Direct Production of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy Plate from Electron Beam Cold Hearth Melted Slab Ingot

摘要

This study was initiated to produce aerospace quality, standard grade, Ti-6Al-4V alloy plate directly from single melt, electron beam cold hearth melted (EBCHM) slab ingots. The purpose is to be demonstrate that the EBCHM process is capable of producing chemical homogeneity equivalent to current, multiple melt vacuum arc refined (VAR) ingots with a defect content at least as good as that achieved by VAR processing. Another purpose is to demonstrate that the large slab ingots can be rolled direct to aerospace quality plate on conventional equipment with structure and properties equivalent to multiple VAR forged and rolled product. The main objective of the program is to achieve significant cost savings for the EBCHM single me direct roll process compared to the VAR processing route. The lower cost is derived from the use of less costly input raw materials, lower melt costs, streamlined processing and improved yields, compared to standard multiple melted VAR material. The progress to date in this multi-year program is reported and discussed.