A method of cold forming titanium alloy sheet metal

摘要

A method of cold forming titanium alloy sheet metal, the titanium alloy consisting of 5.5 to 6.75wt% aluminium, 3.5 to 4.5wt% vanadium and the balance titanium plus incidental impurities, the method comprising the steps of (a) heat treating at 700°C for at least 30 minutes and (b) cold forming at room temperature. Step (b) may comprise bending the titanium alloy sheet metal using a press brake. Step (b) may comprise placing a neoprene rubber film or a rubber film between the titanium alloy sheet metal and a lower V of the press brake. Step (b) may comprise placing the titanium alloy sheet metal into the press brake such that the grain of the titanium alloy sheet metal is arranged at an angle to the bend axis of the press brake. The method reduces and preferably overcomes cracking of the titanium alloy sheet metal during cold forming.