Titanium Sheet Fabricated from Powder for Industrial Applications

In collaboration with Ametek and Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Oak Ridge National Laboratory has evaluated three different methods for converting titanium hydride–dehydride (HDH) powder into a thin-gauge titanium sheet from a roll-compacted preform. Methodologies include sintering, followed by cold rolling and annealing; direct hot rolling of the roll-compacted sheet; and hot rolling of multiple layers of roll-compacted sheet that are encapsulated in a steel can. Fabrication of fully consolidated sheet has been demonstrated using all three methods, and each processing route has the ability to produce a sheet that meets ASTM B265 specifications. However, not every method currently provides a sheet that can be highly formed without tearing. The degree of sintering between powder particles, postprocessing density, and the particle-to-particle boundary layer where compositional variations may exist have a significant effect on the ability to form the sheet into useful components. Uniaxial tensile test results, compositional analysis, bend testing, and biaxial testing of the titanium sheet produced from hydride–dehydride powder will be discussed. Multiple methods of fabrication and the resulting properties can then be assessed to determine the most effective and economical means of making components for industrial applications.