A method for producing new superplastic alloys by inducing in an alloy the
formation of precipitates having a sufficient size and homogeneous
distribution that a sufficiently refined grain structure to produce
superplasticity is obtained after subsequent PSN processing. An
age-hardenable alloy having at least one dispersoid phase is selected for
processing. The alloy is solution heat-treated and cooled to form a
supersaturated solid solution. The alloy is plastically deformed
sufficiently to form a high-energy defect structure useful for the
subsequent heterogeneous nucleation of precipitates. The alloy is then
aged, preferably by a multi-stage low and high temperature process, and
precipitates are formed at the defect sites. The alloy then is subjected
to a PSN process comprising plastically deforming the alloy to provide
sufficient strain energy in the alloy to ensure recrystallization, and
statically recrystallizing the alloy. A grain structure exhibiting new,
fine, equiaxed and uniform grains is produced in the alloy. An exemplary
6xxx alloy of the type capable of being produced by the present invention,
and which is useful for aerospace, automotive and other applications, is
disclosed and claimed. The process is also suitable for processing any
age-hardenable aluminum or other alloy.