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Abstract

A method for producing aluminum drive shafts from molten aluminum alloy using a continuous caster to cast the alloy into a slab. The method comprises providing a molten aluminum alloy consisting essentially of 0.2 to 0.8 wt. % Si, 0.05 to 0.4 wt. % Cu, 0.45 to 1.2 wt. % Mg, 0.04 to 0.35 wt. % Cr, 0.7 wt. % max. Fe, 0.15 wt. % max. Mn, 0.25 wt. % max. Zn, 0.15 wt. % max. Ti, the remainder aluminum, incidental elements and impurities and providing a continuous caster such as a belt caster for continuously casting the molten aluminum alloy. The molten aluminum alloy is cast into a slab which is rolled into a sheet product. After solution heat treatment, the sheet product is formed into a tube having a seam which is welded to provide a seam welded tube. The seam welded tube is placed in a forming die and hydroformed to form the drive shaft.

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First Claim