Heat Treatment
Heat treatment is crucial for enhancing the performance of GR20 titanium alloy. The common heat treatment processes include annealing, solution treatment, and aging treatment.
Annealing
Purpose: To relieve residual stress from processing and maintain structural stability.
Method:
Medium and Low-Temperature Annealing: The alloy is heated to below 700°C and then air-cooled. This process primarily removes residual stress without significantly altering the alloy's original structure.
Recrystallization Annealing: The alloy is heated above the recrystallization temperature to induce structural changes, forming a new recrystallized structure. This improves the internal structure and properties of the material.
Solution Treatment
Purpose: To dissolve the solid solution within the alloy, enhancing its plasticity and processing characteristics.
Temperature Range: Typically between 800°C and 950°C, depending on the alloy's composition and the desired mechanical property improvements.
Time: Varies based on the specific composition and required mechanical enhancements.
Aging Treatment
Purpose: Conducted post-solution treatment, it involves controlling temperature and time to precipitate the necessary strengthening phase, thereby adjusting the alloy's hardness and strength.
Temperature Range: Generally between 450°C and 650°C, contingent on the alloy's composition and desired mechanical properties.
Time: Also varies according to specific requirements.
Cold Working
Due to its high strength and low plasticity, GR20 titanium alloy poses challenges for cold working. Common methods include cold rolling, cold drawing, and cold forging. Multiple annealing treatments may be required during the cold working process to enhance deformation capacity.
Hot Working
Hot working is vital for processing TC20 titanium alloy, aiding in reducing deformation resistance and improving material plasticity. Common methods include hot rolling, hot forging, and hot extrusion.
Processing Temperature Range: Usually between 500°C and 600°C.
Features: During hot working, an oxide film can form on the titanium alloy surface, affecting material quality. Protective measures, such as processing in a protective atmosphere or vacuum or applying a protective coating, are typically required. Hot working also improves the internal structure and properties, such as enhancing strength and toughness through grain refinement.
Other Processing Technologies
In addition to the aforementioned techniques, TC20 titanium alloy processing may involve other specialized methods, such as forging and welding. The selection and implementation of these processes depend on specific processing requirements and material properties.
References
Heat Treatment Techniques for GR20 Titanium Alloy
Cold Working Processes for High-Strength Alloys
Hot Working and Its Impact on Titanium Alloy Properties
Specialized Processing Technologies for Titanium Alloys
