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What process is required to produce titanium alloy plates?

As a lightweight, high-strength metal material, titanium alloy is widely used in aerospace, medical equipment, automobile manufacturing, and other fields. The production of titanium alloy plates requires a series of delicate process steps to ensure that the final product has excellent mechanical properties and surface quality. Today, the editor will take you to understand what processes are required to produce titanium alloy plates.

Raw material preparation is the cornerstone of producing titanium alloy plates. High-quality raw materials are the key to ensuring board performance. When selecting raw materials, their chemical composition and impurity content need to be strictly controlled to ensure that the smelted titanium alloy has stable structure and properties. In addition, the shape and size of the raw materials also need to meet the requirements of subsequent processes to facilitate smelting and processing.

Next comes the smelting process. The smelting of titanium alloys needs to be carried out under vacuum or inert gas protection to prevent oxidation and impurity contamination. Melting equipment usually uses vacuum induction melting furnaces or electron beam melting furnaces, which can provide high temperature and high vacuum environments to ensure the purity and uniformity of titanium alloys. During the smelting process, the smelting temperature and time also need to be precisely controlled to obtain the ideal alloy composition and structure.

After the smelting is completed, the titanium alloy enters the casting stage. During the casting process, it is necessary to select the appropriate casting method according to the shape and size of the product, such as sand casting, metal mold casting continuous casting, etc. The casting temperature and cooling rate need to be strictly controlled during the casting process to avoid defects such as cracks and shrinkage cavities.

This is followed by the rolling process. Rolling is a key step in forming titanium alloy plates. During the rolling process, the titanium alloy plate gradually reaches the required thickness and size through technological measures such as multi-pass rolling and intermediate annealing. During the rolling process, the rolling temperature and reduction amount need to be strictly controlled to ensure that the structure and properties of the plate are uniform.

Heat treatment is an important step to improve the performance of titanium alloy plates. Through heat treatment processes such as annealing, quenching, and aging, the residual stress inside the plate can be eliminated and its mechanical properties and corrosion resistance can be improved. During the heat treatment process, parameters such as heating temperature, holding time, and cooling rate need to be precisely controlled to achieve the best heat treatment effect.

Surface treatment is an important part of improving the appearance quality and performance of titanium alloy plates. Common surface treatment methods include mechanical polishing, chemical treatment, and spraying. These treatments can remove scale and stains from the surface of the board and improve its smoothness and corrosion resistance. At the same time, through spraying and other processes, a protective film can also be formed on the surface of the plate to enhance its wear resistance and weather resistance.
The production of titanium alloy plates is a complex process involving multiple links, from raw material preparation to smelting, casting, rolling, heat treatment, and surface treatment. Each link requires strict control of process parameters and operating specifications to ensure the quality and safety of the final product. performance.

In the medical field, the use of metal materials must be harmless to the human body. When the metal corrodes, it can dissolve metal ions, which affects the cellular tissues of living organisms (human body), so it is necessary to use metal materials that are not easy to corrode and are highly resistant to corrosion, titanium is a kind of highly corrosion-resistant material. For Medical metal materials from stainless steel series to cobalt-based and titanium-based alloy series, the titanium and titanium alloy ratio is increasing. The amount of titanium used in the medical industry worldwide is about 1,000t a year.

1. Adaptability of titanium to the human body (compatibility of titanium with living organisms)
To observe the response of metal ions to human adaptability, we conducted a cell adaptability evaluation method in a laboratory using cells sensitive to metal ions, such as mouse lung fibroblasts (V79 cells) and mouse fibroblast tissues (I929 cells), which are used for medical experiments in China, and an independent administrative body (the Technical Committee for the Standardization of Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices). We differentiate between the reactions of elemental monomer ions to the human body (organisms) provided by the Technical Base for Evaluation of Medical Device Biology (Standardised Technical Committee for Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices).
Vanadium (V), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), etc., which are highly toxic, cause cell death within a short time at a limited level of parts per million (×10-6). In the case of vanadium (V) and nickel (N), for example, the results of the experiment on V79 cells are shown in the figure. The results of the one-week immersion test showed that all cells died when nickel was around 10×10-6 (pm = parts per million), while vanadium (V) was two digits less and all cells died when it was around 0.6×10-6. Secondly, when the hard tissues (bones) and soft tissues (sinews) of small animals such as rats and rabbits were embedded in metal sheets for testing, these highly toxic metals certainly caused necrosis in the hard tissues (bones) and soft tissues (sinews) in the contact portion.

The other group for the indication of injurious, in the implantation of the attached state, in the fibrous tissue at the contact site, the formation of a kind of biological body to the body to discharge the reaction, iron, aluminum, gold, silver, and so on are so manifested. General metal materials such as SUS 304L stainless steel and SUS 36L stainless steel, as well as cobalt-chromium alloys, belong to this category. The metal piece embedded in the hard tissue does not fuse with the bone cells, and when the removal test is carried out a few weeks later, it is removed without resistance.
The third group is the least reactive with living organisms and is suitable for implantation and attachment of titanium, zirconium, niobium, tantalum, platinum, and so on. When these metals are implanted in or attached to living organisms, they are closely bound to the hard and soft tissues, showing a body-like phenomenon.

As a result, titanium is a safe metal because it is less likely to cause injury to living organisms. When titanium alloys are used, depending on the alloying elements used, the corrosion resistance of titanium alloys is lower than that of pure titanium, and when corrosion occurs, the alloying elements can be leached out. It is necessary to select alloying elements that are corrosion-resistant and non-invasive. In titanium alloys, Ti-6AI-4V alloy has been used for a long time in aircraft manufacturing and seawater-resistant engineering equipment and has a large number of examples of use. In the medical field, ELI alloys, which have good corrosion resistance (low content of iron, oxygen, and hydrogen), have long been used. Recently, however, as part of the research and development of titanium alloys for implantation and placement, the Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy has been standardized by replacing vanadium (V) with niobium (Nb), which is a non-injurious alloy, based on the report on the mutagenicity of the monomer (ASTM, ISO). There is also an alloy that is actively discharging aluminum, which will be released soon.

2、Titanium material for medical use
The American ASTM standard (F-code) for medical use is equivalent to the world standard, and in Europe, the ISO standard and the ASTM standard are being sorted out and merged into the European standard. In Japan, we are in the process of consolidating domestic standards and have started to formulate standards based on ISO standards by consolidating the standards corresponding to ASTM and ISO standards.
The titanium materials specified in the ASTM standard for implants and attachments such as artificial knee joints and hip joints (including femoral heads) are listed according to their shapes. For a long time, pure titanium and Ti-6AI-4V alloys, including powdered materials, have been used to make various shapes of parts and components.

3、Medical titanium applications
Titanium is used in a large number of parts such as artificial femoral joints, artificial knee joints, and bone splints, and is also used in orthopedic surgery. By deforming joint inflammation Rheumatism [pronounced “Rumatism”, which means severe joint, and tendon pain, but also for an allergic disease – Translator’s note] and other causes of severe pain, resulting in walking difficulties, will be suffering from this disease patients Patients suffering from this condition are given artificial femoral joints and artificial knee replacements, which can eliminate the pain and allow them to walk. In Japan, 80,000 femoral joint replacements and 40,000 knee replacements are performed in a single year (2005 statistics). In the future, as society ages, it is expected that the demand for artificial joints will increase by a large percentage.
Titanium is not suitable for all artificial joint parts. In the joint part, where there is a lot of movement, titanium is not suitable because it wears out easily (ceramics and cobalt alloys are preferred), and titanium alloys are used for implanted parts. The surface of titanium alloys is uneven and coated with apatite and bone-sensitive materials such as bioglass to ensure early integration with biological bone. In addition, for fracture fixation, titanium alloy intramedullary nails and titanium alloy plates are used.

There is also an increasing trend in the field of dentistry, where implants and attachments are being used. Titanium is used in smaller quantities, but there are titanium alloys and pure titanium alloys in the form of plates, threads, sockets, and baskets as shown in the figure. These parts are driven directly into the jawbone and coated with apatite, which is representative of the composition of the bone, to be fixed in the gingival portion of the tooth. Titanium is suitable for metal implants in general dentistry. There are two methods, the precision casting method, and the superplastic forming method, and it is lighter in weight and does not taste bad to acidic foods compared to the previous cobalt and chromium alloys, but since the use of titanium is not covered by the health insurance diagnosis and treatment, the price is more expensive.

As an implantable accessory for internal medicine, a pacemaker can be implanted when a patient suffers from a low heart rate. An electrode wire is inserted from the subclavian vein to the heart, and this electrode inputs an electronic signal to the pacemaker, making it a pacemaker. Recently, pacemakers have been developed with a mass of 20g and a thickness of 6mm, which is small enough to be connected with an electrode wire and buried under the skin. The battery and control circuitry are contained in a small container (locket) made of pure titanium, which is non-invasive to living organisms. The battery has to last at least 6 years, so the container (locket) is required to be stable and safe for a long time. Currently, nearly 5,000 people in Japan have been benefited.

Titanium is also used in surgical instruments. Especially in the case of long brain and neurosurgery operations lasting more than 10 hours, forceps are required to be lightweight, and titanium products are used for hemostatic forceps and the like. Titanium is also used in many dental treatment instruments such as implants, surgical instruments for attachments, and vibrators for removing dental tartar. In addition to implantation and attachment, such as auxiliary equipment and wheelchairs, titanium is also being used. When a part of a limb is missing due to illness or an accident, a prosthesis is made to restore function, and since the main part of the prosthesis is made of metal, it is being applied in terms of lightness, durability (mainly corrosion and fatigue resistance), and compatibility with living organisms (Ni, Cr, etc.). In the case of wheelchairs, the main goal is to make the entire wheelchair lighter, so in some cases, titanium is used for almost all metal parts in the structure, such as the frame and wheels.

With the continuous development of the automotive culture, more and more car enthusiasts have begun to pursue personalized modification and performance enhancement. Among them, high-performance titanium alloy exhaust has become the focus of attention of many car enthusiasts due to its excellent material and outstanding performance.GUSTO’s GV high-performance titanium alloy exhaust has become a stream of clear water in the market due to its cost-effectiveness and excellent quality.

In 2019, two brands, Gusto and Vanhool, joined hands to launch a new high-performance exhaust product – GV exhaust. Gusto, as the earliest one-stop professional automotive upgrading service provider in China engaged in the importation, installation, and after-sales maintenance of racing accessories, has been maintaining strong research and development capabilities and is active in the front line of the racing industry. Vanhool, on the other hand, is a custom exhaust manufacturer with a history of nearly thirty years, specializing in the production of high-quality exhaust products. The combination of the two companies has transformed their rich experience in high-end racing into civilian products, bringing car enthusiasts a brand-new
The GV exhaust is a highlight of GV’s product range.

One of the highlights of the GV exhaust is the use of titanium as the main material. Compared with traditional stainless steel, high-performance titanium alloy exhaust has a lighter weight, which can significantly reduce the weight of the vehicle and improve the handling performance. At the same time, titanium alloy also has high strength and stable heat resistance, which can maintain stable performance under a high-temperature environment, ensuring smooth and efficient exhaust. In addition, the titanium alloy also has a better sound performance, which can bring a more beautiful exhaust sound to the vehicle.

To ensure product quality, GV Exhaust imports all titanium alloy materials from overseas and conducts strict raw material testing before each batch of products is manufactured. In addition, GV Exhaust has an experienced in-house engineering team, that conducts 3D scans of the original exhaust arrangement structure of newly developed models and builds them with actual measurements to ensure that the products are perfectly matched to the vehicle, enabling efficient installation in the original position. This tailor-made development method not only greatly improves work efficiency and saves development time but also ensures the product’s double enhancement in performance and sound.

It is worth mentioning that the GV exhaust is also designed with a combination of practicality and aesthetics in mind. Its unique design and exquisite craftsmanship make the exhaust not only have excellent performance but also add a touch of fashion to the vehicle. In addition, the GV exhaust also adopts high-quality workmanship and excellent vibration control technology to ensure that it can remain stable and stable in the process of use.
GV exhaust is made of high-quality workmanship and excellent vibration control technology to ensure stable and quiet operation during use.

To meet the needs of different car enthusiasts, GV exhaust not only focuses on titanium alloy material but also provides austenitic stainless steel as the material of exhaust products for choice. Whether you are looking for the ultimate performance, or you are looking for a cost-effective exhaust, you can find it in the GV exhaust.
GV Exhausts offers a wide range of products for both enthusiasts who are looking for the ultimate performance and consumers who are looking for value for money.

In addition, GV Exhausts offers a two-year unlimited kilometer warranty, which gives enthusiasts greater peace of mind when purchasing and using the products. Whether it’s product quality or after-sales service, GV Exhaust has demonstrated a high degree of professionalism and responsibility!

All in all,  high-performance titanium alloy exhaust has become a clear stream in the market because of its high quality, cost-effective, and excellent performance. It not only meets the needs of car enthusiasts for personalized modification and performance enhancement but also brings a better driving experience to the vehicle. It is believed that in the future, GV exhaust will continue to lead the development trend of the high-performance exhaust market, bringing surprises and satisfaction to more car enthusiasts.

Hastelloy C-276, UNS N10276, referred to as C276, is one of the most common nickel-based corrosion-resistant alloys. It is suitable for various chemical industries containing oxidizing and reducing media. The higher molybdenum and chromium content makes the alloy resistant to chlorine. Ion corrosion and tungsten elements further improve corrosion resistance.

Hastelloy C-276 is one of the only materials resistant to corrosion by moist chlorine, hypochlorite, and chlorine dioxide solutions. It has significant resistance to high-concentration chloride solutions such as ferric chloride and copper chloride. Corrosion resistance.

Hastelloy C-276 can be used in the following application areas

1. Pollution control stack liners, ducts, dampers, scrubbers, stack gas reheaters, fans and fan shrouds

2. Flue gas desulfurization system

3. Chemical processing components such as heat exchangers, reaction vessels, evaporators, and delivery pipes

4. Sulfur gas wells

5. Pulp and paper production

6. Waste disposal

7. Pharmaceutical and food processing equipment

There are 9 major precautions when welding Hastelloy C-276:

1. Cleaning before welding
Since dirt and oxides adhere to the surface of Hastelloy, the welding area must be cleaned before welding. The cleaning method can be mechanical cleaning, that is, using an angle grinder to polish the welding area until the metallic luster is exposed. The width of the cleaning should be more than 100mm to ensure that impurities do not enter the welding area.

2. Welding method
When welding, the direct current connection method is generally used for welding. When the direct current connection is used, the temperature of the tungsten grade is low, the allowable current is large, and the loss of the tungsten grade is small. The end of the tungsten grade is ground to 30°, and the head is slightly ground out.

3. Gas protection
Hastelloy C-276 must take measures to minimize the decrease in corrosion resistance of the weld and heat affected zone, such as gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), submerged arc welding, or some other welding method that can minimize the decrease in corrosion resistance of welds and heat-affected zones.

“Special Steel 100 Seconds” considers that the argon gas protection effect is obvious: good protection, concentrated heat, good weld quality, small heat-affected zone, small deformation of the weldment, minimizing the decrease in the corrosion resistance of the weld and heat-affected zone.

4. Practical training
It is best to use mechanical processing or cold processing for welding grooves to ensure that the shape, size, and roughness of the processed surface comply with the drawing requirements or the welding process regulations. Mechanical processing of the groove before welding will cause work hardening, so it is necessary to grind the machined groove before welding. Welding grooves should not have defects such as delamination, folding, cracks, and tears.

Polish the metal surface within the welding groove and the 50mm width on both sides to remove the oxidation color, and clean it with oxide-free solvents such as ethanol, acetone, or propanol to remove grease, moisture, chalk marks, and other contaminants. The painting solvent should be Caiying Clean Use lint-free leather or cellulose sponge. “Special Steel 100 Seconds” reminds us that useless welding materials and harmful substances on workers’ unclean clothes and shoes should be prevented from coming into contact with the workpiece to avoid contamination of the workpiece.

5. Welding material selection
Recommendation: Use ERNiCrMo-4 welding wire and ENiCrMo-4 as the welding rod. This kind of welding wire has excellent corrosion resistance and process performance. Its chemical composition is similar to that of the base metal and its manganese content is higher than that of the base metal. It can improve crack resistance and control porosity during welding. The particularly ultra-low carbon serves to prevent the risk of intergranular corrosion.

6. Preheating and interlayer temperature
Hastelloy welding at room temperature generally does not require preheating. Only when the temperature in the air is below zero or moisture accumulates, the base metal needs to be heated, but the heating temperature only needs to reach 30-40°C.

During the welding process, the weld metal will form a Fe-Cr metal compound, namely σ phase, at high temperature (375-875) for a long time. The σ phase is extremely hard and brittle and is distributed at the grain boundaries, causing The impact toughness of the weld metal to decrease and become embrittled.

When using multi-layer welding, the interlayer temperature must be lower than 90°C to prevent excessive length of 375-875°C from causing σ phase embrittlement.

7. Precautions when welding
To reduce the welding heat input, try to use a small welding current and a fast welding method for welding. In addition, since Hastelloy is easy to crack at the arc closing position, the arc crater must be filled when the arc closes. Before starting arc welding again, the previous arc crater must be polished, and then cleaned with a soft brush before proceeding. Subsequent welding. These two treatments can inhibit the occurrence of thermal cracks.

Welded joints are susceptible to intergranular corrosion. Including intergranular corrosion of welds, “knife corrosion” in the superheated zone close to the fusion line, and intergranular corrosion at the sensitizing temperature of the heat-affected zone.

8. Post-weld heat treatment
However, in very harsh environments, C-276 materials and weldments must undergo solution heat treatment to obtain the best corrosion resistance.

Hastelloy C-276 alloy material solid solution heat treatment, “special steel 100 seconds” is considered to include two processes: (1) heating at 1040~1150; (2) rapid cooling to a black state (around 400) within two minutes, The material treated in this way has good corrosion resistance. Therefore, it is ineffective to only perform stress relief heat treatment on Hastelloy C-276 alloy. Before heat treatment, it is necessary to clean the surface of the alloy from oil stains and other dirt that may produce carbon elements during the heat treatment process.

The surface of Hastelloy C-276 alloy will produce oxides during welding or heat treatment, which will reduce the Cr content in the alloy and affect the corrosion resistance, so the surface must be cleaned. You can use a stainless steel wire brush or grinding wheel, then immerse in a mixture of nitric acid and hydrofluoric acid in an appropriate proportion for pickling, and finally rinse with clean water.

9. Precautions for welding tools
Processing tools should be special cleaning tools for nickel alloys. These tools should be stored separately and marked to prevent confusion with other tools.

Care should be taken to prevent the workpiece from contacting metals with low melting points to avoid the embrittlement of unstable metals caused by the increase in carbon or sulfur. The use of thermometer chalk, ink, and grease should also be restricted during the manufacturing process.

The grinding wheel used for grinding the workpiece should be iron-free, and the adhesive should not be organic resin.

The equipment positioning of pressure welding parts before welding should be performed using the same process as the qualified formal welding, and the positioning weld should finally be melted into the permanent weld. Welding parts are not allowed to be forced to assemble to cause local hardening of the welding parts.