A Novel Technique of Hot Stretch-Creep Forming via Resistance Heating

Abstract

In order to reduce the energy consumption and working procedure for manufacturing thin-walled titanium alloy components, a hot stretch-creep forming (SCF) technique via resistance heating is proposed to form the hard-to-form material. Firstly, the principle of hot SCF was introduced that the technique can manufacture titanium alloy components precisely because the residual stress relaxes in the material during the dwelling time. Secondly, the hot SCF equipment via resistance heating was developed, which makes use of electrical current for heating the titanium materials to improve their ductility. Then based on a set of optimized process parameters, including forming temperature, stretch velocity, post stretch percentage and dwelling time, a comparative experment of single curvature Ti-6Al-4V alloy sheet components was conducted via this innovative technology to examine the hot SCF equipments and the effect of creep forming. Results show that the component precision of the hot SCF is more precise than that of the hot stretch forming (SF) due to the creep in the stress relaxation period. Comparing to the as-received material, the yield strength of the material suffered hot SF decreases a little; while the strength suffered hot SCF increases a little. This novel technique shows a promising future to manufacture titanium sheet or profile components precisely as a feasible and cost-effective way.