrystalline wax; with a balance of incidental additives and impurities. With said composition applied thereon, in preferred average thicknesses between about 3-110 mg/ft.sup.2 for can tab stock and between about 3-35 mg/ft.sup.2 for can end and body stock, the invention produces prelubricated can stock in a suitable condition for conversion without further lubrication.

Apparatus for lubricating die and/or workpiece surfaces, the apparatus including a container adapted to capture a predetermined volume of lubricant. At least one nozzle is provided for spraying the volume of lubricant onto the die/workpiece surfaces when the volume is received from the container. A first valve is connected between the nozzle and container, and a reservoir of lubricant and a pump for circulating lubricant through the container and past the first valve at a relatively low pressure is provided, the circulation of lubricant occurring during a portion of a lubricating cycle when no lubricant is sprayed onto the die/workpiece surfaces. A second valve is located between the pump and container for interrupting the flow of lubricant past the first valve, and a blocking valve is located between the container and the reservoir for interrupting the flow of lubricant from the container. A piston is located within the container and an actuator is connected to the piston for moving the same within the container to direct the captured volume of lubricant from the container to the first valve at a pressure sufficient to open the first valve.

Forging die lubricator

Metal sheet product, more particularly food or beverage can tab and end stock, is treated with a lubricant blend consisting essentially of about 25-90 wt % bis(2-ethylhexyl)sebacate or DOS; about 10-75 wt % petrolatum and a balance of incidental additives and impurities prior to coiling for transport and storage. With said composition applied hereon, in preferred average thicknesses between about 10-110 mg/ft.sup.2 for aluminum can tab stock and up to about 35 mg/ft.sup.2 for aluminum can end stock, the invention produces prelubricated can stock in a suitable condition for conversion into can tabs and/or can ends without further lubrication.

Aluminum sheet coated with a lubricant comprising dioctyl sebacate and

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Export, PA, United States of America

James R Anglin