New 6xxx Al–Mg–Si Alloy with High Electric Conductivity and Great Bendability for EV Applications

InAl-Si-Mg the past for current-conducting components copperCopper was primarily used. Due to high material price and limited availability of copperCopper, aluminumAluminum appears as a great alternative, especially since a higher weight-specific electrical conductivity is achievable and the lightweight construction is optimized. Excellent processingProcessing properties make this newest Al–Mg–Si alloyAlloys more than just a cheap alternative. Within the product development of the new 6xxx6xxx Al–Mg–Si alloyAlloys with high electric conductivity, the alloying elements and their solution state played key roles in reducing electrical resistance. Additionally, very good processingProcessing properties can be achieved, whereby the material required a specific strength and still has good bendability. During the production process, these properties were generated via a new solution heat treatmentHeat treatment approach and subsequent over-agingAging. Results showed the new aluminumAluminum grade achieves an electrical conductivity of 58%IACS (International Annealed CopperCopper Standard) and a crack-free 180° bend according to ASTM E290 (bending factor N = 1). Therefore, this aluminum alloyAluminum alloys is ideal for use as a bus barBus bar in EV batteries or other current-conducting applications such as EV charging stations.