In the field of metal processing, titanium alloys are attracting attention due to their unique physical and chemical properties. Among them, forging, as an important processing process, has a significant impact on the properties and shape of titanium alloys. According to the different forging processes, the forging of titanium alloys can be divided into three types: α+β forging (conventional forging), β forging and near-β forging.
First of all, let's take a look at α + β forging, also often referred to as conventional forging. This method is suitable for near-α, α+β and near-β titanium alloys. During the forging process, the billet needs to be heated in the temperature range of 40°C~50°C below the phase change point. This forging method is widely used in the field of metal processing, and its process is mature and stable. Through conventional forging, titanium alloy forgings with a certain shape and size can be obtained, and at the same time, they can be guaranteed to have good mechanical properties and microstructure.
However, with the continuous expansion of the application field of titanium alloys, the requirements for the properties of titanium alloys are getting higher and higher. In order to meet these needs, people began to explore new methods of forging. Among them, β forging is an important attempt. Unlike conventional forging, β forging is a process in which the billet is heated at a temperature above the phase change point. The biggest feature of this forging method is that it can significantly reduce the deformation resistance of the metal and improve the process plasticity. Therefore, under the same conditions, β forging can use smaller tonnage equipment to forge larger forgings. This advantage makes β forging have important application value in the production of large titanium alloy forgings, such as aero engine compressor discs, aerospace structural parts, etc., especially suitable for titanium alloys containing more β stable elements (such as molybdenum, vanadium, chromium, etc.).
In addition to α+β forging and β forging, there is also an emerging forging method – near-β forging. This method is carried out with the heating forging temperature close to the phase change point. The invention of near-β forging is to solve the problem of poor matching of comprehensive properties of near-α, α+β and β alloys when conventional forging or β forging are used. Through nearly β forging, the microstructure of titanium alloy can be further optimized and its comprehensive properties can be improved. This forging method is not only suitable for the production of large forgings, but also widely used in fields with extremely high requirements for titanium alloy performance, such as the manufacture of key components such as engine discs and aircraft structural parts, which are used at higher temperatures and with better performance than traditional processes.
To sum up, the forging process of titanium alloy includes three types: α+β forging (conventional forging), β forging and near-β forging. Each forging method has its own unique advantages and scope of application. In practical applications, we need to choose the appropriate forging method according to the type, shape and size of titanium alloy, performance requirements and other factors. Through reasonable forging process selection and parameter optimization, we can obtain titanium alloy forgings with excellent performance, which provides strong support for the application of titanium alloy in various fields.
