Enhanced Formability of α-β Titanium Sheet Below 500°C

Enhancing the deformation behavior of a-ß titanium at intermediate temperatures is essential for reducing cost and energy consumption in forming processes for aerospace components. This study demonstrates how a patented pre-heating procedure at temperatures around 800°C significantly improves the formability of a-ß titanium sheets below 500°C. By varying the pre-heating temperature and cooling conditions, substantial modifications in strain hardening behavior were achieved, leading to increased elongation and/or tensile strength. These improvements enabled the successful deep drawing of elongated cups with a 250-ton servo-hydraulic press below 500°C, allowing for the use of cost-effective tooling materials. Further process optimization enhanced drawing depth and speed while simplifying the sheet surface preparation. Our findings underscore the potential for developing cost-effective production methods for thin-walled titanium components through intermediate-temperature deep drawing, offering an attractive alternative to SPF.