THIS paper includes the results of a study to determine how best to fabricate aircraft components made from precipitation-hardening aluminum alloys so as to take full advantage of the superior mechanical properties of these materials, and yet have parts that can be fabricated readily with a minimum of shop difficulties.
The following characteristics of these alloys and problems incidental to their use are studied: mechanical properties, heat-treating operations, effects of cold work, problems connected with various forming operations, methods of attachment, machinability, finish requirements, means of inspection and identification of the various materials and their several tempers, and shop assembly procedures.
The following shop fabrication procedures are recommended:
-
1.
In cases where design dictates the use of precipitation-hardening aluminum alloys, the detail parts should be formed, whenever practicable, in the as-quenched solution heat-treated condition.
-
2.
High-strength aluminum alloys should not be joggled, dimpled, formed, or reworked when in the precipitation-hardened condition, unless accurately controlled heated-tool methods are used.