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HIGH-STRENGTH 6XXX EXTRUSION ALLOYS

20230024665 · 2023-01-26

    Inventors

    Cpc classification

    International classification

    Abstract

    Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a 6xxx aluminum alloy having: silicon (Si) in an amount of 0.70 wt % to 1.1 wt % based on a total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; magnesium (Mg) in an amount of 0.75 wt % to 1.15 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy from 0.68:1.0 to 1.65:1.0; and copper (Cu) in an amount of 0.30 wt % to 0.8 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. Some embodiments of the present disclosure further relate to a method including steps of: casting an exemplary 6xxx aluminum alloy, homogenizing the exemplary 6xxx aluminum alloy; extruding the exemplary 6xxx aluminum alloy; and aging the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    Claims

    1. A 6xxx aluminum alloy consisting of: silicon (Si) in an amount of 0.70 wt % to 1.1 wt % based on a total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; magnesium (Mg) in an amount of 0.75 wt % to 1.15 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; wherein a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 0.68:1.0 to 1.65:1.0, wherein a sum total of the Si and the Mg is present in an amount of from 1.5% to 2.2% based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; copper (Cu) in an amount of 0.30 wt % to 0.8 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; iron (Fe) in an amount of 0.12 wt % to 0.3 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; manganese (Mn) in an amount of 0.25 wt % to 0.65 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; zirconium (Zr) in an amount of at most 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; chromium (Cr) in an amount of at most 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; the balance aluminum (Al) and other elements; wherein each of the other elements is present in amount of less than or equal to 0.05 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; and wherein a sum total of the other elements is less than 0.15% wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    2. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of claim 1, wherein the other elements are selected from the group consisting of: titanium (Ti), boron (B), zinc (Zn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), or any combination thereof.

    3. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of claim 1, wherein up to 0.95 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in a Mg.sub.2Si phase.

    4. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of claim 1, wherein up to 0.5 wt % of Si based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase.

    5. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of claim 1, wherein 0.16 wt % to 0.78 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in an Al.sub.5Cu.sub.2Mg.sub.8Si.sub.5 (“Q”) phase.

    6. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of claim 1, wherein 0.14 wt % to 0.68 wt % of Si based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase.

    7. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of claim 1, wherein 0.1 wt % to 0.5 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase.

    8. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of claim 1, wherein 0.11 wt % to 0.54 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in an Al.sub.2Cu phase.

    9. (canceled)

    10. (canceled)

    11. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of claim 1, having a yield strength of 350 MPa to 400 MPa.

    12. (canceled)

    13. A 6xxx aluminum alloy consisting essentially of: silicon (Si) in an amount of 0.70 wt % to 1.1 wt % based on a total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; magnesium (Mg) in an amount of 0.75 wt % to 1.15 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; wherein a sum total of the Si and the Mg is present in an amount of from 1.5% to 2.2% based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; wherein a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 0.68:1.0 to 1.65:1.0, copper (Cu) in an amount of 0.30 wt % to 0.8 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; iron (Fe) in an amount of 0.12 wt % to 0.3 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; manganese (Mn) in an amount of 0.25 wt % to 0.65 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; aluminum (Al); optionally, zirconium (Zr) in an amount of at most 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; optionally, chromium (Cr) in an amount of at most 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; and optionally, other elements.

    14. (canceled)

    15. (canceled)

    16. A 6xxx aluminum alloy comprising: silicon (Si) in an amount of 0.70 wt % to 1.1 wt % based on a total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; magnesium (Mg) in an amount of 0.75 wt % to 1.15 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; wherein a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 0.68:1.0 to 1.65:1.0; and copper (Cu) in an amount of 0.30 wt % to 0.8 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    17. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of claim 16, wherein a sum total of the Si and the Mg is present in an amount of from 1.5% to 2.2% based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    18. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of claim 16, further comprising iron (Fe) in an amount of 0.12 wt % to 0.3 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    19. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of claim 16, further comprising manganese (Mn) in an amount of 0.25 wt % to 0.65 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    20. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of claim 16, further comprising zirconium (Zr) in an amount of at most 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    21. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of claim 16, further comprising chromium (Cr) in an amount of at most 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    22. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of claim 16, further comprising other elements in an amount of less than 0.05 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    23. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of claim 22, wherein a total of the other elements is less than 0.15 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    24. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of claim 23, wherein the other elements are chosen from: titanium (Ti), boron (B), zinc (Zn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), or any combination thereof.

    25. A method comprising: casting a 6xxx aluminum alloy, wherein the 6xxx aluminum alloy comprises: silicon (Si) in an amount of 0.70 wt % to 1.1 wt % based on a total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; magnesium (Mg) in an amount of 0.75 wt % to 1.15 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; wherein a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 0.68:1.0 to 1.65:1.0; and copper (Cu) in an amount of 0.30 wt % to 0.8 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; homogenizing the 6xxx aluminum alloy; extruding the 6xxx aluminum alloy; and aging the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    26. The method of claim 25, wherein homogenizing comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy to a homogenization temperature (T.sub.H) that is less than a solidus temperature (T.sub.S) of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    27. The method of claim 25, wherein homogenizing comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy to T.sub.H that exceeds a solvus temperature (T.sub.Σ) of at least one of: a Mg.sub.2Si phase of the 6xxx aluminum alloy, a Al.sub.5Cu.sub.2Mg.sub.8Si.sub.5 (“Q”) phase of the 6xxx aluminum alloy, an Al.sub.2Cu phase of the 6xxx aluminum alloy, or any combination thereof.

    28. The method of claim 27, wherein the T.sub.Σ of at least one of the Mg.sub.2Si phase, the Q phase, or any combination thereof ranges from 520° C. to 590° C.

    29. The method of claim 28, wherein the T.sub.H ranges from 530° C. to 600° C.

    30. The method of claim 29, wherein the T.sub.S of the 6xxx aluminum alloy ranges from 540° C. to 610° C.

    31. The method of claim 30, wherein the homogenizing comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy from room temperature to the T.sub.H for 1 to 10 hrs.

    32. (canceled)

    33. The method of claim 25, wherein the homogenizing further comprises air-cooling the 6xxx aluminum alloy to room temperature.

    34. The method of claim 25, wherein the extruding is performed at an exit temperature T.sub.E, wherein the T.sub.E is controlled to a range of 450° C. to 570° C.

    35. The method of claim 25, further comprising quenching the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    36. (canceled)

    37. (canceled)

    38. (canceled)

    39. The method of claim 25, wherein aging comprises an artificial aging step, wherein the artificial aging step is performed for 1 to 32 hours at an artificial aging temperature (T.sub.AA) of 150° C. to 210° C.

    Description

    DRAWINGS

    [0049] Some embodiments of the disclosure are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the embodiments shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the disclosure. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced.

    [0050] FIG. 1 shows the dimension of an exemplary extrusion profile according to the present disclosure.

    [0051] FIG. 2 depicts tensile specimen locations of non-limiting exemplary alloys of the present disclosure.

    DETAILED DESCRIPTION

    [0052] Among those benefits and improvements that have been disclosed, other objects and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures. Detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the disclosure that may be embodied in various forms. In addition, each of the examples given regarding the various embodiments of the disclosure which are intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive.

    [0053] Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and “in some embodiments” as used herein do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s), though it may. Furthermore, the phrases “in another embodiment” and “in some other embodiments” as used herein do not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. All embodiments of the disclosure are intended to be combinable without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure.

    [0054] As used herein, the term “based on” is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.”

    [0055] As used herein, terms such as “comprising” “including,” and “having” do not limit the scope of a specific claim to the materials or steps recited by the claim.

    [0056] As used herein, the term “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a specific claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic or characteristics of the specific claim. Within the context of present disclosure, the basic and novel characteristics of a claim reciting “consisting essentially of” may include, but are not limited to, yield strength, phase profile, tensile strength, or any combination thereof. Put differently, in some embodiments where a claim recites “consisting essentially of,” any component that does not alter, e.g., yield strength, phase profile, tensile strength, or any combination thereof of the claim, falls within that claim's scope.

    [0057] Within the context of a claim using the term “consisting essentially of” herein, the term “optionally” delineates a non-limiting example of a component that does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic or characteristics of that claim. If a claim using the term “consisting essentially of,” recites at least one “optional” component, the at least one “optional” component is not meant to be exhaustive.

    [0058] As used herein, terms such as “consisting of” and “composed of” limit the scope of a specific claim to the materials and steps recited by the claim.

    [0059] All prior patents, publications, and test methods referenced herein are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

    [0060] As used herein, the term “aluminum alloy” means an aluminum metal with soluble elements either in the aluminum lattice or in a phase within aluminum. The soluble elements may include, but are not limited to, copper, iron, magnesium, nickel, silicon, zinc, chromium, manganese, titanium, vanadium, zirconium, tin, scandium, lithium. Elements may be added to influence physical properties of the aluminum alloy and also to influence performance characteristics.

    [0061] As used herein, the term “6xxx aluminum alloy” is defined in accordance with “Alloy and Temper Designation Systems for Aluminum-ANSI H35.1-2009.”

    [0062] As used herein “yield strength” refers to the maximum amount of stress that can be applied to a material before any resulting deformation becomes irreversible.

    [0063] As used herein, “necking” refers to a mode of tensile deformation where strain localizes disproportionately in a particular region of a material.

    [0064] As used herein, “tensile strength” or “ultimate tensile strength (UTS)” refers to the maximum amount of strain that can be applied to a material before necking occurs.

    [0065] As used herein, “homogenizing” refers to at least one process step whereby precipitants are made to disperse evenly throughout an aluminum alloy. Non-limiting homogenizing steps are described below.

    [0066] As used herein “homogenization temperature,” (T.sub.H) refers to a temperature or range of temperatures at which homogenization is performed.

    [0067] As used herein “solidus temperature,” (T.sub.S) refers to a temperature or range of temperatures, at or below which, all phases of an aluminum alloy are completely solid. At temperatures above T.sub.S, the aluminum alloy may begin to melt.

    [0068] As used herein, at least one phase of an aluminum alloy can be characterized as a “solid solution” when all components of the at least one phase have the same crystal structure.

    [0069] As used herein, “solvus temperature,” (T.sub.Σ) of at least one phase of an aluminum alloy refers to a temperature or range of temperatures, above which, all the components of the at least one phase form a solution (e.g., a solid solution or a liquid solution). When T.sub.Σ<T.sub.S, heating an aluminum alloy to a temperature between the T.sub.Σ of the at least one phase and the T.sub.S of the aluminum alloy can cause all the components in the at least one phase to form a solid solution having a single crystal structure. In some non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure, the single crystal structure may be a face-centered-cubic (fcc) crystal structure.

    [0070] As used herein, “extruding” refers to at least one process step whereby a cross-sectional profile of an aluminum alloy is altered. Non-limiting extruding steps are described below.

    [0071] As used herein, “room temperature” is defined as any temperature that is suitable for human occupancy and at which laboratory experiments are usually performed.

    [0072] In some embodiments, room temperature ranges from 5° C. to 35° C. In some embodiments, room temperature ranges from 10° C. to 35° C. In some embodiments, room temperature ranges from 15° C. to 35° C. In some embodiments, room temperature ranges from 20° C. to 35° C. In some embodiments, room temperature ranges from 25° C. to 30° C. In some embodiments, room temperature ranges from 35° C. to 40° C. In some embodiments, room temperature ranges from 10° C. to 35° C.

    [0073] In some embodiments, room temperature ranges from 5° C. to 30° C. In some embodiments, room temperature ranges from 5° C. to 25° C. In some embodiments, room temperature ranges from 5° C. to 20° C. In some embodiments, room temperature ranges from 5° C. to 15° C. In some embodiments, room temperature ranges from 5° C. to 10° C. In some embodiments, room temperature ranges from 5° C. to 35° C.

    [0074] In some embodiments, room temperature ranges from 10° C. to 30° C. In some embodiments, room temperature ranges from 15° C. to 25° C. In some embodiments, room temperature is 20° C.

    [0075] As used herein “quenching” is the rapid cooling of an aluminum alloy in a fluid (e.g., water, air, or other flowable substance) to obtain certain material properties.

    [0076] As used herein “aging” refers to any treatment of an aluminum alloy where the aluminum alloy is made to physically transform over a set period of time in order to alter material properties of the aluminum alloy.

    [0077] As used herein “artificial aging” is aging that is performed at an elevated temperature (i.e., above room temperature).

    [0078] As used herein “natural aging” is aging that is performed at room temperature, as defined herein.

    [0079] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein may be used for at least one of extrusions, rolling plates, sheets in T4 tempers, sheets in T6 tempers, sheets in T7 tempers, or any combination thereof.

    [0080] In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises silicon (Si) in an amount of 0.70 wt % to 1.1 wt % based on a total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Si in an amount of 0.75 wt % to 1.1 wt % based on a total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Si in an amount of 0.80 wt % to 1.1 wt % based on a total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Si in an amount of 0.85 wt % to 1.1 wt % based on a total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Si in an amount of 0.90 wt % to 1.1 wt % based on a total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Si in an amount of 0.95 wt % to 1.1 wt % based on a total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Si in an amount of 1.0 wt % to 1.1 wt % based on a total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Si in an amount of 1.05 wt % to 1.1 wt % based on a total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    [0081] In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Si in an amount of 0.7 wt % to 1.05 wt % based on a total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Si in an amount of 0.7 wt % to 1.0 wt % based on a total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Si in an amount of 0.7 wt % to 0.95 wt % based on a total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Si in an amount of 0.7 wt % to 0.9 wt % based on a total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Si in an amount of 0.7 wt % to 0.85 wt % based on a total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Si in an amount of 0.7 wt % to 0.8 wt % based on a total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Si in an amount of 0.7 wt % to 0.75 wt % based on a total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    [0082] In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Si in an amount of 0.75 wt % to 1.05 wt % based on a total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Si in an amount of 0.8 wt % to 1 wt % based on a total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Si in an amount of 0.85 wt % to 0.95 wt % based on a total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Si in an amount of 0.9 wt % based on a total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    [0083] In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises magnesium (Mg) in an amount of 0.75 wt % to 1.15 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Mg in an amount of 0.8 wt % to 1.15 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Mg in an amount of 0.85 wt % to 1.15 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Mg in an amount of 0.9 wt % to 1.15 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Mg in an amount of 0.95 wt % to 1.15 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Mg in an amount of 1.0 wt % to 1.15 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Mg in an amount of 1.05 wt % to 1.15 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Mg in an amount of 1.1 wt % to 1.15 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    [0084] In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Mg in an amount of 0.75 wt % to 1.1 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Mg in an amount of 0.75 wt % to 1.05 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Mg in an amount of 0.75 wt % to 1.0 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Mg in an amount of 0.75 wt % to 0.95 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Mg in an amount of 0.75 wt % to 0.9 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Mg in an amount of 0.75 wt % to 0.85 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Mg in an amount of 0.75 wt % to 0.8 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    [0085] In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Mg in an amount of 0.8 wt % to 1.1 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Mg in an amount of 0.85 wt % to 1.05 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Mg in an amount of 0.9 wt % to 1.0 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises Mg in an amount of 0.95 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    [0086] In some embodiments, a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 0.68:1.0 to 1.65:1.0. In some embodiments, a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 0.7:1.0 to 1.65:1.0. In some embodiments, a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 0.8:1.0 to 1.65:1.0. In some embodiments, a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 0.9:1.0 to 1.65:1.0. In some embodiments, a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 1.0:1.0 to 1.65:1.0. In some embodiments, a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 1.1:1.0 to 1.65:1.0. In some embodiments, a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 1.2:1.0 to 1.65:1.0. In some embodiments, a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 1.3:1.0 to 1.65:1.0. In some embodiments, a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 1.4:1.0 to 1.65:1.0. In some embodiments, a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 1.5:1.0 to 1.65:1.0. In some embodiments, a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 1.6:1.0 to 1.65:1.0.

    [0087] In some embodiments, a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 0.68:1.0 to 1.6:1.0. In some embodiments, a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 0.68:1.0 to 1.5:1.0. In some embodiments, a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 0.68:1.0 to 1.4:1.0. In some embodiments, a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 0.68:1.0 to 1.3:1.0. In some embodiments, a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 0.68:1.0 to 1.2:1.0. In some embodiments, a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 0.68:1.0 to 1.1:1.0. In some embodiments, a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 0.68:1.0 to 1.0:1.0. In some embodiments, a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 0.68:1.0 to 0.9:1.0. In some embodiments, a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 0.68:1.0 to 0.8:1.0. In some embodiments, a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 0.68:1.0 to 0.7:1.0.

    [0088] In some embodiments, a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 0.7:1.0 to 1.6:1.0. In some embodiments, a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 0.8:1.0 to 1.5:1.0. In some embodiments, a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 0.9:1.0 to 1.4:1.0. In some embodiments, a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 1.0:1.0 to 1.3:1.0. In some embodiments, a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is 1.1:1.0 to 1.2:1.0.

    [0089] In some embodiments, a sum total of the Si and the Mg is present in an amount of from 1.5% to 2.2% based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, a sum total of the Si and the Mg is present in an amount of from 1.6% to 2.2% based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, a sum total of the Si and the Mg is present in an amount of from 1.7% to 2.2% based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, a sum total of the Si and the Mg is present in an amount of from 1.8% to 2.2% based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, a sum total of the Si and the Mg is present in an amount of from 1.9% to 2.2% based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, a sum total of the Si and the Mg is present in an amount of from 2.0% to 2.2% based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, a sum total of the Si and the Mg is present in an amount of from 2.1% to 2.2% based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    [0090] In some embodiments, a sum total of the Si and the Mg is present in an amount of from 1.5% to 2.1% based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, a sum total of the Si and the Mg is present in an amount of from 1.5% to 2.0% based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, a sum total of the Si and the Mg is present in an amount of from 1.5% to 1.9% based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, a sum total of the Si and the Mg is present in an amount of from 1.5% to 1.8% based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, a sum total of the Si and the Mg is present in an amount of from 1.5% to 1.7% based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, a sum total of the Si and the Mg is present in an amount of from 1.5% to 1.6% based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    [0091] In some embodiments, a sum total of the Si and the Mg is present in an amount of from 1.6% to 2.1% based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, a sum total of the Si and the Mg is present in an amount of from 1.7% to 2.0% based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, a sum total of the Si and the Mg is present in an amount of from 1.8% to 1.9% based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    [0092] In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure comprises copper (Cu) in an amount of 0.30 wt % to 0.8 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cu is present in an amount of 0.35 wt % to 0.8 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cu is present in an amount of 0.4 wt % to 0.8 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cu is present in an amount of 0.45 wt % to 0.8 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cu is present in an amount of 0.5 wt % to 0.8 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cu is present in an amount of 0.55 wt % to 0.8 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cu is present in an amount of 0.6 wt % to 0.8 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cu is present in an amount of 0.65 wt % to 0.8 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cu is present in an amount of 0.7 wt % to 0.8 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cu is present in an amount of 0.75 wt % to 0.8 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    [0093] In some embodiments, Cu is present in an amount of 0.3 wt % to 0.75 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cu is present in an amount of 0.3 wt % to 0.7 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cu is present in an amount of 0.3 wt % to 0.65 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cu is present in an amount of 0.3 wt % to 0.6 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cu is present in an amount of 0.3 wt % to 0.55 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cu is present in an amount of 0.3 wt % to 0.5 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cu is present in an amount of 0.3 wt % to 0.45 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cu is present in an amount of 0.3 wt % to 0.4 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cu is present in an amount of 0.3 wt % to 0.35 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    [0094] In some embodiments, Cu is present in an amount of 0.3 wt % to 0.7 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cu is present in an amount of 0.35 wt % to 0.65 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cu is present in an amount of 0.4 wt % to 0.6 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cu is present in an amount of 0.45 wt % to 0.55 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cu is present in an amount of 0.5 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    [0095] In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure may comprise iron (Fe) in an amount of 0.12 wt % to 0.3 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Fe may be present in an amount ranging from 0.15 wt % to 0.3 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Fe may be present in an amount ranging from 0.2 wt % to 0.3 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Fe may be present in an amount ranging from 0.25 wt % to 0.3 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    [0096] In some embodiments, Fe may be present in an amount ranging from 0.12 wt % to 0.25 wt %. In some embodiments, Fe may be present in an amount ranging from 0.12 wt % to 0.2 wt % In some embodiments, Fe may be present in an amount ranging from 0.12 wt % to 0.15 wt %

    [0097] In some embodiments, Fe may be present in an amount ranging from 0.12 wt % to 0.2 wt %. In some embodiments, Fe may be present in an amount of 0.15 wt %.

    [0098] In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure may comprise manganese (Mn) in an amount of 0.25 wt % to 0.55 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Mn may be present in an amount of 0.3 wt % to 0.55 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Mn may be present in an amount of 0.35 wt % to 0.55 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Mn may be present in an amount of 0.4 wt % to 0.55 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Mn may be present in an amount of 0.45 wt % to 0.55 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Mn may be present in an amount of 0.5 wt % to 0.55 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    [0099] In some embodiments, Mn may be present in an amount of 0.25 wt % to 0.5 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Mn may be present in an amount of 0.25 wt % to 0.45 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Mn may be present in an amount of 0.25 wt % to 0.4 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Mn may be present in an amount of 0.25 wt % to 0.35 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Mn may be present in an amount of 0.25 wt % to 0.3 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    [0100] In some embodiments, Mn may be present in an amount of 0.3 wt % to 0.5 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Mn may be present in an amount of 0.35 wt % to 0.45 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Mn may be present in an amount of 0.4 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    [0101] In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure may comprise zirconium (Zr). In some embodiments, Zr may be present in an amount of at most 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Zr is present in an amount of at most 0.1 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Zr is present in an amount of 0.1 wt % to 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy is free of Zr.

    [0102] In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure may comprise Chromium (Cr). In some embodiments, Cr may be present in an amount of at most 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cr may be present in an amount of at most 0.18 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cr may be present in an amount of at most 0.16 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cr may be present in an amount of at most 0.14 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cr may be present in an amount of at most 0.12 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cr may be present in an amount of at most 0.1 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cr may be present in an amount of at most 0.8 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cr may be present in an amount of at most 0.06 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cr may be present in an amount of at most 0.04 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cr may be present in an amount of at most 0.02 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    [0103] In some embodiments, Cr is present in an amount of 0.02 wt % to 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cr is present in an amount of 0.04 wt % to 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cr is present in an amount of 0.06 wt % to 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cr is present in an amount of 0.08 wt % to 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cr is present in an amount of 0.12 wt % to 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cr is present in an amount of 0.14 wt % to 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cr is present in an amount of 0.16 wt % to 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cr is present in an amount of 0.18 wt % to 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    [0104] In some embodiments, Cr is present in an amount of 0.02 wt % to 0.18 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cr is present in an amount of 0.02 wt % to 0.16 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cr is present in an amount of 0.02 wt % to 0.14 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cr is present in an amount of 0.02 wt % to 0.12 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cr is present in an amount of 0.02 wt % to 0.1 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cr is present in an amount of 0.02 wt % to 0.08 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cr is present in an amount of 0.02 wt % to 0.06 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cr is present in an amount of 0.02 wt % to 0.04 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    [0105] In some embodiments, Cr is present in an amount of 0.04 wt % to 0.18 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cr is present in an amount of 0.06 wt % to 0.14 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cr is present in an amount of 0.08 wt % to 0.12 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, Cr is present in an amount of 0.1 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    [0106] In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure is free of Cr.

    [0107] In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy comprises other elements. In some embodiments, the other elements may comprise at least one of: titanium (Ti), boron (B), zinc (Zn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the other elements are selected from the group consisting of Ti, B, Zn, Mo, Ni, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, other elements may include impurities. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy is free of other elements.

    [0108] In some embodiments, each of the other elements is present in amount of less than or equal to 0.05 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, each of the other elements is present in amount of less than 0.025 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, each of the other elements is present in amount ranging from 0.05 wt % to 0.025 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy

    [0109] In some embodiments, a sum total of the other elements is less than 0.15% wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, a sum total of the other elements is less than 0.1% wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, a sum total of the other elements is less than 0.05% wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, a sum total of the other elements is from 0.05% wt % to 0.15 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, a sum total of the other elements is from 0.05% wt % to 0.1 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, a sum total of the other elements is from 0.1% wt % to 0.15 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    [0110] In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure consists essentially of Si, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Al in any amount, amounts, range, or ranges specified herein. In some embodiments, where the 6xxx alloy consists essentially of Si, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Al, the 6xxx alloy may include at least one at least one optional component. The at least one optional component may include, but is not limited to, at least one of: Cr, Zr, any of the other elements described herein, or any combination thereof in any amount, amounts, range, or ranges specified herein.

    [0111] In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure consists of Si, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, Cr, and Zr, in any amount, amounts, range, or ranges specified herein, with the balance Al and at least one other element described herein. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy of the present disclosure consists of Si, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, Cr, and Zr, in any amount, amounts, range, or ranges specified herein, with the balance Al and a plurality of the other elements described herein.

    [0112] In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein may include a Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, up to 0.95 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, up to 0.85 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, up to 0.75 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, up to 0.65 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, up to 0.55 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, up to 0.45 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, up to 0.35 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, up to 0.25 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, up to 0.15 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, up to 0.05 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase.

    [0113] In some embodiments, 0.05 wt % to 0.95 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, 0.15 wt % to 0.95 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, 0.25 wt % to 0.95 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, 0.35 wt % to 0.95 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, 0.45 wt % to 0.95 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, 0.55 wt % to 0.95 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, 0.65 wt % to 0.95 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, 0.75 wt % to 0.95 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, 0.85 wt % to 0.95 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase.

    [0114] In some embodiments, 0.05 wt % to 0.85 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, 0.05 wt % to 0.75 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, 0.05 wt % to 0.65 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, 0.05 wt % to 0.55 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, 0.05 wt % to 0.45 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, 0.05 wt % to 0.35 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, 0.05 wt % to 0.25 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, 0.05 wt % to 0.15 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase.

    [0115] In some embodiments, 0.05 wt % to 0.85 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, 0.15 wt % to 0.75 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, 0.25 wt % to 0.65 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, 0.35 wt % to 0.55 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, 0.45 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase.

    [0116] In some embodiments, up to 0.5 wt % of Si based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, up to 0.4 wt % of Si based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, up to 0.3 wt % of Si based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, up to 0.2 wt % of Si based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, up to 0.1 wt % of Si based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase.

    [0117] In some embodiments, 0.1 wt % to 0.5 wt % of Si based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, 0.2 wt % to 0.5 wt % of Si based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, 0.3 wt % to 0.5 wt % of Si based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, 0.4 wt % to 0.5 wt % of Si based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase.

    [0118] In some embodiments, 0.1 wt % to 0.5 wt % of Si based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, 0.1 wt % to 0.4 wt % of Si based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, 0.1 wt % to 0.3 wt % of Si based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, 0.1 wt % to 0.2 wt % of Si based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase.

    [0119] In some embodiments, 0.2 wt % to 0.4 wt % of Si based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. In some embodiments, 0.3% of Si based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase.

    [0120] In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein may include an Al.sub.5Cu.sub.2Mg.sub.8Si.sub.5 (“Q”) phase. In some embodiments, 0.16 wt % to 0.78 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. In some embodiments, 0.2 wt % to 0.78 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. In some embodiments, 0.3 wt % to 0.78 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. In some embodiments, 0.4 wt % to 0.78 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. In some embodiments, 0.5 wt % to 0.78 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. In some embodiments, 0.6 wt % to 0.78 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. In some embodiments, 0.7 wt % to 0.78 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase.

    [0121] In some embodiments, 0.16 wt % to 0.7 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. In some embodiments, 0.16 wt % to 0.6 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. In some embodiments, 0.16 wt % to 0.5 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. In some embodiments, 0.16 wt % to 0.4 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. In some embodiments, 0.16 wt % to 0.3 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. In some embodiments, 0.16 wt % to 0.2 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase.

    [0122] In some embodiments, 0.2 wt % to 0.7 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. In some embodiments, 0.3 wt % to 0.6 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. In some embodiments, 0.4 wt % to 0.5 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase.

    [0123] In some embodiments, 0.14 wt % to 0.68 wt % of Si based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. In some embodiments, 0.2 wt % to 0.68 wt % of Si based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. In some embodiments, 0.3 wt % to 0.68 wt % of Si based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. In some embodiments, 0.4 wt % to 0.68 wt % of Si based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. In some embodiments, 0.5 wt % to 0.68 wt % of Si based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. In some embodiments, 0.6 wt % to 0.68 wt % of Si based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase.

    [0124] In some embodiments, 0.2 wt % to 0.6 wt % of Si based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. In some embodiments, 0.3 wt % to 0.5 wt % of Si based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. In some embodiments, 0.4 wt % of Si based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase.

    [0125] In some embodiments, 0.1 wt % to 0.5 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. 0.15 wt % to 0.5 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. 0.2 wt % to 0.5 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. 0.25 wt % to 0.5 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. 0.3 wt % to 0.5 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. 0.35 wt % to 0.5 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. 0.4 wt % to 0.5 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. 0.45 wt % to 0.5 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase.

    [0126] In some embodiments, 0.1 wt % to 0.45 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. In some embodiments, 0.1 wt % to 0.4 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. In some embodiments, 0.1 wt % to 0.35 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. In some embodiments, 0.1 wt % to 0.3 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. In some embodiments, 0.1 wt % to 0.25 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. In some embodiments, 0.1 wt % to 0.2 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. In some embodiments, 0.1 wt % to 0.15 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase.

    [0127] In some embodiments, 0.15 wt % to 0.45 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. In some embodiments, 0.2 wt % to 0.4 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. In some embodiments, 0.3 wt % to 0.35 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase.

    [0128] Some embodiments of the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein include an Al.sub.2Cu phase. In some embodiments, 0.11 wt % to 0.54 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Al.sub.2Cu phase. In some embodiments, 0.15 wt % to 0.54 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Al.sub.2Cu phase. In some embodiments, 0.2 wt % to 0.54 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Al.sub.2Cu phase. In some embodiments, 0.25 wt % to 0.54 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Al.sub.2Cu phase. In some embodiments, 0.3 wt % to 0.54 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Al.sub.2Cu phase. In some embodiments, 0.35 wt % to 0.54 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Al.sub.2Cu phase. In some embodiments, 0.4 wt % to 0.54 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Al.sub.2Cu phase. In some embodiments, 0.45 wt % to 0.54 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Al.sub.2Cu phase. In some embodiments, 0.5 wt % to 0.54 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Al.sub.2Cu phase.

    [0129] In some embodiments, 0.11 wt % to 0.5 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Al.sub.2Cu phase. In some embodiments, 0.11 wt % to 0.45 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Al.sub.2Cu phase. In some embodiments, 0.11 wt % to 0.4 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Al.sub.2Cu phase. In some embodiments, 0.11 wt % to 0.35 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Al.sub.2Cu phase. In some embodiments, 0.11 wt % to 0.3 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Al.sub.2Cu phase. In some embodiments, 0.11 wt % to 0.25 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Al.sub.2Cu phase. In some embodiments, 0.11 wt % to 0.2 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Al.sub.2Cu phase. In some embodiments, 0.11 wt % to 0.15 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Al.sub.2Cu phase.

    [0130] In some embodiments, 0.15 wt % to 0.5 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Al.sub.2Cu phase. In some embodiments, 0.25 wt % to 0.45 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Al.sub.2Cu phase. In some embodiments, 0.3 wt % to 0.4 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Al.sub.2Cu phase. In some embodiments, 0.35 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Al.sub.2Cu phase.

    [0131] In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of at least 350 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of at least 360 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of at least 370 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of at least 380 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of at least 390 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of at least 400 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of at least 410 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of at least 420 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of at least 430 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of at least 440 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of at least 450 MPa.

    [0132] In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of 350 MPa to 450 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of 375 MPa to 450 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of 400 MPa to 450 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of 425 MPa to 450 MPa.

    [0133] In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of 350 MPa to 425 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of 350 MPa to 400 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of 350 MPa to 375 MPa.

    [0134] In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of 375 MPa to 425 MPa.

    [0135] In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of 350 MPa to 400 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of 360 MPa to 400 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of 370 MPa to 400 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of 380 MPa to 400 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of 390 MPa to 400 MPa.

    [0136] In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of 350 MPa to 390 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of 350 MPa to 380 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of 350 MPa to 370 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of 350 MPa to 360 MPa.

    [0137] In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of 350 MPa to 380 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein has a yield strength of 360 MPa to 370 MPa.

    [0138] In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of at least 380 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of at least 390 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of at least 400 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of at least 410 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of at least 420 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of at least 430 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of at least 440 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of at least 450 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of at least 460 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of at least 470 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of at least 480 MPa.

    [0139] In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 380 MPa to 480 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 390 MPa to 480 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 400 MPa to 480 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 410 MPa to 480 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 420 MPa to 480 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 430 MPa to 480 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 440 MPa to 480 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 450 MPa to 480 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 460 MPa to 480 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 470 MPa to 480 MPa.

    [0140] In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 380 MPa to 470 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 380 MPa to 460 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 380 MPa to 450 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 380 MPa to 440 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 380 MPa to 430 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 380 MPa to 420 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 380 MPa to 410 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 380 MPa to 400 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 380 MPa to 390 MPa.

    [0141] In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 390 MPa to 470 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 400 MPa to 460 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 410 MPa to 450 MPa. In some embodiments, the 6xxx aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 420 MPa to 440 MPa.

    [0142] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method of manufacturing a 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the method may include the following steps: casting the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein, homogenizing the 6xxx aluminum alloy, extruding the 6xxx aluminum alloy; and aging the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    [0143] In some non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the method may be performed in the following sequence: (a) casting the 6xxx aluminum alloy, (b) homogenizing the 6xxx aluminum alloy, (c) extruding the 6xxx aluminum alloy, (d) and aging the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    [0144] In some embodiments, the homogenizing step comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy to a homogenization temperature (T.sub.H) that is less than a solidus temperature (T.sub.S) of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy to T.sub.H that exceeds a solvus temperature (T.sub.Σ) of at least one of: the Mg.sub.2Si phase described herein, the Q phase described herein, the Al.sub.2Cu phase described herein or any combination thereof.

    [0145] In some embodiments, T.sub.Σ (Mg.sub.2Si)<T.sub.H<T.sub.S, such that heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy to the T.sub.H causes the Mg.sub.2Si phase to form a solid solution. In some embodiments, T.sub.Σ (Q)<T.sub.H<T.sub.S, such that heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy to the T.sub.H causes the Q phase to form a solid solution. In some embodiments, T.sub.Σ (Al.sub.2Cu)<T.sub.H<T.sub.S, such that heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy to the T.sub.H causes the Al.sub.2Cu phase to form a solid solution.

    [0146] In some embodiments, T.sub.Σ (Mg.sub.2Si) and T.sub.Σ (Q)<T.sub.H<T.sub.S, such that heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy to the T.sub.H causes the Mg.sub.2Si and Q phases to form a solid solution. In some embodiments, T.sub.Σ (Mg.sub.2Si) and T.sub.Σ (Al.sub.2Cu)<T.sub.H<T.sub.S, such that heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy to the T.sub.H causes the Mg.sub.2Si and Al.sub.2Cu phases to form a solid solution. In some embodiments, T.sub.Σ (Q) and T.sub.Σ (Al.sub.2Cu)<T.sub.H<T.sub.S, such that heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy to the T.sub.H causes the Q and Al.sub.2Cu phases to form a solid solution.

    [0147] In some embodiments, T.sub.Σ (Mg.sub.2Si), T.sub.Σ (Q), and T.sub.Σ (Al.sub.2Cu)<T.sub.H<T.sub.S, such that heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy to the T.sub.H causes the Mg.sub.2Si, Q, and Al.sub.2Cu phases to form a solid solution. In some embodiments, the solid solution has a face-centered-cubic (fcc) crystal structure.

    [0148] In some embodiments, T.sub.Σ of at least one of the Mg.sub.2Si phase, the Q phase, the Al.sub.2Cu phase, or any combination thereof ranges from 520° C. to 590° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.E of at least one of the Mg.sub.2Si phase, the Q phase, the Al.sub.2Cu phase, or any combination thereof ranges from 530° C. to 590° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.Σ of at least one of the Mg.sub.2Si phase, the Q phase, the Al.sub.2Cu phase, or any combination thereof ranges from 540° C. to 590° C. In some embodiments, Ty of at least one of the Mg.sub.2Si phase, the Q phase, the Al.sub.2Cu phase, or any combination thereof ranges from 550° C. to 590° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.Σ of at least one of the Mg.sub.2Si phase, the Q phase, the Al.sub.2Cu phase, or any combination thereof ranges from 560° C. to 590° C. In some embodiments, Ty of at least one of the Mg.sub.2Si phase, the Q phase, the Al.sub.2Cu phase, or any combination thereof ranges from 570° C. to 590° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.Σ of at least one of the Mg.sub.2Si phase, the Q phase, the Al.sub.2Cu phase, or any combination thereof ranges from 580° C. to 590° C.

    [0149] In some embodiments, T.sub.Σ of at least one of the Mg.sub.2Si phase, the Q phase, the Al.sub.2Cu phase, or any combination thereof ranges from 520° C. to 580° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.Σ of at least one of the Mg.sub.2Si phase, the Q phase, the Al.sub.2Cu phase, or any combination thereof ranges from 520° C. to 570° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.Σ of at least one of the Mg.sub.2Si phase, the Q phase, the Al.sub.2Cu phase, or any combination thereof ranges from 520° C. to 560° C. In some embodiments, Ty of at least one of the Mg.sub.2Si phase, the Q phase, the Al.sub.2Cu phase, or any combination thereof ranges from 520° C. to 550° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.Σ of at least one of the Mg.sub.2Si phase, the Q phase, the Al.sub.2Cu phase, or any combination thereof ranges from 520° C. to 540° C. In some embodiments, Ty of at least one of the Mg.sub.2Si phase, the Q phase, the Al.sub.2Cu phase, or any combination thereof ranges from 520° C. to 530° C.

    [0150] In some embodiments, T.sub.Σ of at least one of the Mg.sub.2Si phase, the Q phase, the Al.sub.2Cu phase, or any combination thereof ranges from 520° C. to 570° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.Σ of at least one of the Mg.sub.2Si phase, the Q phase, the Al.sub.2Cu phase, or any combination thereof ranges from 530° C. to 560° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.Σ of at least one of the Mg.sub.2Si phase, the Q phase, the Al.sub.2Cu phase, or any combination thereof ranges from 540° C. to 550° C.

    [0151] In some embodiments, T.sub.S of the 6xxx aluminum alloy ranges from 540° C. to 610° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.S of the 6xxx aluminum alloy ranges from 550° C. to 610° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.S of the 6xxx aluminum alloy ranges from 560° C. to 610° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.S of the 6xxx aluminum alloy ranges from 570° C. to 610° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.S of the 6xxx aluminum alloy ranges from 580° C. to 610° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.S of the 6xxx aluminum alloy ranges from 590° C. to 610° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.S of the 6xxx aluminum alloy ranges from 600° C. to 610° C.

    [0152] In some embodiments, T.sub.S of the 6xxx aluminum alloy ranges from 540° C. to 600° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.S of the 6xxx aluminum alloy ranges from 540° C. to 590° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.S of the 6xxx aluminum alloy ranges from 540° C. to 580° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.S of the 6xxx aluminum alloy ranges from 540° C. to 570° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.S of the 6xxx aluminum alloy ranges from 540° C. to 560° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.S of the 6xxx aluminum alloy ranges from 540° C. to 550° C.

    [0153] In some embodiments, T.sub.S of the 6xxx aluminum alloy ranges from 550° C. to 600° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.S of the 6xxx aluminum alloy ranges from 560° C. to 590° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.S of the 6xxx aluminum alloy ranges from 570° C. to 580° C.

    [0154] In some embodiments, T.sub.H ranges from 530° C. to 600° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.H ranges from 540° C. to 600° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.H ranges from 550° C. to 600° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.H ranges from 560° C. to 600° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.H ranges from 570° C. to 600° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.H ranges from 580° C. to 600° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.H ranges from 590° C. to 600° C.

    [0155] In some embodiments, T.sub.H ranges from 530° C. to 590° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.H ranges from 530° C. to 580° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.H ranges from 530° C. to 570° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.H ranges from 530° C. to 560° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.H ranges from 530° C. to 550° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.H ranges from 530° C. to 540° C.

    [0156] In some embodiments, T.sub.H ranges from 540° C. to 590° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.H ranges from 550° C. to 580° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.H ranges from 560° C. to 570° C.

    [0157] In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy from room temperature (as defined herein) to the T.sub.H for 1 to 10 hrs. In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy from room temperature (as defined herein) to the T.sub.H for 2 to 10 hrs. In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy from room temperature (as defined herein) to the T.sub.H for 3 to 10 hrs. In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy from room temperature (as defined herein) to the T.sub.H for 4 to 10 hrs. In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy from room temperature (as defined herein) to the T.sub.H for 5 to 10 hrs. In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy from room temperature (as defined herein) to the T.sub.H for 6 to 10 hrs. In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy from room temperature (as defined herein) to the T.sub.H for 7 to 10 hrs. In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy from room temperature (as defined herein) to the T.sub.H for 8 to 10 hrs. In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy from room temperature (as defined herein) to the T.sub.H for 9 to 10 hrs.

    [0158] In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy from room temperature (as defined herein) to the T.sub.H for 1 to 9 hrs. In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy from room temperature (as defined herein) to the T.sub.H for 1 to 8 hrs. In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy from room temperature (as defined herein) to the T.sub.H for 1 to 7 hrs. In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy from room temperature (as defined herein) to the T.sub.H for 1 to 6 hrs.

    [0159] In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy from room temperature (as defined herein) to the T.sub.H for 1 to 5 hrs. In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy from room temperature to the T.sub.H for 2 to 5 hrs. In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy from room temperature to the T.sub.H for 3 to 5 hrs. In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy from room temperature to the T.sub.H for 4 to 5 hrs.

    [0160] In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy from room temperature to the T.sub.H for 1 to 4 hrs. In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy from room temperature to the T.sub.H for 1 to 3 hrs. In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy from room temperature to the T.sub.H for 1 to 2 hrs.

    [0161] In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy from room temperature to the T.sub.H for 2 to 4 hrs. In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy from room temperature to the T.sub.H for 3 hrs.

    [0162] In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises soaking the 6xxx aluminum alloy in air for 2 to 12 hrs. In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises soaking the 6xxx aluminum alloy in air for 2 to 10 hrs. In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises soaking the 6xxx aluminum alloy in air for 2 to 8 hrs. In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises soaking the 6xxx aluminum alloy in air for 2 to 6 hrs. In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises soaking the 6xxx aluminum alloy in air for 2 to 4 hrs.

    [0163] In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises soaking the 6xxx aluminum alloy in air for 4 to 12 hrs. In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises soaking the 6xxx aluminum alloy in air for 6 to 12 hrs. In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises soaking the 6xxx aluminum alloy in air for 8 to 12 hrs. In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises soaking the 6xxx aluminum alloy in air for 10 to 12 hrs.

    [0164] In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises soaking the 6xxx aluminum alloy in air for 4 to 10 hrs. In some embodiments, homogenizing comprises soaking the 6xxx aluminum alloy in air for 6 to 8 hrs.

    [0165] In some embodiments, the homogenizing further comprises air-cooling the 6xxx aluminum alloy to room temperature (as defined herein).

    [0166] In some embodiments, the extruding step is performed at an exit temperature T.sub.E, wherein the T.sub.E is controlled to a range of 450° C. to 570° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.E is controlled to a range of 470° C. to 570° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.E is controlled to a range of 490° C. to 570° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.E is controlled to a range of 510° C. to 570° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.E is controlled to a range of 530° C. to 570° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.E is controlled to a range of 550° C. to 570° C.

    [0167] In some embodiments, T.sub.E is controlled to a range of 450° C. to 550° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.E is controlled to a range of 450° C. to 530° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.E is controlled to a range of 450° C. to 510° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.E is controlled to a range of 450° C. to 490° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.E is controlled to a range of 450° C. to 470° C.

    [0168] In some embodiments, T.sub.E is controlled to a range of 470° C. to 550° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.E is controlled to a range of 490° C. to 530° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.E is controlled to 510° C.

    [0169] In some embodiments, aging is performed for from 1 to 128 hours. In some embodiments, aging is performed for from 32 to 128 hours. In some embodiments, aging is performed for from 64 to 128 hours. In some embodiments, aging is performed for from 96 to 128 hours.

    [0170] In some embodiments, aging is performed for from 1 to 96 hours. In some embodiments, aging is performed for from 1 to 64 hours. In some embodiments, aging is performed for from 1 to 32 hours.

    [0171] In some embodiments, aging is performed for from 32 to 96 hours.

    [0172] In some embodiments, aging is performed for from 5 to 35 hours. In some embodiments, aging is performed for from 10 to 35 hours. In some embodiments, aging is performed for from 15 to 35 hours. In some embodiments, aging is performed for from 20 to 35 hours. In some embodiments, aging is performed for from 25 to 35 hours. In some embodiments, aging is performed for from 30 to 35 hours.

    [0173] In some embodiments, aging is performed for from 5 to 30 hours. In some embodiments, aging is performed for from 5 to 25 hours. In some embodiments, aging is performed for from 5 to 20 hours. In some embodiments, aging is performed for from 5 to 15 hours. In some embodiments, aging is performed for from 5 to 10 hours.

    [0174] In some embodiments, aging is performed for from 10 to 35 hours. In some embodiments, aging is performed for from 15 to 30 hours. In some embodiments, aging is performed for from 20 to 25 hours.

    [0175] In some embodiments, the aging step comprises natural aging (as defined herein), artificial aging (as defined herein), or any combination thereof.

    [0176] In some embodiments, natural aging is performed for 1 to 96 hours. In some embodiments, natural aging is performed for 10 to 96 hours. In some embodiments, natural aging is performed for 20 to 96 hours. In some embodiments, natural aging is performed for 30 to 96 hours. In some embodiments, natural aging is performed for 40 to 96 hours. In some embodiments, natural aging is performed for 50 to 96 hours. In some embodiments, natural aging is performed for 60 to 96 hours. In some embodiments, natural aging is performed for 70 to 96 hours. In some embodiments, natural aging is performed for 80 to 96 hours. In some embodiments, natural aging is performed for 90 to 96 hours.

    [0177] In some embodiments, natural aging is performed for 1 to 90 hours. In some embodiments, natural aging is performed for 1 to 80 hours. In some embodiments, natural aging is performed for 1 to 70 hours. In some embodiments, natural aging is performed for 1 to 60 hours. In some embodiments, natural aging is performed for 1 to 50 hours. In some embodiments, natural aging is performed for 1 to 40 hours. In some embodiments, natural aging is performed for 1 to 30 hours. In some embodiments, natural aging is performed for 1 to 20 hours. In some embodiments, natural aging is performed for 1 to 10 hours.

    [0178] In some embodiments, natural aging is performed for 10 to 90 hours. In some embodiments, natural aging is performed for 20 to 80 hours. In some embodiments, natural aging is performed for 30 to 70 hours. In some embodiments, natural aging is performed for 40 to 60 hours. In some embodiments, natural aging is performed for 50 hours.

    [0179] In some embodiments, artificial aging is performed for 1 to 32 hours. In some embodiments, artificial aging is performed for 5 to 32 hours. In some embodiments, artificial aging is performed for 10 to 32 hours. In some embodiments, artificial aging is performed for 15 to 32 hours. In some embodiments, artificial aging is performed for 20 to 32 hours. In some embodiments, artificial aging is performed for 25 to 32 hours. In some embodiments, artificial aging is performed for 30 to 32 hours.

    [0180] In some embodiments, artificial aging is performed for 1 to 30 hours. In some embodiments, artificial aging is performed for 1 to 25 hours. In some embodiments, artificial aging is performed for 1 to 20 hours. In some embodiments, artificial aging is performed for 1 to 15 hours. In some embodiments, artificial aging is performed for 1 to 10 hours. In some embodiments, artificial aging is performed for 1 to 5 hours.

    [0181] In some embodiments, artificial aging is performed for 5 to 30 hours. In some embodiments, artificial aging is performed for 10 to 25 hours. In some embodiments, artificial aging is performed for 15 to 20 hours.

    [0182] In some embodiments, artificial aging is performed at an artificial aging temperature (T.sub.AA) of 150° C. to 210° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.AA is from 160° C. to 210° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.AA is from 170° C. to 210° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.AA is from 180° C. to 210° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.AA is from 190° C. to 210° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.AA is from 200° C. to 210° C.

    [0183] In some embodiments, T.sub.AA is from 150° C. to 200° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.AA is from 150° C. to 190° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.AA is from 150° C. to 180° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.AA is from 150° C. to 170° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.AA is from 150° C. to 160° C.

    [0184] In some embodiments, T.sub.AA is from 160° C. to 200° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.AA is from 170° C. to 190° C. In some embodiments, T.sub.AA is 180° C.

    [0185] In some embodiments, the method of manufacturing the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein may include a quenching step. In some embodiments, the quenching is water quenching.

    [0186] In some embodiments where the method is performed in a specific order, the quenching step may be performed between the homogenizing step and the extruding step. One non-limiting embodiment of a method of manufacturing the 6xxx aluminum alloy described herein that includes a quenching step is as follows: (a) casting the 6xxx aluminum alloy, (b) homogenizing the 6xxx aluminum alloy, (c) quenching the 6xxx aluminum alloy, (d) extruding the 6xxx aluminum alloy, (d) and aging the 6xxx aluminum alloy.

    EXAMPLES

    [0187] The following examples of the present disclosure are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting.

    Example 1—Lab-Scale Trials

    [0188] Lab-scale trials were conducted for five different alloys, including four comparative 6xxx aluminum alloy compositions and one exemplary 6xxx aluminum alloy composition as per the present disclosure. Alloy compositions are shown in Table 1.

    TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Alloy Compositions, wt % Si Fe Cu Mn Mg Cr Zn Ti B Comparative Alloy 1 1.16 0.2 0.045 0.55 0.85 0.022 0.0051 Comparative Alloy 2 0.89 0.21 0.59 0.37 0.89 0.21 1.48 0.019 0.0034 Comparative Alloy 3 0.79 0.2 0.7 0.002 0.89 0.21 0.69 0.021 0.0041 Comparative Alloy 4 0.6 0.18 0.36 0.004 0.78 0.025 0.0063 Alloy 1 0.87 0.2 0.55 0.35 0.96 0.023 0.0048

    [0189] Two book mold casting ingots, with dimensions of 2.75″(thick)×4.35″×4.75,″ were cast for each alloy composition. Ingots were then scalped down to 2″ thick to remove coarse porosities on both sides. The following non-limiting practice was used to homogenize the scalped ingots: 5 hours at 460° C.+24 hours at 504° C.+24 hours at 552° C.

    [0190] The homogenized ingots were hot rolled to 0.2″ thick with exit temperatures of 315° C. Hot rolled plates were solution-heat-treated at 552° C. for 2 hours, and quenched in room temperature water. After 24 hours of natural aging, rolled plates were artificially aged. Mechanical properties in the long transverse direction were measured, with results shown in Table 2.

    TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Mechanical Properties Ultimate Tensile Aging temp, Aging time, Yield Strength Strength Total Alloy Specimen No. ° C. hours (YS), MPa (UTS) MPa Elongation, % Comparative C1-A 160 8 278.3 324.9 7.71 Alloy 1 C1-B 160 8 270.2 330.0 11.4 C1-C 160 16 311.2 339.9 4.56 C1-D 160 16 315.1 349.6 9.44 C1-E 176.6 8 339.7 359.0 7.65 C1-F 176.6 8 341.7 359.7 7.73 C1-G 176.6 16 333.5 350.4 7.15 C1-H 176.6 16 332.2 347.5 6.96 Comparative C2-A 160 8 310.3 376.0 17.29 Alloy 2 C2-B 160 8 312.4 378.1 16.02 C2-C 160 16 339.0 386.9 11.92 C2-D 160 16 341.3 386.1 13.29 C2-E 176.6 8 356.8 387.7 9.94 C2-F 176.6 8 358.8 386.9 12.5 C2-G 176.6 16 361.2 384.5 11.35 C2-H 176.6 16 362.1 386.5 12.09 Comparative C3-A 160 8 284.1 354.9 16.61 Alloy 3 C3-B 160 8 281.5 355.1 18.38 C3-C 160 16 318.2 372.8 17.42 C3-D 160 16 320.7 372.3 15.59 C3-E 176.6 8 346.2 376.9 12.67 C3-F 176.6 8 346.5 377.8 13.54 C3-G 176.6 16 351.1 375.2 12.72 C3-H 176.6 16 348.7 374.7 11.36 Comparative C4-A 160 8 220.8 301.0 18.74 Alloy 4 C4-B 160 8 218.9 301.8 20.71 C4-C 160 16 267.7 325.6 13.42 C4-D 160 16 267.0 327.1 15.84 C4-E 176.6 8 303.0 327.9 6.93 C4-F 176.6 8 300.5 330.5 10.12 C4-G 176.6 16 308.0 330.4 10.52 C4-H 176.6 16 310.1 333.5 12.85 Alloy 1 1A 160 8 274.9 353.1 17.92 1B 160 8 270.4 354.6 19.31 1C 160 16 325.1 380.4 8.98 1D 160 16 328.2 386.4 14.61 1E 176.6 8 361.1 397.6 13.06 1F 176.6 8 359.5 394.0 11.29 1G 176.6 16 374.8 395.8 10.42 1H 176.6 16 373.6 394.7 10.01

    [0191] An abbreviated version of Table 2, listing specific properties achieved for each measured alloy composition is summarized in Table 3.

    TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Specific properties achieved for each measured alloy composition: Data Aging temp, aging time, Total Alloy source ° C. hours YS, MPa UTS, MPa Elongation, % Comparative Average of C1-E 176.6 8 340.7 359.4 7.7 Alloy 1 and C1-F Comparative Average of C2-G 176.6 16 361.7 385.5 11.7 Alloy 2 and C2-H Comparative Average of C3-G 176.6 16 349.9 375.0 12.0 Alloy 3 and C3-H Comparative Average of C4-G 176.6 16 309.1 332.0 11.7 Alloy 4 and C4-H Alloy 1 Average of 1-G 176.6 16 374.2 395.3 10.2 and 1-H

    Example 2—Plant-Scale Trials

    [0192] Two billets of 8″ diameter and 120″ long (each) were cast for Alloy 1 listed in Table 1. Another two billets (i.e., Alloy 2 and Alloy 3) of the same size were also cast. Compositions of Alloy 2 and Alloy 3 are shown in Table 4.

    TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Additional Alloy Compositions, wt % Si Fe Cu Mn Mg Cr Ni Zn Ti B Zr Alloy 2 0.86 0.18 0.52 0.35 0.9 0.0045 0.0058 0.005 0.03 0.0013 0.0015 Alloy 3 0.85 0.16 0.54 0.34 0.9 0.0041 0.0082 0.002 0.05 0.0034 0.11

    [0193] The billets were homogenized using the following practice: Slow heating of billets from room temperature to 571.1° C. (at a maximum rate of 73.9° C. per hour); 6-hour soak at 571.1° C.; Fast forced air cooling-282.2° C. per hour target.

    [0194] The billets were extruded to specified profiles with the exit temperature controlled to between 557° C. and 553° C. FIG. 1 shows the dimension of an exemplary extrusion profile. The extrusion profiles were also water quenched with a quench rate of 77° C./second.

    [0195] The extrusion profiles of Alloys 2 and 3 were naturally aged at room temperature for various times (between 0 to 96 hours). Extrusion profiles of Alloys 2 and 3 were also artificially aged at 180° C. for 10 hours. As shown in FIG. 2, tensile specimens were cut from top and bottom locations of each extrusion profile.

    [0196] Mechanical properties of Alloy 2 and Alloy 3 after artificial aging at 180° C. for 10 hours are shown in Tables 5 and 6 respectively.

    TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Mechanical Properties of Alloy 2 artificially aged at 180° C. for 10 hours natural Specimen aging time, UTS, YS, Elongation, No. Position hours MPa MPa % 2A Bottom 0 387.2 375.5 6.5 2B Bottom 8 383.8 372.7 7 2C Bottom 24 383.1 371.4 8 2D Bottom 24 376.2 366.5 8.5 2E Bottom 24 382.4 372.1 9 2F Bottom 48 382.4 374.1 8 2G Bottom 48 379.6 370.7 8.5 2H Bottom 96 376.9 365.9 9 2I Bottom 96 383.1 372.7 8.5 2J top 0 394.1 383.1 9.5 2K top 8 389.3 379.0 9 2L top 24 388.6 378.3 11 2M top 24 387.2 380.3 8 2N top 24 387.2 376.9 11 2O top 48 387.9 380.3 10 2P top 48 388.6 381.7 10 2Q top 96 388.6 380.3 9.5 2R top 96 390.0 380.3 10 Average Bottom 381.6 371.3 8.1 Average Top 389.1 380.0 9.8 Average Top & Bottom 385.3 375.7 8.9

    TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Mechanical Properties of Alloy 3 artificially aged at 180° C. for 10 hours Natural aging time, UTS, YS, Elongation, Specimen Position hours MPa MPa % 3A Bottom 0 381.7 370.7 6.0 3B Bottom 0 376.9 365.2 5.5 3C Bottom 0 379.6 361.0 8.0 3D Bottom 8 376.2 363.8 6.0 3E Bottom 8 379.0 370.0 5.5 3F Bottom 8 381.7 367.9 5.5 3G Bottom 24 374.8 363.1 7.5 3H Bottom 24 383.1 371.4 7.0 3I Bottom 24 380.3 366.5 8.0 3J Bottom 48 373.4 364.5 6.0 3K Bottom 48 377.6 366.5 7.5 3L Bottom 48 376.9 366.5 6.5 3M Bottom 96 372.1 363.1 6.0 3N Bottom 96 374.8 366.5 6.0 3O Bottom 96 377.6 367.9 6.0 3P top 0 390.0 381.7 6.0 3Q top 0 394.1 382.4 4.1 3R top 0 387.2 368.6 8.5 3S top 8 387.9 378.3 6.5 3T top 8 387.9 380.3 6.0 3U top 8 383.8 375.5 7.0 3V top 24 385.8 377.6 5.5 3W top 24 384.5 376.2 5.5 3V top 24 386.5 378.3 7.5 3W top 48 387.9 380.3 6.5 3X top 48 383.1 375.5 7.0 3Y top 48 384.5 376.2 4.7 3Z top 96 381.7 374.1 5.0 3AA top 96 385.2 378.3 4.3 3AB top 96 386.5 378.3 7.0 Average Bottom 377.7 366.3 6.5 Average top 386.4 377.4 6.1 Average Top & 382.1 371.9 6.3 Bottom

    [0197] All specimens were solution heat treated at 575° C. for 1 hour. All specimens were water quenched at room temperature. All specimens were naturally aged for 24 hours before artificial aging at 170° C. or 180° C.

    [0198] 402 MPa tensile strength, 385 MPa yield strength and 11.4% elongation were achieved for Alloy 2 when aged at 170° C. for 32 hours. Aging data was generated for both Alloy 2 and Alloy 3. Results are shown in Tables 7-8.

    TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Mechanical Properties of Alloy 2 aged at 170° C. and 180° C. for various times: YS (MPa) UTS (MPa) Elongation (%) Temp Time, St. St. St. ° C. hrs Average dev Average dev Average dev 170 4 275.2 4.7 361.5 5.4 21.1 1.0 8 324.8 5.2 383.3 3.7 16.7 1.3 10 368.1 3.0 388.4 1.1 11.8 0.9 16 364.1 3.3 396.1 2.6 13.8 1.0 32 384.9 1.9 402.4 1.0 11.4 2.2 180 4 332.5 3.4 376.9 1.0 16.7 1.2 8 363.6 1.5 386.9 0.8 13.7 0.5 10 370.9 1.3 386.2 1.0 10.4 1.2 16 376.8 9.2 386.9 1.2 11.8 0.8 32 369.6 4.9 380.7 6.9 11.2 0.5

    TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Mechanical Properties of Alloy 3 aged at 170° C. and 180° C. for various times: YS (MPa) UTS (MPa) Elongation (%) Temp Time, St. St. St. ° C. hrs Average dev Average dev Average dev 170 4 270.3 3.7 356.8 5.5 16.5 4.1 8 312.4 5.4 373.4 6.0 15.5 1.1 10 356.4 8.2 378.5 7.9 10.1 2.0 16 352.8 9.3 386.3 9.7 12.1 1.2 32 368.6 11.9 385.7 12.2 8.6 2.2 180 4 318.4 6.2 365.1 7.7 14.7 1.6 8 356.5 2.9 380.0 3.1 11.0 1.4 10 364.0 4.9 378.7 5.6 7.1 1.2 16 367.2 3.3 383.3 1.7 8.5 1.0 32 370.2 2.7 383.5 2.8 7.6 0.6

    Example 3

    [0199] Two billets of 8″ diameter and 120″ long (each) were cast for the following non-limiting example of a 6xxx aluminum alloy according to the present disclosure, i.e., Alloy 4. The composition of the non-limiting exemplary Alloy 4 is shown in Table 9.

    TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Composition of Alloy 4, wt % Si Fe Cu Mn Mg Cr Ni Zn Ti B Alloy 4 0.87 0.17 0.55 0.39 0.91 0.17 0.0052 0.002 0.05 0.0013

    [0200] The billets of Alloy 4 were homogenized using the following practice: slow heating (at a maximum rate of 73.9° C. per hour) of billets from room temperature to 571.1° C.; 6-hour soak at 571.1° C.; and fast (i.e., 282.2° C. per hour target) forced air cooling.

    [0201] Both plant extrusion (Example 3a) and lab scale (Example 3b) trials were conducted for Alloy 4.

    Example 3a. Plant Extrusion Trial of Exemplary Alloy 4

    [0202] The billets of Alloy 4 were extruded to specified profiles with the exit temperature controlled to between 557° C. and 553° C. The extrusion profiles were also water quenched with a quench rate of 77° C./second.

    [0203] The extrusion profiles of Alloy 4 were naturally aged at room temperature for 24 hours and then artificially aged at three different aging conditions, namely 171° C. for 10 hours, 185° C. for 6 hours and 190° ° C. for 4 hours. Mechanical properties of Alloy 4 after artificial aging are shown in Table 10.

    TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Mechanical properties of Alloy 4 at different aging conditions Ultimate Yield Tensile Aging Specimen Strength Strength, Elongation, Conditions ID Position (MPa) (MPa) % 171° C./ 4A Top 349 393 16.6 10 hours 4B Top 343 390 15.4 4C Bottom 349 394 15.3 4D Bottom 357 398 16.9 4E Top 348 399 15.4 4F Top 347 393 16.4 4G Bottom 347 393 16.9 4H Bottom 358 399 14.8 Average 350 395 16 185° C./ 4I Top 378 394 10.7 6 hours 4J Top 374 390 10.2 4K Bottom 377 400 12.4 4L Bottom 365 393 13.6 4M Top 378 394 10.4 4N Top 381 398 10.4 4O Bottom 376 393 12.6 4P Bottom 379 393 9.8 Average 376 394.4 11.3 190° C./ 4Q Top 376 394 10.4 4 hours 4R Top 388 404 11.8 4S Bottom 377 397 14 4T Bottom 378 395 11.6 4U Top 377 395 12.6 4V Top 363 402 11.2 4W Bottom 387 405 14 4X Bottom 378 397 13.8 Average 378 398.6 12.4

    Example 3 Lab-Scale Extrusion of Exemplary Alloy 4

    [0204] Billets of 1.5″ diameter and 2″ long were machined from the 8″ diameter billets of Example 3a. These 1.5″ diameter billets were then extruded on a small lab-scale extrusion machine. Extrusion process conditions are shown in Table 11. The extrusion profiles were also water quenched with a quench rate of 100° C./second.

    TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 Lab-scale extrusion process condition Billet Container Ram Billet T° T° speed size Extrusion Extrusion (° C.) (° C.) (in/min) (diameter) profile Ratio 560 540 8.25 38.1 mm 16.5 m × 3.2 mm 20

    [0205] The extrusion profiles of Alloy 4 were naturally aged at room temperature for 24 hours and then artificially aged at 175° C. for different times (as shown below in Table 12). Mechanical property results are given in Tables 12 and 13, with Table 13 showing abbreviated results for the mechanical properties for billets C, D, and E after aging for 16 hours at 175° C.

    TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 12 Mechanical properties of Alloy 4 after aging at 175° C. for different aging times Time of aging at Mechanical properties Billet Tensile 175° C. Hardness (HRB) YS UTS El. ID. sample (hr) Average Std Dev (MPa) (MPa) (%) A 1 4 59 4.0 306 390 17 2 8 63 2.7 345 386 13.3 3 16 64 4.9 374 404 12.2 4 32 66 0.9 368 398 12.4 B 1 4 67 0.6 325 427 20.1 2 32 72 0.6 409 430 12.2 C 1 4 67 0.5 326 425 18.1 2 8 73 0.4 406 441 14.8 3 16 72 0.7 414 439 11.6 4 32 72 1.0 409 429 15.2 D 1 4 58 6.7 347 431 16.4 2 8 73 0.4 404 438 13.6 3 16 72 0.8 412 433 12.4 4 32 72 0.5 411 431 15.2 E 1 4 66 0.6 324 422 18.6 2 8 73 0.6 401 441 16 3 16 74 0.7 417 439 12.7 4 16 70 2.7 414 439 10.8

    TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 13 Mechanical properties of Alloy 4 after aging at 175° C. for different aging times Time of aging at Mechanical properties Tensile 175° C. Hardness (HRB) YS UTS El. Billet sample (hr) Average Std Dev (MPa) (MPa) (%) C 3 16 72 0.7 414 439 11.6 D 3 16 72 0.8 412 433 12.4 E 3 16 74 0.7 417 439 12.7 average 72.7 0.7 414.3 437 12.2

    [0206] At least some non-limiting aspects of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the following numbered embodiments hereinafter designated as [E1, E2, E3, E4 . . . etc.] [0207] E1. A 6xxx aluminum alloy consisting of: [0208] silicon (Si) in an amount of 0.70 wt/% to 1.1 wt % based on a total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; [0209] magnesium (Mg) in an amount of 0.75 wt % to 1.15 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; [0210] wherein a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 0.68:1.0 to 1.65:1.0, and [0211] wherein a sum total of the Si and the Mg is present in an amount of from 1.5% to 2.2% based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; [0212] copper (Cu) in an amount of 0.30 wt % to 0.8 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; [0213] iron (Fe) in an amount of 0.12 wt % to 0.3 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; [0214] manganese (Mn) in an amount of 0.25 wt % to 0.65 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; [0215] zirconium (Zr) in an amount of at most 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; [0216] chromium (Cr) in an amount of at most 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; [0217] the balance aluminum (Al) and other elements; [0218] wherein each of the other elements is present in amount of less than or equal to 0.05 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; [0219] wherein a sum total of the other elements is less than 0.15% wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. [0220] E2. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of embodiment 1, wherein the other elements are selected from the group consisting of: titanium (Ti), boron (B), zinc (Zn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni) and any combination thereof. [0221] E3. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein up to 0.95 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in a Mg.sub.2Si phase. [0222] E4. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein up to 0.5 wt % of Si based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Mg.sub.2Si phase. [0223] E5. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein 0.16 wt % to 0.78 wt % of Mg based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in an Al.sub.5Cu.sub.2Mg.sub.8Si.sub.5 (“Q”) phase. [0224] E6. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein 0.14 wt % to 0.68 wt % of Si based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. [0225] E7. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein 0.1 wt % to 0.5 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in the Q phase. [0226] E8. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein 0.11 wt % to 0.54 wt % of Cu based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy is in an Al.sub.2Cu phase. [0227] E9. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of any of the preceding embodiments, having a yield strength of at least 350 MPa. [0228] E10. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of any of the preceding embodiments, having a yield strength of at least 370 MPa. [0229] E11. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of embodiments 1 to 9, having a yield strength of 350 MPa to 400 MPa. [0230] E12. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of embodiments 1 to 11, having a yield strength of 370 MPa to 400 MPa. [0231] E13. A 6xxx aluminum alloy consisting essentially of: [0232] silicon (Si) in an amount of 0.70 wt % to 1.1 wt % based on a total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; [0233] magnesium (Mg) in an amount of 0.75 wt % to 1.15 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; [0234] wherein a sum total of the Si and the Mg is present in an amount of from 1.5% to 2.2% based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; [0235] wherein a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 0.68:1.0 to 1.65:1.0, and [0236] copper (Cu) in an amount of 0.30 wt % to 0.8 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; [0237] iron (Fe) in an amount of 0.12 wt % to 0.3 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; [0238] manganese (Mn) in an amount of 0.25 wt % to 0.65 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; [0239] aluminum (Al); [0240] optionally, zirconium (Zr) in an amount of at most 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; [0241] optionally, chromium (Cr) in an amount of at most 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; and [0242] optionally, other elements. [0243] E14. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of embodiment 13, wherein each of the other elements, when present, is present in amount of less than 0.05 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. [0244] E15. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of embodiment 13 or 14, wherein a total of the other elements is less than 0.15 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. [0245] E16. A 6xxx aluminum alloy comprising: [0246] silicon (Si) in an amount of 0.70 wt % to 1.1 wt % based on a total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; [0247] magnesium (Mg) in an amount of 0.75 wt % to 1.15 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; [0248] wherein a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 0.68:1.0 to 1.65:1.0; and [0249] copper (Cu) in an amount of 0.30 wt % to 0.8 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. [0250] E17. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of embodiment 16, wherein a sum total of the Si and the Mg is present in an amount of from 1.5% to 2.2% based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy [0251] E18. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of embodiment 16 or 17 further comprising iron (Fe) in an amount of 0.12 wt % to 0.3 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. [0252] E19. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of embodiments 16 to 18 further comprising manganese (Mn) in an amount of 0.25 wt % to 0.65 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. [0253] E20. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of embodiments 16 to 19 further comprising zirconium (Zr) in an amount of at most 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. [0254] E21. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of embodiments 16 to 20 further comprising chromium (Cr) in an amount of at most 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy [0255] E22. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of embodiments 16 to 21, further comprising other elements in an amount of less than 0.05 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. [0256] E23. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of embodiment 22, wherein a total of the other elements is less than 0.15 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. [0257] E24. The 6xxx aluminum alloy of embodiment 22 or 23, wherein the other elements are chosen from: titanium (Ti), boron (B), zinc (Zn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), or any combination thereof. [0258] E25. A method comprising: [0259] casting a 6xxx aluminum alloy, [0260] wherein the 6xxx aluminum alloy comprises: [0261] silicon (Si) in an amount of 0.70 wt % to 1.1 wt % based on a total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; [0262] magnesium (Mg) in an amount of 0.75 wt % to 1.15 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy;  wherein a weight ratio of Mg to Si in the 6xxx aluminum alloy is from 0.68:1.0 to 1.65:1.0; and [0263] copper (Cu) in an amount of 0.30 wt % to 0.8 wt % based on the total weight of the 6xxx aluminum alloy; [0264] homogenizing the 6xxx aluminum alloy; [0265] extruding the 6xxx aluminum alloy; and [0266] aging the 6xxx aluminum alloy. [0267] E26. The method of embodiment 25, wherein homogenizing comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy to a homogenization temperature (T.sub.H) that is less than a solidus temperature (T.sub.S) of the 6xxx aluminum alloy. [0268] E27. The method of embodiment 25 or 26, wherein homogenizing comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy to T.sub.H that exceeds a solvus temperature (T.sub.Σ) of at least one of: a Mg.sub.2Si phase of the 6xxx aluminum alloy, an Al.sub.5Cu.sub.2Mg.sub.8Si.sub.5 (“Q”) phase of the 6xxx aluminum alloy, an Al.sub.2Cu phase of the 6xxx aluminum alloy, or any combination thereof [0269] E28. The method of embodiment 26 or 27, wherein the T.sub.Σ of at least one of the Mg.sub.2Si phase, the Q phase, or any combination thereof ranges from 520° C. to 590° C. [0270] E29. The method of embodiment 26 to 28, wherein the T.sub.H ranges from 530° C. to 600° C. [0271] E30. The method of embodiment 26 to 29, wherein the T.sub.S of the 6xxx aluminum alloy ranges from 540° C. to 610° C. [0272] E31. The method of embodiments 25 to 30, wherein the homogenizing comprises heating the 6xxx aluminum alloy from room temperature to the T.sub.H for 1 to 10 hrs. [0273] E32. The method of embodiments 25 to 31, wherein the homogenizing comprises soaking the 6xxx aluminum alloy in air for 1 to 20 hrs. [0274] E33. The method of embodiments 25 to 32, wherein the homogenizing further comprises air-cooling the 6xxx aluminum alloy to room temperature. [0275] E34. The method of embodiments 25 to 33, wherein the extruding is performed at an exit temperature T.sub.E, wherein the T.sub.E is controlled to a range of 450° C. to 570° C. [0276] E35. The method of embodiments 25 to 34, further comprising quenching the 6xxx aluminum alloy. [0277] E36. The method of embodiment 35, wherein the quenching is water quenching. [0278] E37. The method of embodiment 35 or 36, wherein the quenching occurs between the homogenizing and the extruding. [0279] E38. The method of embodiments 25 to 37, wherein aging comprises natural aging, wherein the natural aging is performed for 1 to 96 hours. [0280] E39. The method of embodiments 25 to 38, wherein aging comprises an artificial aging step, wherein the artificial aging step is performed for 1 to 32 hours at an artificial aging temperature (T.sub.AA) of 150° C. to 210° C.

    [0281] Variations, modifications and alterations to embodiments of the present disclosure described above will make themselves apparent to those skilled in the art. All such variations, modifications, alterations and the like are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, limited solely by the appended claims.

    [0282] While several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it is understood that these embodiments are illustrative only, and not restrictive, and that many modifications may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, all dimensions discussed herein are provided as examples only, and are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive.

    [0283] Any feature or element that is positively identified in this description may also be specifically excluded as a feature or element of an embodiment of the present as defined in the claims.

    [0284] The disclosure described herein may be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations, which is not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, in each instance herein, any of the terms “comprising,” “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” may be replaced with either of the other two terms without altering their respective meanings defined herein. The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure