Patent ID: 6679417
Filing Date: 2004-01-20
Classification: B21D,B23K,C22F

Abstract:
A method of heat treating and forming component parts, comprising:(a) preforming a roll bonded component blank, wherein the component blank is formed of a 6000 series aluminum material having a predetermined initial hardness, wherein preforming a roll bonded component blank comprises: preheating two sheets; and roll bonding the sheets substantially immediately following preheating to limit oxidation on the bonding surfaces of the two sheets; (b) heat treating the roll bonded component blank to a predetermined treatment temperature in a predetermined treatment time, said predetermined treatment temperature being at least approximately 250 degrees C.; (c) quenching the component blank such that the temperature reaches a predetermined after-quench temperature in a predetermined quench time, the component blank being in a ductile condition after quenching; (d) forming the component blank into a formed component part while the component blank is in the ductile condition, wherein forming the component blank comprises separating at least a portion of one of the sheets of the roll bonded component blank from the other sheet; and (e) aging the component part such that the product reaches a predetermined final T-6 hardness.