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Fine-grain titanium 6AI-4V for superplastic forming and diffusion bonding of aerospace products

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Abstract

Superplastic forming (SPF) of titanium 6Al-4V, with a standard grain size of about 8 μm, is typically performed between 900° and 920°C. Verknaya Salda Metallurgical Production Association in Russia has developed a fine-grain version of the 6–4 alloy, with a grain size of about 1 μm, which can be superplastically formed at around 775° C. Since this material diffusion bonds to itself as well as other standard grain size titanium alloys at this temperature, super-plastically formed and diffusion bonded (SPF/DB) hardware can be produced. There are several advantages to using this lower forming temperature, including a smaller amount of alpha case developed on parts, longer press platen and heater life, and less oxidation of the tool surface. This fine-grained 6–4 material is currently being used in the production of SPF and SPF/DB aerospace components due to these advantages.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Boeing Company, Material & Process Technology, P.O. Box 3707, MC 5K-63, Seattle, WA, 98124-2207, USA

    Larry D. Hefti

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  1. Larry D. Hefti
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Correspondence to Larry D. Hefti.

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Hefti, L.D. Fine-grain titanium 6AI-4V for superplastic forming and diffusion bonding of aerospace products. JOM 62, 42–45 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-010-0076-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-010-0076-9

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