Titanium Material Processing Technology and Precautions

Titanium Material Processing Technology and Precautions

Titanium and titanium alloy materials have the characteristics of high temperature resistance, good performance, excellent corrosion resistance, light weight, strong biocompatibility and long service life. Choose the appropriate processing technology according to the application field, shape and processing cost. There are three main categories that are commonly used:

1. Vacuum melting technology

Using a vacuum smelting furnace for smelting alloy steel, the titanium alloy is heated and melted into a liquid through the eddy current generated in the furnace, and then smelted and forged at a high temperature. The advantage is that the entire processing process is carried out in a vacuum, so that impurities in the air can be prevented from entering the metal, and high-quality alloys can be smelted.

2. Isothermal forging technology

Die forging that heats the die to the deformation temperature of the blank and deforms at a low strain rate is called isothermal forging. Titanium alloy isothermal forging technology is a new process, combined with thermomechanical treatment, can obtain titanium alloy isothermal forgings with optimized comprehensive mechanical properties, but the cost investment in mold materials, mold manufacturing and mold heating devices is higher than that of conventional forging methods. Parts used in the manufacture of aircraft.

3. Cold forming technology

Titanium alloys are processed by punching, bending, stretching, etc. without heating. Problems such as oxidation and deformation of titanium alloy materials at high temperatures can be avoided, and energy loss and environmental pollution during processing can be reduced. Of course, it can also improve the processing efficiency and precision of titanium alloys, reduce costs and production cycles.

Other special processing technologies for titanium alloys include laser processing technology, electron beam processing technology, ion beam and plasma processing technology, and electrical processing technology.

It should be noted that during processing, titanium alloys have poor thermal conductivity and are prone to sticking during cutting. Moreover, titanium is a flammable metal. The high temperature, sparks and heat generated during machining may induce the combustion of titanium plates, blocks, and powders, which can easily cause fires. When encountering certain ignition sources (such as sparks and electric sparks generated in machining), it can directly combine with oxygen to burn, and then spread rapidly from point to line to surface. Therefore, the combustion problem that may occur during the processing of titanium alloys and how to control it is a matter of great concern to aircraft manufacturing and maintenance workers.