Constellium has been granted a patent for a method to enhance the strength and energy absorption of 6XXX aluminum alloy extrusions used in vehicle structural components. The process involves specific thermomechanical aging treatments, including pre-aging, plastic deformation, and final aging, to optimize material properties. GlobalData’s report on Constellium gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Constellium, was a key innovation area identified from patents. Constellium's grant share as of June 2024 was 48%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Aluminium alloy extrusions with optimized strength and energy absorption
The patent US12043886B2 describes a novel manufacturing process for extrusions made from a specific aluminium alloy of the 6xxx series. The process involves several key steps, starting with the casting of a billet that contains specific weight percentages of elements such as silicon, copper, manganese, and magnesium, along with optional elements like chromium and titanium. Following casting, the billet undergoes heat treatment, quenching, and extrusion to form either solid or hollow shapes. The extrusions are then subjected to natural ageing for less than 100 days, followed by an artificial ageing treatment that enhances their mechanical properties, particularly yield strength and energy absorption capabilities.
The claims further detail the characteristics of the extrusions, including specific energy absorption metrics and yield strength thresholds. For instance, the extrusions are designed to achieve a specific energy absorption of at least 0.42 J/mm³ and a yield strength of at least 380 MPa, with some claims specifying a yield strength of 400 MPa. Additionally, the patent outlines applications for these extrusions, such as in energy-absorbing structures like bumpers and side impact beams, emphasizing their enhanced performance in terms of energy absorption compared to similar compositions subjected to traditional thermomechanical ageing processes. The innovative approach detailed in this patent aims to improve the safety and efficiency of structural components in various applications, particularly in the automotive industry.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
