F. Sun, D. K. O. (. Yu, RTI International Metals Inc., Niles, OH
A cost effective powder metallurgy approach has been employed for producing Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Pressed and sintered Ti-6Al-4V compacts were from two types of titanium powders. CP titanium powders from the Armstrong process were blended with Al-V master alloy, and then pressed and sintered at elevated temperatures. Prealloyed Ti-6Al-4V powder from the Armstrong process were directly pressed and sintered. Pressed and sintered Ti-6Al-4V compacts were characterized in terms of chemistry, microstructure and properties. Effects of sintering and hot rolling on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti-6Al-4V alloy have been studied. Sintering and hot rolling processes was found to have significant influence on microstructure and mechanical properties.
Summary: The feasibility of using the cost effective powder metallurgy approach in corporation with hot rolling process to produce cost effective flat Ti-6Al-4V products (plates or sheets) has been demonstrated in this investigation. Pressed and sintered Ti-6Al-4V compacts were from two types of the Armstrong process titanium powders. A 99+% of full dense Ti-6Al-4V sheet material has been developed. The Ti-6Al-4V sheets show a uniform microstructure and good mechanical property.
