Al-Cu-Li weld filler alloy, process for the preparation thereof and process for welding therewith
AssigneeMartin Marietta Corporation
InventorsLawrence S. Kramer, Joseph R. Pickens, Carl E. Cross
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Weld filler alloys comprising aluminum, copper, lithium and, optionally, silver are disclosed which possess significantly improved fabricability and weldability. The weld filler alloys are free of magnesium and can be easily drawn into weld wire that is useful for welding aluminum-base alloys. Weldments made with the filler alloys exhibit highly improved mechanical, physical and corrosion resistance properties. The weld filler alloys may be used to weld cryogenic containers for space launch vehicles and the like.
Claims37
An aluminum-base weld filler alloy consisting essentially of from 3 to 7 weight percent Cu, from 0.4 to 1.8 weight percent Li, less than about 0.01 weight percent Mg as an alloying addition, at least about 0.1 weight percent Ag, and the balance aluminum and incidental impurities.
A method for making an aluminum-base weld wire, the method comprising:
- (a) providing an aluminum-base alloy consisting essentially of from 3 to 7 weight percent Cu, from 0.4 to 1.8 weight percent Li, less than about 0.01 weight percent Mg as an alloying addition, at least about 0.1 weight percent Ag, and the balance aluminum and incidental impurities;
- and
- (b) drawing the aluminum-base alloy to form the weld wire.
A method for welding an aluminum alloy, the method comprising:
- (a) providing at least one aluminum alloy;
- and
- (b) welding the at least one aluminum alloy with a weld filler alloy consisting essentially of from 3 to 7 weight percent Cu, from 0.4 to 1.8 weight percent Li, less than about 0.01 weight percent Mg as an alloying addition, at least about 0.1 weight percent Ag, and the balance aluminum and incidental impurities.
A method for forming a welded cryogenic container, the method comprising:
- (a) providing separate component parts of the container;
- and
- (b) welding the separate parts together with a weld filler alloy consisting essentially of from 3 to 7 weight percent Cu, from 0.4 to 1.8 weight percent Li, less than about 0.01 weight percent Mg as an alloying addition, at least about 0.1 weight percent Ag, and the balance aluminum and incidental impurities.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.