Patent ID: 10161027

Abstract:
Methods of processing an aluminum alloy component are disclosed. The method may include solution heat treating the component at a solution heat treatment (SHT) temperature of 500° C. to 535° C., quenching the component in a liquid quenching medium having a temperature of 75° C. to 95° C., and artificially aging the component at an artificial aging (AA) temperature of 200° C. to 250° C. to a yield strength of at least 200 MPa. The component may be a 6XXX series aluminum alloy, which may be (or have been) progressively stamped. The component may be artificially aged to an r/t ratio of less than 0.3. The liquid quenching medium may be water and may have a temperature of 82° C. to 88° C. The method may further include joining the aluminum alloy component to a second component with a self-piercing rivet. The disclosed methods may reduce distortion in the component while maintaining high strength and bendability.