In the industrial sector, titanium flanges, thanks to their excellent properties of high strength, low density, and corrosion resistance, have become a popular choice in many critical applications. However, hot working, as a core step in titanium flange production, places extremely high demands on the process due to the unique microstructure of titanium. Today, we will analyze the key technical aspects of hot working titanium flanges and uncover the secrets to producing high-quality titanium flanges.
Process Parameters: The Key to Titanium Flange Quality
The microstructure of titanium flanges is extremely sensitive to hot working processes, and the selection of process parameters directly determines product quality.
Appropriate parameters balance dimensional accuracy with internal structural stability, improving overall performance.
Even slight deviations in heating temperature, deformation degree, or cooling rate during forging can lead to defects such as cracks and coarse grains, seriously impacting service life.
Difficulties in Hot Working Titanium Flanges: Two Challenges Hinder the Delivery of a "Quality Product"
1. High Deformation Resistance + Narrow Temperature Range: Titanium's hexagonal crystal structure makes it difficult to deform at room temperature, requiring heating to the β phase for processing. However, high temperatures can easily lead to β-grain growth. If the deformation is insufficient, the coarse Widmanstätten structure formed after cooling will reduce plasticity and fatigue strength, and subsequent heat treatment cannot eliminate it. The starting temperature for finished product processing must not exceed the critical point Tb, making control extremely difficult.
2. Excessive Sensitivity to Deformation Resistance: A decrease in temperature or an increase in deformation rate will cause a sudden increase in deformation resistance. A stop-forging temperature that is too low can result in insufficient deformation or cracking of the workpiece. Most finished titanium flanges are processed at temperatures of only 800-950°C, making precise control extremely challenging.
Key to Breaking the Dilemma: "Fine Control" of Temperature and Deformation
1. Temperature Control: Implementing a Precise, Phased Approach
Finished Product Processing: Infrared thermometers are used for real-time monitoring, and operators adjust the heating power and deformation rate based on experience to ensure a stable temperature between 800-950°C.
Coiling and Subsequent Processing: The ingot opening temperature can be relaxed to 850-1150°C to reduce deformation resistance. Subsequent heat treatments should be followed by gradual temperature reductions, for example, to 1000-1050°C after the first heat treatment to gradually refine the grain size.
2. Deformation Control: The "Balance" of Rate and Quantity
Titanium flanges have poor thermal conductivity, and rapid deformation can easily lead to core overheating and surface cracking.
Use a multi-pass, small deformation process, with each pass controlled at 10%-20%.
Appropriately reduce the deformation rate to minimize defects caused by internal and external temperature differences.
These are the key points for hot working titanium flanges. We hope you enjoy them. Follow us.
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