HOT STRETCH STRAIGHTENING OF HIGH STRENGTH ALPHA/BETA PROCESSED TITANIUM

摘要

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.