Magna International Inc.
HIGH STRENGTH ALUMINUM STAMPING

Abstract:

The invention provides a component formed of an aluminum alloy for use in a vehicle, for example an automotive vehicle component requiring high strength, light-weight, and a complex three-dimensional shape, and a method of manufacturing the component. The method begins by providing a blank formed of an aluminum alloy which is already solution heat treated and tempered, and thus has a temper designation of about T4. The method further includes heating the blank to a temperature of 150.degree. C. to 350.degree. C., preferably 190.degree. C. to 225.degree. C. The method next includes quickly transferring the blank to a hot or warm forming apparatus, and stamping the blank to form the complex three-dimensional shape. Immediately after the forming step, the component has a temper designation of about T6, but preferably not greater than T6, and thus is ready for use in the vehicle without any post heat treatment or machining.