With Working Patents (Class 148/670)
  • Patent number: 11913106
    Abstract: A metastable ? titanium alloy is provided, which includes, by weight percent, between 24 and 45% niobium, between 0 and 20% zirconium, between 0 and 10% tantalum and/or between 0 and 1.5% silicon and/or less than 2% oxygen, said alloy having a crystallographic structure containing: a mix of austenitic phase and alpha phase; and a presence of omega phase precipitates the volume fraction of which is less than 10%. Also provided is a timepiece spring made from such an alloy and a method for producing such a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: SAS INNO TECH CONSEILS
    Inventors: Pascal Laheurte, Pierre Charbonnier, Laurent Peltier
  • Patent number: 11634806
    Abstract: Methods of hardening a case-nitrided metal article, methods of producing a hardened case-nitrided metal article, and hardened case-nitrided metal articles. The methods of hardening a case-nitrided metal article include heating the case-nitrided metal article to an aging temperature, maintaining the case-nitrided metal article at the aging temperature for an aging time, and cooling the case-nitrided metal article from the aging temperature. The methods of producing a hardened case-nitrided metal article include case-nitriding a metal article to produce a case-nitrided metal article and subsequently hardening the case-nitrided metal article. The hardened case-nitrided metal article comprises a body formed of a metal or a metal alloy, a surface surrounding the body, and a nitrided case layer formed in the body and extending inwardly from the surface of the body toward the core that includes a hardness that is greater than that of an otherwise equivalent case-nitrided metal article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Scott M. Holder, Dale J. Weires
  • Patent number: 10961614
    Abstract: A method of producing medically applicable nanostructured titanium with improved mechanical properties includes performing an equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) and subsequently performing a surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT). By performing the ECAP processing on a titanium sample, an ultrafine grained structure is obtained. The ultrafine grained structure may improve the biocompatibility and mechanical properties of pure titanium. When the SMAT processing is performed on the ultrafine grained structure, a nanostructured surface may be obtained. The SMAT processing may be used to enhance the strength of pure titanium to be used in medically applicable implants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University
    Inventor: Faramarz Djavanroodi
  • Patent number: 10920307
    Abstract: A method of refining a microstructure of a titanium material can include providing a solid titanium material at a temperature below about 400° C. The titanium material can be heated under a hydrogen-containing atmosphere to a hydrogen charging temperature that is above a ? transus temperature of the titanium material and below a melting temperature of the titanium material, and held at this temperature for a time sufficient to convert the titanium material to a substantially homogeneous ? phase. The titanium material can be cooled under the hydrogen-containing atmosphere to a phase transformation temperature below the ? transus temperature and above about 400° C., and held for a time to produce ? phase regions. The titanium material can also be held under a substantially hydrogen-free atmosphere or vacuum at a dehydrogenation temperature below the ? transus temperature and above the ? phase decomposition temperature to remove hydrogen from the titanium material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: James D. Paramore, Brady G. Butler, Matthew K. Dunstan, Jonathan P. Ligda, Zhigang Z. Fang
  • Patent number: 10822682
    Abstract: A method for heat-treating a titanium alloy, such as Ti-6Al-4V. The method may occur after or include a step of forging the titanium alloy such that localized, highly deformed grains are formed in the titanium alloy. Then the method may include steps of recrystallization annealing the titanium alloy by heating the titanium alloy to a temperature in a range between 30° F. to 200° F. below beta transus of the titanium alloy for 1 hour to 6 hours and then furnace cooling of the titanium alloy to 1200° F. to 1500° F. at a rate of 50° F. to 500° F. per hour. Following the recrystallization annealing, the method may include beta annealing the titanium alloy. These steps may be performed in a single heat treating cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Rahbar Nasserrafi, Gerald E. Hicks, Michael A. Walker, Craig M. Clasper
  • Patent number: 10760153
    Abstract: The manufacture of a metal turbomachine part, comprising steps consisting of melting a titanium-aluminium intermetallic compound by plasma torch in a ring mould, extracting therefrom an ingot, as cast, in a state cooled from molten, cutting the ingot into at least one blank with an external shape that is simpler than the more complex one of said part to be manufactured, and machining the blank in order to obtain the part with said more complex external shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Safran Aircraft Engines
    Inventors: Guillaume Martin, Céline Jeanne Marcillaud, Marie Mineur-Panigeon
  • Patent number: 10604823
    Abstract: A forged titanium alloy material having a duplex grain structure composed of flat grains and non-flat grains, wherein the flat grains are crystal grains of prior-? grains each having an aspect ratio of more than 3 and the non-flat grains are crystal grains of prior-? grains each having an aspect ratio of 1 to 3 inclusive. The forged titanium alloy material is characterized in that the average equivalent circle diameter of the non-flat grains is 100 ?m or less, flat grains each having a thicknesswise diameter of 20 to 500 ?m are contained in an amount of 40 to 98%, non-flat grains each having a thicknesswise diameter of 10 to 150 ?m are contained in an amount of 2 to 50%, and the flat grains each having the above-mentioned thicknesswise diameter and the non-flat grains each having the above-mentioned thicknesswise diameter are contained in the total amount of 90% or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: KOBE STEEL, LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Ito, Shogo Murakami, Keiji Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 10094013
    Abstract: A method for heat-treating a titanium alloy, such as Ti-6Al-4V. The method may occur after or include a step of forging the titanium alloy such that localized, highly deformed grains are formed in the titanium alloy. Then the method may include steps of recrystallization annealing the titanium alloy by heating the titanium alloy to a temperature in a range between 30° F. to 200° F. below beta transus of the titanium alloy for 1 hour to 6 hours and then furnace cooling of the titanium alloy to 1200° F. to 1500° F. at a rate of 50° F. to 500° F. per hour. Following the recrystallization annealing, the method may include beta annealing the titanium alloy. These steps may be performed in a single heat treating cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Rahbar Nasserrafi, Gerald E. Hicks, Michael A. Walker, Craig M. Clasper
  • Patent number: 9850564
    Abstract: A high-strength ?+? type hot-rolled titanium alloy sheet containing 0.8 to 1.5 mass % Fe, 4.8 to 5.5 mass % Al, 0.030 mass % N, O and N, wherein cracks are prevented from spreading, wherein: (a) ND represents normal direction of a hot-rolled sheet; RD represents hot rolling direction; TD represents hot rolling width direction; ? represents the angle formed between c axis and ND; ? represents angle formed between plane including c axis and ND, and a plane including ND and TD; (b1) XND represents highest (0002) relative intensity of X-ray reflection by grains when ? is from 0° to 30° ; (b2) XTD represents the highest (0002) relative intensity of the X-ray reflection caused by grains when ? is from 80° to 100° and ? is ±10° . (c) The high-strength ?+? type hot-rolled titanium alloy sheet has a value for XTD/XND of at least 4.0. Q(%)=[O]+2.77·[N].
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: NIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira Kawakami, Hideki Fujii
  • Patent number: 9624567
    Abstract: Methods of refining the grain size of a titanium alloy workpiece include beta annealing the workpiece, cooling the beta annealed workpiece to a temperature below the beta transus temperature of the titanium alloy, and high strain rate multi-axis forging the workpiece. High strain rate multi-axis forging is employed until a total strain of at least 1 is achieved in the titanium alloy workpiece, or until a total strain of at least 1 and up to 3.5 is achieved in the titanium alloy workpiece. The titanium alloy of the workpiece may comprise at least one of grain pinning alloying additions and beta stabilizing content effective to decrease alpha phase precipitation and growth kinetics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: ATI PROPERTIES LLC
    Inventors: David J. Bryan, John V. Mantione, Jean-Philippe Thomas
  • Patent number: 9587770
    Abstract: An ?+? type titanium alloy sheet to be used for a welded pipe with a rolling direction of the sheet set to a circumference direction of the pipe includes: a composition containing, in mass %, 0.8 to 1.5% of Fe, 4.8 to 5.5% of Al, 0.020% or less of N, O in a range satisfying Q=0.14 to 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: NIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira Kawakami, Kazuhiro Takahashi, Hideki Fujii
  • Patent number: 9260773
    Abstract: A titanium alloy has high strength and superior workability and is preferably used for various structural materials for automobiles, etc. The titanium alloy is obtained by the following production method. An alloy having a structure of ?? martensite phase is hot worked at conditions at which dynamic recrystallization occurs. The working is performed at a heating rate of 50 to 800° C./second at a strain rate of 0.01 to 10/second when the temperature is 700 to 800° C. or at a strain rate of 0.1 to 10/second when the temperature is more than 800° C. and less than 1000° C. so as to provide a strain of not less than 0.5. Thus, equiaxed crystals with an average grain size of less than 1000 nm are obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignees: NHK SPRING CO., LTD., TOHOKU UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Sang-Hak Lee, Yoshiki Ono, Kazuya Ikai, Hiroaki Matsumoto, Akihiko Chiba
  • Patent number: 9206497
    Abstract: Methods of refining the grain size of a titanium alloy workpiece include beta annealing the workpiece, cooling the beta annealed workpiece to a temperature below the beta transus temperature of the titanium alloy, and high strain rate multi-axis forging the workpiece. High strain rate multi-axis forging is employed until a total strain of at least 1 is achieved in the titanium alloy workpiece, or until a total strain of at least 1 and up to 3.5 is achieved in the titanium alloy workpiece. The titanium alloy of the workpiece may comprise at least one of grain pinning alloying additions and beta stabilizing content effective to decrease alpha phase precipitation and growth kinetics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: ATI PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: David J. Bryan, John V. Mantione, Jean-Philippe Thomas
  • Patent number: 9187807
    Abstract: A method of production of an ?+?-type titanium alloy part for a motorcycle, car, or bicycle which has a high Young's modulus (rigidity) in the axial direction of the shaped product and a bolt, engine valve, or connecting rod made of an ?+?-type titanium alloy and a method of production of the same, wherein an ?+?-type titanium alloy is heated at the temperatures giving the ?-single phase, then is uni-directionally hot rolled, the plate is machined so that a direction vertical to both the hot rolling direction and thickness direction (width direction) corresponds to the direction in which high rigidity is demanded in the finished part, that is, the axial direction of the bolt, engine valve, or connecting rod, and the X-ray diffraction intensities I(0002), I(10-10), and I(10-11), of the (0002) plane, (10-10) plane, and (10-11) plane of the titanium ?-phase measured at the cross-sections vertical to the longitudinal axial direction of the parts satisfy I(0002)/[I(10-10)+I(10-11)]?1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: NIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Takahashi, Akira Kawakami, Tomonori Kunieda, Motomi Masaki
  • Patent number: 9039849
    Abstract: Provided is a method of preparing a nanocrystalline titanium alloy at low strain to have better strength. The present invention is characterized in that an initial microstructure is induced as martensites having a fine layered structure, and then a nanocrystalline titanium alloy is prepared at low strain by optimizing process variables through observation of the effects of strain, strain rate, and deformation temperature on the changes in the microstructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: POSTECH ACADEMY-INDUSTRY FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Chan Hee Park, Chong Soo Lee, Sung Hyuk Park, Young Soo Chun
  • Publication number: 20150129093
    Abstract: A method of processing a metal alloy includes heating to a temperature in a working temperature range from a recrystallization temperature of the metal alloy to a temperature less than an incipient melting temperature of the metal alloy, and working the alloy. At least a surface region is heated to a temperature in the working temperature range. The surface region is maintained within the working temperature range for a period of time to recrystallize the surface region of the metal alloy, and the alloy is cooled so as to minimize grain growth. In embodiments including superaustenitic and austenitic stainless steel alloys, process temperatures and times are selected to avoid precipitation of deleterious intermetallic sigma-phase. A hot worked superaustenitic stainless steel alloy having equiaxed grains throughout the alloy is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: ATI PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robin M. Forbes Jones, Ramesh S. Minisandram
  • Publication number: 20150086414
    Abstract: Disclosed is a TiAl alloy for high-temperature applications which comprises not more than 43 at. % of Al, from 3 at. % to 8 at. % of Nb, from 0.2 at. % to 3 at. % of Mo and/or Mn, from 0.05 at. % to 0.5 at. % of B, from 0.1 at. % to 0.5 at. % of C, from 0.1 at. % to 0.5 at. % of Si and Ti as balance. Also disclosed is a process for producing a component made of this TiAl alloy and the use of corresponding TiAl alloys in components of flow machines at operating temperatures up to 850° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Wilfried SMARSLY, Helmut CLEMENS, Emanuel SCHWAIGHOFER
  • Publication number: 20150050513
    Abstract: The present invention describes a method of manufacturing a near-net shaped hollow shaft useful for high power applications such as gearboxes for wind energy industry. The method involves providing a concast bloom (of a round or rectangular or of any polygonal cross section) or an as-cast round ingot from which a hollow perform is prepared using hollow die punching, followed by process of heat treatment, proof-machining and stress relieving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Babasaheb Neelkanth KALYANI
  • Publication number: 20140369822
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a component from a TiAl alloy, wherein the component is shaped by forging, in particular isothermal forging, and is subsequently subjected to at least one heat treatment, wherein in the first heat treatment the temperature is between 1100 and 1200° C. and is maintained for 6 to 10 hours and then the component is cooled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Wilfried Smarsly
  • Patent number: 8864918
    Abstract: A method for producing a component of a titanium-aluminum base alloy comprising hot isostatically pressing the alloy to form a blank, subjecting the blank to a hot forming by a rapid solid-blank deformation, followed by a cooling of the component to form a deformation microstructure with high recrystallization energy potential, thereafter subjecting the component to a heat treatment in the range of the eutectoid temperature (Teu) of the alloy, followed by cooling in air, to form a homogeneous, fine globular microstructure composed of phases GAMMA, BETA0, ALPHA2 and having an ordered atomic structure at room temperature. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignees: Boehler Schmiedetechnik GmbH & Co. KG, MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Clemens, Wilfried Wallgram, Martin Schloffer
  • Publication number: 20140305554
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a titanium alloy with high strength and high formability includes preparing a material and equipment for manufacturing a titanium alloy, manufacturing a titanium alloy having a lamellar structure (martensite structure) by cooling the prepared material with water after performing heat treatment at the beta transformation temperature or more, and rolling that makes ultrafine grains by finishing forming of the titanium alloy at a plastic instability temperature by gradually decreasing the forming temperature in accordance with an increase of a strain after starting the forming at the plastic instability temperature of more, under a condition of a low strain in which the strain is 2.5 or less, after the manufacturing of a titanium alloy having a lamellar structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF MACHINERY & MATERIALS
    Inventors: Chan Hee Park, Chang Seok Oh, Jong Taek Yeom, Jae Keun Hong, Chong Soo Lee, Yong Taek Hyun
  • Publication number: 20140286783
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a part made out of TA6Zr4DE titanium alloy including forging a blank in the alpha/beta domain to form a preform, hot die-stamping the preform to form a rough part in the beta domain of the titanium alloy, and heat treatment. During the die-stamping, the rough part is subjected throughout to local deformation c greater than or equal to 1.2, the die-stamping being terminated by immediate cooling at an initial cooling rate faster than 85° C./min. The method can be utilized to make a rotary part of a turbomachine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Marion Derrien, Philippe Rochette
  • Publication number: 20140261922
    Abstract: One embodiment of a method of refining alpha-phase grain size in an alpha-beta titanium alloy comprises working an alpha-beta titanium alloy at a first working temperature within a first temperature range in the alpha-beta phase field of the alpha-beta titanium alloy. The alloy is slow cooled from the first working temperature. On completion of working at and slow cooling from the first working temperature, the alloy comprises a primary globularized alpha-phase particle microstructure. The alloy is worked at a second working temperature within a second temperature range in the alpha-beta phase field. The second working temperature is lower than the first working temperature. The is worked at a third working temperature in a third temperature range in the alpha-beta phase field. The third working temperature is lower than the second working temperature. After working at the third working temperature, the titanium alloy comprises a desired refined alpha-phase grain size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Jean-Phillippe A. Thomas, Ramesh S. Minisandram, Robin M. Forbes Jones, John V. Mantione, David J. Bryan
  • Patent number: 8834653
    Abstract: A method for straightening an age hardened metallic form includes heating an age hardened metallic form comprising one of a titanium alloy, a nickel alloy, an aluminum alloy, and a ferrous alloy to a straightening temperature of at least 25° F. below the age hardening temperature, and applying an elongation tensile stress for a time sufficient to elongate and straighten the form. The elongation tensile stress is at least 20% of the yield stress and not equal to or greater than the yield stress at the straightening temperature. The straightened form deviates from straight by no greater than 0.125 inch over any 5 foot length or shorter length. The straightened form is cooled while simultaneously applying a cooling tensile stress that balances the thermal cooling stress in the metallic form to thereby maintain a deviation from straight of no greater than 0.125 inch over any 5 foot length or shorter length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Bryan
  • Patent number: 8828160
    Abstract: Method for producing a forging from a gamma titanium aluminum-based alloy. The method includes heating at least a portion of a cylindrical or rod-shaped starting or raw material to a temperature of more than 1150° C. over a cross section of the at least a portion. The at least a portion corresponds to points at which the forging to be shaped has volume concentrations. The method also includes deforming the at least a portion through an applied force to form a biscuit having different cross sectional areas over a longitudinal extension of the biscuit, and finishing the forging through a second heating to a deformation temperature and at least one subsequent step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Boehler Schmiedetechnik GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventors: Sascha Kremmer, Heinz Romen-Kierner, Wilfried Wallgram
  • Patent number: 8795445
    Abstract: There is provided a titanium plate having both high strength and good workability. The titanium plate is made of a titanium material in a plate shape, the titanium material consisting of by mass: more than 0.10% and less than 0.60% iron; more than 0.005% and less than 0.20% oxygen; less than 0.015% carbon; less than 0.015% nitrogen; less than 0.015% hydrogen; and balance titanium and unavoidable impurities, provided that the iron content is greater than the oxygen content, wherein the titanium plate has a two-phase structure of an ? phase and a ? phase and the circle-equivalent mean diameter of ? phase grains is 10 ?m or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Shirai, Satoshi Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20140202601
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing forged components of a TiAl alloy, in particular turbine blades, wherein the components are forged and undergo a two-stage heat treatment after the forging process, the first stage of the heat treatment comprising a recrystallization annealing process for 50 to 100 minutes at a temperature below the ?/? transition temperature, and the second stage of the heat treatment comprising a stabilization annealing process in the temperature range of from 800° C. to 950° C. for 5 to 7 hrs, and the cooling rate during the first heat treatment stage being greater than or equal to 3° C./sec, in the temperature range between 1300° C. to 900° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: MTU AERO ENGINES AG
    Inventors: Dietmar Helm, Falko Heutling, Ulrike Habel, Wilfried Smarsly
  • Patent number: 8771439
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing a titanium aluminide intermetallic alloy composition having an improved wear resistance, the method comprising heating a titanium aluminide intermetallic alloy material in an oxygen-containing environment at a temperature and for a time sufficient to produce a top oxide layer and underlying oxygen-diffused layer, followed by removal of the top oxide layer such that the oxygen-diffused layer is exposed. The invention is also directed to the resulting oxygen-diffused titanium aluminide intermetallic alloy, as well as mechanical components or devices containing the improved alloy composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Jun Qu, Hua-Tay Lin, Peter J. Blau, Vinod K. Sikka
  • Publication number: 20140076471
    Abstract: Methods of refining the grain size of titanium and titanium alloys include thermally managed high strain rate multi-axis forging. A high strain rate adiabatically heats an internal region of the workpiece during forging, and a thermal management system is used to heat an external surface region to the workpiece forging temperature, while the internal region is allowed to cool to the workpiece forging temperature. A further method includes multiple upset and draw forging titanium or a titanium alloy using a strain rate less than is used in conventional open die forging of titanium and titanium alloys. Incremental workpiece rotation and draw forging causes severe plastic deformation and grain refinement in the titanium or titanium alloy forging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: ATI PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robin M. Forbes Jones, John V. Mantione, Urban J. DeSouza, Jean-Philippe Thomas, Ramesh S. Minisandram, Richard L. Kennedy, R. Mark Davis
  • Publication number: 20140053958
    Abstract: A method for forming a part having a dual property microstructure includes the steps of: forming a blank having a narrow top portion and a wide base portion; heating the blank to an elevated temperature; and forming a dual property microstructure in the blank by cooling different portions of the blank at different cooling rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas DeMichael, Gopal Das, Michael A. Moulin
  • Patent number: 8652276
    Abstract: A system and method for shaping a net or near-net titanium part, the method comprising machining a piece of titanium into a titanium part having non-uniform thickness, heating the titanium part to a target temperature within a target temperature range between an auto-relief temperature of the titanium part and a minimum temperature required for super plastic forming of the titanium part, and lowering a die into the titanium part with sufficient force to shape the titanium part. The system for shaping the titanium part may comprise a multiple-axis machine, a die, electrical clamps, sensors, and a control system for adjusting heating temperatures based on information received from the sensors regarding the titanium part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Sprint AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Rahbar Nasserrafi, Darrell A. Wade, Thanh A. Le, Derek D. Donaldson, Gary W. Sundquist
  • Patent number: 8613818
    Abstract: Methods of refining the grain size of titanium and titanium alloys include thermally managed high strain rate multi-axis forging. A high strain rate adiabatically heats an internal region of the workpiece during forging, and a thermal management system is used to heat an external surface region to the workpiece forging temperature, while the internal region is allowed to cool to the workpiece forging temperature. A further method includes multiple upset and draw forging titanium or a titanium alloy using a strain rate less than is used in conventional open die forging of titanium and titanium alloys. Incremental workpiece rotation and draw forging causes severe plastic deformation and grain refinement in the titanium or titanium alloy forging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin M. Forbes Jones, John V. Mantione, Urban J. De Souza, Jean-Philippe Thomas, Ramesh S. Minisandram, Richard L. Kennedy, R. Mark Davis
  • Patent number: 8597443
    Abstract: A method of forming an article from an ?-? titanium including, in weight percentages, from about 2.9 to about 5.0 aluminum, from about 2.0 to about 3.0 vanadium, from about 0.4 to about 2.0 iron, from about 0.2 to about 0.3 oxygen, from about 0.005 to about 0.3 carbon, from about 0.001 to about 0.02 nitrogen, and less than about 0.5 of other elements. The method comprises cold working the ?-? titanium alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Hebda, Randall W. Hickman, Ronald A. Graham
  • Patent number: 8597442
    Abstract: A method of forming an article from an ??? titanium including, in weight percentages, from about 2.9 to about 5.0 aluminum, from about 2.0 to about 3.0 vanadium, from about 0.4 to about 2.0 iron, from about 0.2 to about 0.3 oxygen, from about 0.005 to about 0.3 carbon, from about 0.001 to about 0.02 nitrogen, and less than about 0.5 of other elements. The method comprises cold working the ??? titanium alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Hebda, Randall W. Hickman, Ronald A. Graham
  • Publication number: 20130284325
    Abstract: An alloy having an ?? martensite which is a processing starting structure is hot worked. The alloy is heated at a temperature increase rate of 50 to 800° C./sec, and strain is given at not less than 0.5 by a processing strain rate of from 0.01 to 10/sec in a case of a temperature range of 700 to 800° C., or by a processing strain rate of 0.1 to 10/sec in a case of a temperature range of 800° C. to 1000° C. By generating equiaxial crystals having average crystal particle diameters of less than 1000 nm through the above processes, a titanium alloy having high strength and high fatigue resistant property can be obtained, in which hardness is less than 400 HV, tensile strength is not less than 1200 MPa, and static strength and dynamic strength are superior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicants: TOHOKU UNIVERSITY, NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang-Hak Lee, Yoshiki Ono, Hiroaki Matsumoto, Akihiko Chiba
  • Patent number: 8551264
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing fine grain titanium alloy sheets that is suitable for superplastic forming (SPF) is disclosed. In one embodiment, a high strength titanium alloy comprising: Al: about 4.5% to about 5.5%, V: about 3.0% to about 5.0%, Mo: about 0.3% to about 1.8%, Fe: about 0.2% to about 0.8%, O: about 0.12% to about 0.25% with balance titanium is forged and hot rolled to sheet bar, which is then fast-cooled from a temperature higher than beta transus. According to this embodiment, the sheet bar is heated between about 1400° F. to about 1550° F. and rolled to intermediate gage. After reheating to a temperature from about 1400° F. to about 1550° F., hot rolling is performed in a direction perpendicular to the previous rolling direction to minimize anisotropy of mechanical properties. The sheets are then annealed at a temperature between about 1300° F. to about 1550° F. followed by grinding and pickling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Titanium Metals Corporation
    Inventors: Yoji Kosaka, Phani Gudipati
  • Publication number: 20130233455
    Abstract: This invention relates to nonferrous metallurgy, namely to thermomechanical treatment of titanium alloys and can be used for manufacture of structural parts and components of high-strength near-beta titanium alloys for the aerospace application, mainly landing gear and airframe application. The method for thermomechanical treatment of titanium alloy consists of multiple heating operations to a temperature that is above or below beta transus temperature (BTT), hot working with the specified strain, and cooling. A technical result of this method is manufacture of near-net shape forgings with stable properties having sections with thickness 100 mm and over and length over 6 m with the following mechanical properties: 1. Ultimate tensile strength over 1200 MPa with fracture toughness, ?1C, not less than 35 MPa?m. 2. Fracture toughness, ?1C, over 70 MPa?m with ultimate tensile strength not less than 1100 MPa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: PUBLIC STOCK COMPANY "VSMPO-AVISMA CORPORATION"
    Inventor: Natalva Igorevna Levina
  • Publication number: 20130233456
    Abstract: The invention relates to a monolithic titanium alloy (M) comprising, in a temperature range (?T) and at atmospheric pressure: an outer peripheral zone consisting of a micro-structure (m1) having a modulus of elasticity (E1) and possessing superelastic properties in said range (?T), and a core consisting of a microstructure (m2) having a modulus of elasticity (E2), and possessing elastic properties in said range (?T); said microstructures (m1) and (m2) being different from one another, and said modulus of elasticity (E1) being lower than said modulus of elasticity (E2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE
    Inventors: Frédéric Prima, Sophie Nowak
  • Publication number: 20130216421
    Abstract: A method and process for at least partially forming a medical device that is at least partially formed of a metal alloy which improves the physical properties of the medical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Rich Products Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond W. Buckman, JR., Udayan Patel, Joseph Furst
  • Patent number: 8500929
    Abstract: A method is provided for improving the machinability of a titanium alloy includes heating the alloy at a temperature and time period that imparts to the alloy a microstructure having between about 10 and 15 vol. % alpha phase in a beta phase matrix. According to one embodiment, the alloy is thereafter annealed at a temperature lower than the temperature for the initial heating step, and for a duration that is longer than the time period for the initial heating step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James D. Cotton, William L. Merrick, Michael L. Watts
  • Patent number: 8499605
    Abstract: A method for straightening a solution treated and aged (STA) titanium alloy form includes heating an STA titanium alloy form to a straightening temperature of at least 25° F. below the age hardening temperature, and applying an elongation tensile stress for a time sufficient to elongate and straighten the form. The elongation tensile stress is at least 20% of the yield stress and not equal to or greater than the yield stress at the straightening temperature. The straightened form deviates from straight by no greater than 0.125 inch over any 5 foot length or shorter length. The straightened form is cooled while simultaneously applying a cooling tensile stress that balances the thermal cooling stress in the titanium alloy form to thereby maintain a deviation from straight of no greater than 0.125 inch over any 5 foot length or shorter length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Bryan
  • Patent number: 8444775
    Abstract: Shape Memory Alloy tube is protected from damage during drawing, caused by galling-type interaction between the tube and high-carbon dies, by forming an oxide surface layer. This invention protects the tube internal diameter from oxidation while allowing the tube outside diameter to be oxidized, by using an oxygen getter located within the tube during the oxidation step. The method yields a higher quality internal diameter and improves productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Edwin Alfred Crombie, III, William Andrew Hochella
  • Publication number: 20130118653
    Abstract: Methods of refining the grain size of a titanium alloy workpiece include beta annealing the workpiece, cooling the beta annealed workpiece to a temperature below the beta transus temperature of the titanium alloy, and high strain rate multi-axis forging the workpiece. High strain rate multi-axis forging is employed until a total strain of at least 1 is achieved in the titanium alloy workpiece, or until a total strain of at least 1 and up to 3.5 is achieved in the titanium alloy workpiece. The titanium alloy of the workpiece may comprise at least one of grain pinning alloying additions and beta stabilizing content effective to decrease alpha phase precipitation and growth kinetics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: ATI PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventor: ATI Properties, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130037183
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a part made of titanium alloy, comprising a thermal treatment for relaxing the internal stresses of the part, the thermal treatment comprising maintaining at a temperature “T1” greater than the beta transus (beta transition) temperature, referred to as “Tbt”, and the part being free to deform by creeping. The invention also relates to a tool for carrying out this process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: AUBERT & DUVAL
    Inventors: Christophe Daffos, Michel Miquel, Laurent Foucher, Vincent Albert
  • Publication number: 20130019999
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a high strength and high ductility titanium alloy. The method comprises: providing a titanium alloy having a martensite structure; and partially dynamically spheroidizing a microstructure through a thermal and mechanical treatment of the titanium alloy having the martensite structure. According to the present invention, a titanium alloy having a partially dynamically spheroidized microstructure can be manufactured to have excellent yield strength (YS) and uniform elongation (U.EL). A microstructure having lamellar structures is controlled to a microstructure where fine equiaxed structures and lamellar structures are simultaneously present by regulating a rolling direction and a deformation amount. According to the present invention, a titanium alloy can be manufactured to have an improved product (YS×U.EL) of yield strength and uniform elongation as compared with conventional heat treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: POSTECH ACADEMY-INDUSTRY FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Chong-Soo Lee, You Hwan Lee, Sun Mi Kim, Chan Hee Park
  • Publication number: 20130019998
    Abstract: A method of cold forming titanium alloy sheet metal, the titanium alloy consisting of 5.5 to 6.75 wt % aluminium, 3.5 to 4.5 wt % 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Antony J. MORTON
  • Publication number: 20130000799
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing fine grain titanium alloy sheets that is suitable for superplastic forming (SPF) is disclosed. In one embodiment, a high strength titanium alloy comprising: Al: about 4.5% to about 5.5%, V: about 3.0% to about 5.0%, Mo: about 0.3% to about 1.8%, Fe: about 0.2% to about 0.8%, O: about 0.12% to about 0.25% with balance titanium is forged and hot rolled to sheet bar, which is then fast-cooled from a temperature higher than beta transus. According to this embodiment, the sheet bar is heated between about 1400° F. to about 1550° F. and rolled to intermediate gage. After reheating to a temperature from about 1400° F. to about 1550° F., hot rolling is performed in a direction perpendicular to the previous rolling direction to minimize anisotropy of mechanical properties. The sheets are then annealed at a temperature between about 1300° F. to about 1550° F. followed by grinding and pickling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: TITANIUM METALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoji Kosaka, Phani Gudipati
  • Publication number: 20130001069
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, two or more sets of knead forging are performed where one set is cold forging processes in directions parallel to and perpendicular to a thickness direction of a columnar titanium material. The titanium material is heated to a temperature of 700° C. or more to induce recrystallization, and thereafter, two or more sets of knead forging are performed where one set is the cold forging processes in the directions parallel to and perpendicular to the thickness direction. Further, the titanium material is cold rolled, and is heat-treated to a temperature of 300° C. or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Nobuaki NAKASHIMA, Takashi Sano
  • Publication number: 20120267001
    Abstract: A titanium alloy material for exhaust system parts which is excellent in oxidation resistance able to be used for an exhaust manifold, exhaust pipe, catalyst device, muffler, or other part characterized by containing, by mass %, Cu: 0.5 to 1.5%, Sn: 0.5 to 1.5%, Si: 0.1% to 0.6%, and O: 0.1% or less, a total of the contents of Cu and Sn being 1.4 to 2.7%, and having a balance of Ti and unavoidable impurities. A titanium alloy material for exhaust system parts which is excellent in oxidation resistance and cold workability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Hiroaki Otsuka, Hideki Fujii
  • Patent number: RE47788
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, two or more sets of knead forging are performed where one set is cold forging processes in directions parallel to and perpendicular to a thickness direction of a columnar titanium material. The titanium material is heated to a temperature of 700° C. or more to induce recrystallization, and thereafter, two or more sets of knead forging are performed where one set is the cold forging processes in the directions parallel to and perpendicular to the thickness direction. Further, the titanium material is cold rolled, and is heat-treated to a temperature of 300° C. or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA MATERIALS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuaki Nakashima, Takashi Sano