Aluminum alloys for applications such as wheels and methods of manufacture

Abstract

Aluminum alloys described herein include silicon, iron, copper, manganese, magnesium, and chromium. In various implementations, the aluminum alloys also include one or more of zinc and titanium. Typically, a total amount of iron and manganese in the aluminum alloys is no less than 0.28% by weight and no greater than 0.45% by weight, and the grains in the aluminum alloys have an average grain length of no greater than 6 mm. Aluminum alloy billets can be forged for wheel production at selected temperatures.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method for making an aluminum alloy, the method comprising:
 receiving an aluminum alloy billet, comprising, by weight:   0.80% to 1.20% silicon;   0.08% to 0.37% iron;   0.35% to 0.55% copper;   0.08% to 0.37% manganese;   0.70% to 1.20% magnesium;   0.05% to 0.11% chromium;   no more than 0.20% zinc; and   no more than 0.05% titanium,   and the balance of weight percent comprising aluminum and incidental elements and impurities; and   forging the aluminum alloy billet at a temperature no less than 275° C. and no greater than 460° C.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein forging the aluminum alloy billet includes using a closed die forging press to form a pre-machined disc portion of the wheel. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , the temperature being no less than 370° C. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 3 , the temperature being no greater than 425° C. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein a total amount of iron and manganese is no less than 0.28% by weight and no greater than 0.45% by weight.