Today’s design of aluminium alloys requires the material to show an enhanced recyclability and
sustainability but still fulfil the requirements for strength and ductility. Higher recycling content
results in increased amounts of trace elements which leads to detrimental effects on the material
properties. Therefore, more and more sophisticated production routes are required to fit the needs
of future alloys. The development of aluminium alloys does not only require an optimization of the
elemental composition but also in-depth knowledge about an alloy’ behaviour under different heat
treatments. As the heating and cooling rates of different processes have a high impact on the ma-
terials properties it is – to some extent – possible to tailor the ductility and strength of the material
with the applied heat treatment to please the needs of the industry.
In this study we investigate material properties of sheet samples manufactures by different lab-
scale production routes via tensile testing. Heat treatment in different medias is applied to show
the effect of the heating rate on the materials properties. Different cooling rates (quench rates) are
applied via multiple lab-scale customized aggregates and media. The effects are demonstrated by
observing the aging behaviour of a crossover alloy (Al-Mg-Zn-Cu). Results show the low quench
rate sensitivity of the investigated alloy and the possibility for tailoring the mechanical properties
by optimized heat treatment, when utilizing advanced laboratory equipment.