2 Days
I.D.#C0008
Aluminum alloys do not respond to thermal treatments in the same
manner as most steels, but a heat treating procedure known as
precipitation hardening (also called “age” hardening) can effectively
strengthen many of these alloys. This process is the most common
method of improving the mechanical properties of aluminum alloys
and is used routinely by most industries that employ these alloys in the
manufacture of their products.
Aluminum alloys, depending on their processing, may also be
subjected to heat treatments that are designed to soften, stress
relieve, and/or homogenize the material. These are usually called
“annealing” treatments. Much of this seminar will focus on precipitation
hardening in aluminum alloys, its metallurgical basis and process
control requirements. Annealing will also be discussed in terms of its
various functions in controlling the microstructure and properties of
aluminum alloys. Beginning with an introduction to the basic crystal
structure of aluminum, the concepts of solid solubility of alloying
elements in aluminum and precipitation from solid solution will be
presented. Metallurgical effects of cold work and annealing will be
described. The processing steps essential to precipitation hardening
will be discussed individually, and the metallurgical characteristics of
alloys that can be successfully precipitation hardened will be explored.
The physical phenomena responsible for precipitation hardening will
be introduced as a precursor to a treatment of the kinetics of the aging
process in aluminum alloys that gives rise to strengthening. This will
involve discussion of the combined effects of aging temperature and
time on the strengthening process and the influence of these variables
on resulting mechanical properties of the alloy.
discussion of aluminum alloy designations and compositions, as
well as a description of various “temper designations” associated
with these materials. Discussion of the control of annealing and
precipitation hardening treatments in aluminum alloys will be dealt with
and will emphasize the essential variables in each stage of the process
to achieve optimum properties. The seminar will conclude with an
open discussion of specific aluminum alloy heat treating problems
and/or questions of interest to the attendees.
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