There is Low Cost Titanium Componentry Today

Abstract:

In spite of titanium’s excellent combinations of lightweight, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance it has been excluded from many applications because of its high cost in fabricated componentry. The major cost to produce a titanium alloy component is the processing of the sponge into alloy plus the several processing steps for fabricating the final finished component. If low cost titanium is to become a reality, the cost of post sponge processing to final finished components must be dramatically reduced. Processing to convert sponge directly in one step to an alloyed near net shape low cost component has been demonstrated. The mechanical properties are equivalent to better than standard processed wrought titanium. Example, automotive components and other applications that confirm titanium componentry at substantially lower cost than standard processing will be provided.