6xxx aluminum alloys, and methods of making the same

An aluminum alloy consisting essentially of:

• 1.00-1.45 wt. % Si;
• 0.32-0.51 wt. % Mg;
• wherein a ratio of wt. % Si to wt. % Mg is in the range of from 2.0:1 (Si:Mg) to 4.5:1 (Si:Mg);
• 0.12-0.44 wt. % Cu;
• 0.08-0.30 wt. % Fe;
• 0.02-0.09 wt. % Mn;
• 0.01-0.06 wt. % Cr;
• 0.01-0.14 wt. % Ti;
• ≤0.25 wt. % Zn;
• the balance being aluminum and impurities, wherein the aluminum alloy includes ≤0.05 wt. % of any one impurity, and wherein the aluminum alloy includes ≤0.15 in total of all impurities;
• wherein the aluminium alloy realizes an improved combination of strength, formability and corrosion resistance;
• wherein the strength is at least one of:
• (i) a tensile yield strength (LT) of from 100 to 170 MPa in a naturally aged condition;
• and
• (ii) a tensile yield strength (LT) of from 160 to 330 MPa in the artificially aged condition;
• wherein the formability is an FLDo of from 28.0 to 33.0 (Engr %) at a gauge of 1.0 mm when measured in accordance with ISO 12004-2:2008 standard, wherein the ISO standard is modified such that fractures more than 15% of the punch diameter away from the apex of the dome are counted as valid;
• wherein the corrosion resistance is a depth of attack of not greater than 350 microns in near peak-aged condition when tested in accordance with ISO standard 11846(1995) (Method B), wherein the near peak-aged condition is within 10% of peak strength.