Feb 8 2013
Technological developments in fabrication of titanium can help increase use of the metal, as well as offer quality improvements. In a similar vein, materials specialists working to exploit and enhance titanium's unique metallurgical characteristics can expand its use in emerging markets. Two panels of titanium experts will discuss these industry-critical subjects at TITANIUM EUROPE 2013, hosted by International Titanium Association (ITA). The conference takes place March 5 – 7, 2013 in Hamburg, Germany.
In the Fabrication Panel, Alexandr Danovich , OSCAR Tube Production Group, plans to present the Ukrainian manufacturer's history of seamless cold-drawn titanium tube production. Regarding future growth, he will analyze the impact of adding a VAR melting facility to control quality and assure traceability, in adherence with ISO 9100. Operating its own melt plant will also allow the firm to use readily available Ukrainian sponge.
Richard Freeman , TWI Limited, UK, will describe recent developments in welding titanium alloys that improve productivity without quality loss; linear friction welding to construct preforms that reduce the necessary machining of forgings; high brightness laser welding and its impact on porosity and weld profile; and novel high frequency pulsed TIG and reduced splatter MIG welding.
Understanding Ti-6Al-4V microstructural mechanisms during forging will be Christina Schmidt 's focus, Outokumpu VDM. When the metal is destined for rotating jet engine components the requirements for homogeneity and lack of inclusions, which depend on microstructure, are increasingly stringent. In their project, compression tests are used to develop microstructural models that enable transformations during single forging steps to be described and simulated.
For the Emerging Markets Session, MariaPia Pedeferri , Politecnico di Milano, will discuss titanium's metallurgical attributes, but related to tribologic behavior. Titanium alloy surfaces exhibit a high wear coefficient in dry sliding, poor wear resistance and limited load bearing capacity. Tests of a simple electrochemical anodizing process that changes the metal's surface oxide film show it could reduce friction and increase wear and corrosion resistance.
Jaka Klemenc , Akrapovic d.d., will examine progress in using titanium alloys for high performance automotive exhaust systems, where weight reduction and corrosion resistance are the prime benefits. He will report on differences between stainless steel and titanium alloy exhausts of the same design in vibration, sound quality and frequency, and heat dissipation.
Military applications for investment cast titanium components will be explored by Sarah Mott and Bret Clayton , Precision Castparts. Today's battlefield requires lighter, stronger equipment capable of quick deployment and minimal resource use. Titanium is a proven solution and investment casting yields complex, monolithic parts that lower material costs, increase strength and reduce finishing needs. Unmanned aerial systems, tactical ground vehicles and artillery use the components.
As the international titanium supply chain has grown in scope and complexity over the past decade, attendance at the TITANIUM conference series has doubled. TITANIUM EUROPE 2013 anticipates over 400 delegates from 25 countries. TITANIUM EUROPE 2013 will offer European-focused insights into the current state of the industry as well as efficient, high-value networking opportunities not available anywhere else for titanium producers, OEM's, distributors, fabricators, and vendors who offer products & services to the titanium community alike.
Source: http://www.titanium.org/