Development of an Aluminum Sheet Alloy with Improved Formability

Aluminum sheet alloys with enhanced formability have been developed in the Al-Mn-Mg-Si system by refining grain size and deformed dislocation substructure, by virtually eliminating coarse second phase particles, and by precisely controlling matrix solute elements. These refinements, achieved in part from the high casting cooling rate used, provide resistance to both strain localization and ultimate fracture.