Titanium Precision Forgings

Abstract

Alcoa, in conjunction with IIT Research Institute and the Air Force Materials Laboratory, has taken bold steps forward in developing precision titanium forgings in alloys Ti-6A1-4V and Ti-6A1-6V-2Sn using isothermal forging techniques. The process employs die materials capable of operating at 1600–1750°F, the same temperatures as the titanium stock. Superalloy nickel-base die materials are necessary to withstand these high temperatures. The casting and machining of these expensive superalloy die materials has been developed from several small dies weighing less than 200–300 pounds to very large dies in the 4000–8000-pound range. Forging tolerances and size capabilities of the isothermal forging process are still being developed. This information should be available on parts having 15–20 sq.in. to 300–400 sq.in. plan area parts by the end of 1972. Cost effectiveness of the isothermal forging process to produce precision titanium forgings has been studied and forgings in the 200–600 sq.in. plan area range appear to be the most cost effective.