New 6XXX Aluminum Alloy for Automotive Body Sheet Applications

A program was recently conducted to study the effects of various alloying additions on the properties and performance of aluminum auto body sheet materials. As a result, a new 6XXX-series alloy has been developed which demonstrates an optimum combination of formability, strength, and corrosion resistance. This new alloy not only forms better than 2008-T4 but it can also attain strength levels during typical paint bake operations which are greater than those provided by 2036-T4, 6111-T4, and 6016-T4 as well as exhibit superior corrosion resistance relevant to all of the above mentioned materials. A patent is currently pending.