Jeffrey J Wiesner

US Patent:

6412164, Jul 2, 2002

Filed:

Oct 10, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/685283

Inventors:

David H. DeYoung - Export PA
William F. McGinnis - New Kensington PA
Ray T. Richter - Murrysville PA
Jeffrey J. Wiesner - Maryville TN

Assignee:

Alcoa Inc. - Pittsburg PA

International Classification:

B22D 700

US Classification:

295275, 164 551, 164473

Abstract:

Aluminum alloy compositions are disclosed, which include small amounts of calcium that result in improved surface properties of the cast aluminum. The calcium, and up to 0. 25% grain refiners, are added along with alkaline earth metals, transition metals and/or rare earth metals to the aluminum alloy as a melt. The addition results in improved appearance, substantially reduced surface imperfections and reduced surface oxidation in cast ingot aluminum and aluminum alloys. The addition of small amounts of these additives, surprisingly were found to substantially eliminate vertical folds, pits and ingot cracking in more than one ingot casting technique. The additions also improved the appearance of the ingots, including reflectance. As a result, the ingots could be reduced or worked essentially right out of the casting without first conditioning the surface by, for example, scalping. Also disclosed is a method of improving the surface properties and preventing surface imperfections and cracking of cast aluminum alloys.

US Patent:

6843863, Jan 18, 2005

Filed:

Jan 18, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/053208

Inventors:

David H. DeYoung - Export PA, US
William F. McGinnis - New Kensington PA, US
Ray T. Richter - Murrysville PA, US
Jeffrey J. Wiesner - Maryville TN, US

Assignee:

Alcoa Inc. - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

C22C 2110

US Classification:

148415, 148417, 420532, 420541

Abstract:

Aluminum alloy compositions are disclosed, which include small amounts of calcium that result in improved surface properties of the cast aluminum. The calcium, and up to 0. 25% grain refiners, are added along with alkaline earth metals, transition metals and/or rare earth metals to the aluminum alloy as a melt. The addition results in improved appearance, substantially reduced surface imperfections and reduced surface oxidation in cast ingot aluminum and aluminum alloys. The addition of small amounts of these additives, surprisingly were found to substantially eliminate vertical folds, pits and ingot cracking in more than one ingot casting technique. The additions also improved the appearance of the ingots, including reflectance. As a result, the ingots could be reduced or worked essentially right out of the casting without first conditioning the surface by, for example, scalping. Also disclosed is a method of improving the surface properties and preventing surface imperfections and cracking of cast aluminum alloys.