Evaluation of Ti-6Al-4V Product Extruded Directly from Plasma Arc Melted Ingots

摘要

Utilizing plasma arc melting (PAM) followed by extrusion can potentially lower the production cost of titanium mill products, compared to the standard double vacuum arc remelting (2 x VAR) + forging route. In this study, Ti-6Al-4V PAM ingot sections were extruded at β temperature region to produce round billets as well as a complex shape to be used to make an aircraft seat track. Evaluation results showed that these extrusions have a good surface quality and uniform fine equiaxed grain structures in both transverse and longitudinal directions. Computer modeling was used to simulate the extrusion process and predict the potential of surface cracks during extrusion.