Ti6Al4V ELI, UNS R56407, Grade 23

Ti-6Al-4V-ELI, UNS R56407, Grade 23 (ELI=Extra Low Interstitials)

INTRODUCTION
Ti-6Al-4V-ELI, Grade 23 alloy (Extra Low Interstitials, UNS R56407) is a higher purity grade of Ti-6Al-4V alloy. This grade has lower oxygen, carbon, and iron content. It is used in biomedical applications such as surgical instruments, orthopedic implants, and is the preferred grade for marine and cryogenic applications, and some important aerospace components.
This titanium grade is produced by vacuum arc primary melting followed by a second vacuum arc remelting operation.
SPECIFICATIONS
• AMS 4930 – Bar, Wire, Billet, and Rings (annealed)
• AMS 4931 – Bar, Billet, and Rings
• AMS 4996 – Billet
• ASTM F 136 – Surgical Implants
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Melting Range: 2,800-3,000°F (1,538 – 1,649°C)
Density: 0.160 lbs/cu. in.; 4.47 gm/cc
Beta Transus Temperature: 1,790°F (± 25°); 976.7°C (± 3.9°)
HEAT TREATMENT
Ti-6Al-4V-ELI, Grade 23 alloy is normally used in the annealed condition.
1. Anneal: 1,300 -1,350°F; (704.4 – 732.2°C), 1 to 8 hours, air cool
2. Stress Relieving: 900 -1,200°F; (482.2 – 648.9°C), 1 to 4 hours, air cool
HARDNESS
Typical hardness in the annealed condition is Rockwell C 30-34.
FORMABILITY
The formability of Ti-6Al-4V-ELI, Grade 23 alloy is better than standard grade Ti-6Al-4V alloy, although it is still difficult to form at room temperature in the annealed condition. Severe forming operations such as bending or stretching can be performed on annealed material at temperatures up to 1,200°F; (648.9°C) without affecting mechanical properties. Hot sizing or shaping
can be done by creep forming in the 1,000 -1,200°F; (537.8 – 648.9°C) temperature range.
FORGEABILITY
Ti-6Al-4V-ELI, Grade 23 alloy is finish-forged from 1,750°F; (954.4°C) with a finishing temperature of 1,450°F; (787.8°C). Minimum reductions of 35% are recommended to obtain optimum properties.
MACHINABILITY
Ti-6Al-4V-ELI, Grade 23 alloy can be machined using practices for austenitic stainless steels using slow speeds, heavy feeds, ridgid tooling, and large amounts of non-chlorinated cutting fluid.
WELDABILITY
Ti-6Al-4V-ELI, Grade 23 alloy is easily welded in the annealed condition. Precautions must be taken to prevent oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen contamination. Fusion welding can be done in inert
gas-filled chambers or using inert gas welding of the molten metal and the adjacent heated zones using a trailing shield. Spot, seam, and flash welding can be performed without resorting to protective atmospheres.
Properties of Ti-6Al-4V-ELI, Grade 23 alloy welds such as ductility, impact strength, and fracture toughness are significantly better than welds of standard grade Ti-6Al-4V alloy.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Ti-6Al-4V-ELI, Grade 23 alloy can be subject to hydrogen contamination during improper pickling and by oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon pickup during forging, heat treating, brazing, etc. This contamination results in a deterioration in ductility which could adversely affect notch sensitivity and forming characteristics.