Forging Technology in The Processing Of Titanium Materials

Titanium metal materials are widely used in aerospace, medical, chemical and other fields due to their high strength, low density, good corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance. In the processing of titanium metal, forging is used as an important forming method to produce plastic deformation of the material by applying external force, so as to change its size and shape and enhance the material properties. This paper will introduce the forging technology in titanium metal material processing in detail, including different types of forging methods and their characteristics.
I. Classification of forging methods
Free forging: free forging is the most basic forging method, the blank in the upper and lower anvil between the free deformation. This method is suitable for the production of simple shape, precision requirements of forgings, such as large gears, shafts and so on. The advantage of free forging is flexible process, adaptability, but the material utilization rate is low, and requires high forging skills.
Die forging: die forging is a method of forging billets in the mold. According to the opening and closing of the mold, die forging can be divided into open die forging and closed die forging. Closed die forging due to no flying edge, high material utilization, high dimensional accuracy of forgings, suitable for the production of large batch, complex shape forgings. The advantages of die forging are high production efficiency, good quality forgings, but the mold cost is high, and requires regular maintenance.

Extrusion: Extrusion is the billet into the extrusion cylinder, through the die and extrusion rod on the billet pressure, so that it is extruded from the die hole forming method. Extrusion is suitable for the production of long bars, tubes, profiles and other forgings. The advantages of extrusion are high material utilization, dense internal organization of forgings, but large investment in equipment and complex process.
Roll forging and cross rolling: these two ways are mainly used for processing long and thin materials, through the rotating rollers or rolls on the billet for continuous deformation. The advantages of roll forging and cross rolling are high productivity, good material utilization, suitable for large-scale production.
Pendulum rolling, pendulum rotary forging and ring rolling: these methods utilize a rotating die to locally or integrally form the billet. They are suitable for the production of complex shapes, high precision requirements of forgings, such as gears, bearing rings and so on. These forging methods usually require precise die design and control to achieve a high quality product.
Second, the main points of the forging process
Selection of forging ratio: a reasonable forging ratio is essential to improve the quality of forgings and reduce costs. Forging ratio is too small may lead to uneven internal organization of forgings, performance decline; forging ratio is too large may increase the difficulty and cost of forging.
Heating temperature and holding time: titanium metal needs to be heated before forging to improve its plasticity and reduce deformation resistance. Correct heating temperature and holding time can ensure that the internal temperature of the billet is uniform, to avoid overheating or over-burning phenomenon.
Deformation amount and deformation speed: reasonable deformation amount and deformation speed for controlling the organization and performance of forgings has an important impact. Excessive deformation may lead to cracking or uneven deformation of the forging; too fast deformation rate may cause residual stresses inside the forging.
Mold design and maintenance: the design quality of the mold directly affects the forming accuracy and surface quality of forgings. Molds should have high strength and hardness to withstand the high temperature and high pressure in the forging process. At the same time, regular maintenance and overhaul of the mold is also an important measure to ensure the quality of forgings.
Forging processing of titanium metal materials is a complex and delicate process. By choosing the appropriate forging method, optimizing the forging process parameters, designing a reasonable die and strengthening process control and other measures, we can produce high-quality, high-performance titanium forgings. With the continuous progress of science and technology and the continuous improvement of process technology, the forging processing of titanium metal materials will play an important role in more fields.