KR102656960B1 - Golf club head - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of forming a golf club head assembly includes aligning a faceplate with a recess in the club head; Welding the face plate to the club head; then, after welding the face plate, heating the club head and face plate to at least the solvus temperature of the face plate for a predetermined amount of time; And then, after welding the club head and face plate, allowing the club head and face plate to air cool.

Description

Golf Club Head{GOLF CLUB HEAD}

[Cross-reference to related applications]

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 14/624,488, filed February 17, 2015, the entire contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to a method of forming golf clubs, particularly golf club head assemblies.

A typical golf club head assembly includes a faceplate welded to the club head. The face plate has a slightly rounded shape to provide a straighter and/or longer flight path for the golf ball, even when the golf ball is struck off-center with respect to the face plate. The face plate has a bulge dimension or curvature from the toe end to the heel end and a roll dimension or curve from the crown edge to the sole edge. It has a curved part.

Aspects of the invention will become apparent upon consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

1 is a perspective view of a club head and face plate.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the club head with the face plate removed.
Figure 3 is a top view of the club head assembly.
Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the club head assembly of Figure 3 along section 4-4.
Figure 5 is a side view of the club head assembly of Figure 3;
Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a process for forming a club head assembly.
Figure 7 is a chart showing experimental bulge and roll dimensions for face plates subjected to various heat treatment processes.
Figure 8 is a chart showing experimental roll dimensions for face plates with various structures.
Figure 9 is a chart showing experimental bulge and roll dimensions for face plates subjected to various heat treatment processes.
Figure 10 is a chart showing durability measurements for face plates with various material compositions.
Figure 11a is the microstructure of non-annealed T9S. Figure 11b is the microstructure of annealed T-9S. Figure 11c is a stress/strain curve showing unstable yielding of non-annealed T-9S. Figure 11d is a stress/strain curve showing a more stable yield of annealed T-9S.
Figure 12 is a Ti-Al phase diagram.
Figure 13 is a chart showing bulge and roll dimensions for face plates made of Ti 6-4 alloy with and without heat treatment and T-9S alloy with heat treatment.
Figure 14 is a state diagram with the positions of T-9S and Ti 6-4 alloy marked.
Figure 15 is a chart showing the percent deflection of face plates made of Ti 6-4 alloy without heat treatment and various TS9 alloys subjected to different heat treatments after being struck 100 and 1000 times.
Before any embodiment of the invention is described in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the arrangement and configuration of components described in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may have different embodiments and may be carried out or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” and “having” and variations thereof in this specification are intended to include the items listed thereafter and their equivalents and additional items. do. All weight percent (wt%) figures stated below are total weight percent.

1-3 show a golf club head 10 and faceplate 14. In one embodiment, golf club head 10 is formed from a cast material and face plate 14 is formed from a rolled material. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, golf club head 10 is for a metal wood driver; In another embodiment, golf club head 10 is for a fairway wood; In another embodiment, golf club head 10 is for a hybrid club; In another embodiment, golf club head 10 is for an iron club. Club head 10 may also include a hosel and a hosel transition (shown as 18). For example, the hosel may be located at or proximate to the heel end 34. The hosel may extend from the club head 10 via a hosel transition 18. To form a golf club, the hosel can receive a first end of shaft 20. Shaft 20 can be bonded to a golf club head (e.g., by adhesive bonding process (e.g., epoxy) and/or other suitable bonding process (e.g., mechanical bonding, soldering, welding, and/or brazing). 100). Moreover, a grip (not shown) may be secured to the second end of shaft 20 to complete the golf club.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the club head 10 further includes a recess or opening 22 for receiving the face plate 14 . In the illustrated embodiment, opening 22 includes a lip 26 extending around the perimeter of opening 22. The face plate 14 is aligned with the opening and abuts the lip portion 26. The face plate 14 is fixed to the club head 10 by welding, forming the club head assembly 30. In one embodiment, the welding is a pulse plasma welding process.

The face plate 14 includes a heel end 34 and a toe end 38 opposite the heel end 34. The heel end 34 is positioned proximate the hosel portion (hosel and hosel transition 18) and the shaft 20 (FIG. 1) is coupled to the club head assembly 30. The face plate 14 includes a crown edge 42 and a sole edge 46 opposite the crown edge 42. Crown edge 42 is positioned adjacent the upper edge of club head 10 and sole edge 46 is positioned adjacent the lower edge of club head 10. As shown in Figure 3, face plate 14 has a bulge curvature in a direction extending between heel end 34 and toe end 38. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, face plate 14 also has a roll curvature extending between crown edge 42 and sole edge 46. In one embodiment, the face plate may have a minimum wall thickness of 1.5 millimeters, 1.4 millimeters, 1.3 millimeters, 1.2 millimeters, 1.1 millimeters, 1.0 millimeters, 0.9 millimeters, 0.8 millimeters, 0.7 millimeters, 0.6 millimeters, 0.5 millimeters, and 0.4 millimeters. there is. In one embodiment, the face plate may have a minimum wall thickness of 0.7 millimeters.

Face plate 14 is formed from titanium alloy. In one embodiment, face plate 14 is an α-β titanium (α-β Ti) alloy. The α-β Ti alloy may contain neutral alloying elements such as tin and α stabilizers such as aluminum and oxygen. α-β Ti alloys may contain β stabilizers such as molybdenum, silicon, and vanadium. All figures stated below in terms of weight percent are total weight percent (wt%). The total weight percent of α stabilizer aluminum in the α-β Ti alloy is 2 wt% to 10 wt%, 3 wt% to 9 wt%, 4 wt% to 8 wt%, 5 wt% to 7 wt%, 2 wt% to 20 wt%, 3 wt% to 19 wt%. %, 4wt% to 18wt%, 5wt% to 17wt%, 6wt% to 16wt%, 7wt% to 15wt%, 8wt% to 14wt%, 9wt% to 13wt%, 10wt% to 12wt%, 7wt% to 9wt%, 7wt% to 10wt%, 7wt% to 11wt%, 7wt% to 12wt%, 7wt% to 13wt%, 7wt% to 14wt%, 7wt% to 15wt%, 7wt% to 16wt%, 7wt% to 17wt%, 7wt% to 18wt%, 7wt% to 19wt%, 7wt% to 20wt%, 8wt% to 10wt%, 8wt% to 11wt%, 8wt% to 12wt%, 8wt% to 13wt%, 8wt% to 14wt%, 8wt% to 15wt %, 8wt% to 16wt%, 8wt% to 17wt%, 8wt% to 18wt%, 8wt% to 19wt%, 8wt% to 20wt%, 9wt% to 11wt%, 9wt% to 12wt%, 9wt% to 13wt%, 9wt% to 14wt%, 9wt% to 15wt%, 9wt% to 16wt%, 9wt% to 17wt%, 9wt% to 18wt%, 9wt% to 19wt%, 9wt% to 20wt%, 10wt% to 13wt%, 10wt% to 14wt%, 10wt% to 15wt%, 10wt% to 16wt%, 10wt% to 17wt%, 10wt% to 18wt%, 10wt% to 19wt%, 10wt% to 20wt%, 11wt% to 13wt%, 11wt% to 14wt %, 11 wt% to 15 wt%, 11 wt% to 16 wt%, 11 wt% to 17 wt%, 11 wt% to 18 wt%, 11 wt% to 19 wt%, 11 wt% to 20 wt%, 12 wt% to 14 wt%, 12 wt% to 15 wt%, 12wt% to 16wt%, 12wt% to 17wt%, 12wt% to 18wt%, 12wt% to 19wt%, 12wt% to 20wt%, 13wt% to 15wt%, 13wt% to 16wt%, 13wt% to 17wt%, 13wt% to 18wt%, 13wt% to 19wt%, 13wt% to 20wt%, 14wt% to 16wt%, 14wt% to 17wt%, 14wt% to 18wt%, 14wt% to 19wt%, 14wt% to 20wt%, 15wt% to 17wt %, 15wt% to 18wt%, 15wt% to 19wt%, 15wt% to 20wt%, 16wt% to 18wt%, 16wt% to 19wt%, 16wt% to 20wt%, 17wt% to 19wt%, 17wt% to 20wt%, Or it may be 18wt% to 20wt%. In certain embodiments, the total weight percent of α stabilizer aluminum in the α-β Ti alloy is 7 wt% to 13 wt%, 8 wt% to 13 wt%, 9 wt% to 13 wt%, 10 wt% to 13 wt%, 11 wt% to 13 wt%. %, or 12 wt % to 13 wt %. The total weight percent of α stabilizer oxygen in the α-β Ti alloy may be 0.05 wt% to 0.35 wt% or 0.10 wt% to 0.20 wt%, or trace amounts. The total weight percent of β stabilizer molybdenum in the α-β Ti alloy may be 0.2 wt% to 1.0 wt% or 0.6 wt% to 0.8 wt%, or trace amounts. The total weight percent of β stabilizer vanadium in the α-β Ti alloy may be 1.5 wt% to 7 wt% or 3.5 t% to 4.5 wt%. The total weight percent of β stabilizer silicon in the α-β Ti alloy may be 0.01 wt% to 0.10 wt% or 0.03 wt% to 0.07 wt%. α-β Ti alloys include Ti-6Al-4V (or Ti 6-4), Ti-9S (or T-9S), Ti-662, Ti-8-1-1, Ti-65K, Ti-6246, or It could be IMI 550. The combination of α and β stabilizers allows α-β Ti alloy to be heat treated.

In one embodiment, after welding the face plate 14 to the club head 10, the club head 10 and face plate 14 are brought to the solvus temperature of the face plate for a predetermined amount of time: It can be heated just above or above that temperature. In another embodiment, after welding the face plate 14 to the club head 10, the club head assembly 30 is brought to, just above, or at the α-β Ti solver temperature for a predetermined amount of time. It can be heated even higher. In another embodiment, after welding the face plate 14 to the club head 10, the club head assembly 30 is brought to, just above, or at the α-β Ti solver temperature for a predetermined amount of time. It can be heated even higher. Additionally, during this step, an inert gas may be pumped into the heating chamber housing the club head assembly 30 to remove all oxygen for a predetermined amount of time, as discussed below. Following cooling of the club head assembly 30 as discussed below, additional inert gas may be pumped back into the chamber, where the club head assembly 30 is allowed to cool to room temperature.

As discussed above, after heating club head assembly 30 (or club head 10 and welded face plate 14), club head assembly 30 is allowed to cool to room temperature. In another embodiment, after heat treatment, the club head assembly 30 may be allowed to air cool to slowly reduce the temperature of the club head assembly. Cooling of the club head assembly 30 may be performed in an inert gas environment or a non-containing environment (open air). In another embodiment, the club head assembly 30 may be allowed to cool in an inert gas to slowly reduce the temperature of the club head assembly and reduce the potential for oxidation. The inert gas may be selected from the group consisting of nitrogen (N), argon (Ar), helium (He), neon (Ne), krypton (Kr), and xenon (Xe) or combinations thereof. After being heated to the α-β Ti solvus temperature, just above or above that temperature, the inert gas can be pumped back into the chamber under vacuum containing the club head assembly 30, which has a titanium face plate ( 14) and ensure that no oxygen is present to prevent oxidation of the club head surface (10).

As understood by those skilled in the art, the solvus temperature for an alloy is the temperature barrier beyond which smaller constituent molecules dissolve and become more mobile within the general matrix of the material. Solvus temperatures for most α-β Ti alloys are calibrated and readily available in published information by material suppliers or in the academic literature. If published data are not available, temperature values can be predicted and experimentally confirmed, since they depend on the chemical properties of the material. The solver temperature for α-β Ti may be greater than 400°C but less than 600°C and greater than 400°C but less than 1180°C. In certain embodiments, the solvus temperature for α-β Ti is between 500°C and 1030°C, between 680°C and 1030°C, between 760°C and 1030°C, between 870°C and 1030°C, between 895°C and 1030°C. or between 960°C and 1030°C.

In one embodiment, the α-β Ti alloy may contain 6 wt% aluminum (Al) and 4 wt% vanadium (V), with the remainder of the alloy composition being titanium and possibly some trace elements Ti 6-4. In some embodiments, Ti 6-4 is comprised of 5.5 wt% to 6.75 wt% Al, 3.5 wt% to 4.5 wt% V, up to 0.08 wt% carbon (C), up to 0.03 wt% silicon (Si), It contains up to 0.3 wt% of iron (Fe), up to 0.2 wt% of oxygen (O), up to 0.015 wt% of tin (Sn), and trace amounts of molybdenum (Mo), with the remaining alloy composition being titanium. In some embodiments, the Ti 6-4 alloy has 5.5 wt% to 6.75 wt% Al, 3.5 wt% to 4.5 wt% V, up to 0.08 wt% carbon (C), and up to 0.03 wt% silicon (Si). ), 0.3 wt% or less of iron (Fe), 0.2 wt% or less of oxygen (O), 0.015 wt% or less of tin (Sn), and a trace amount of molybdenum (Mo), and the remaining alloy composition is titanium. Ti 604 is grade 5 titanium. The solvus temperature for Ti 6-4 is between 540°C and 560°C. In some embodiments, Ti 6-4 has a density of 0.1597 lb/in ³ (4.37 g/cc). Additionally, Ti 6-4 may be designated as T-65K.

In another embodiment, the face plate 14 of the golf club head 10 is made of Ti-9S, containing 8 wt% Al, 1 wt% V, and 0.2 wt% Si, with the remaining alloy composition being titanium and possibly some trace elements. (or T-9S), other α-β Ti alloys. In some embodiments, Ti-9S (or T-9S) has 6 wt% to 8.5 wt% Al, 1 wt% to 2 wt% V, up to 0.08 wt% C, up to 0.2 wt% Si, up to 0.3 wt% of Fe, up to 0.2 wt% O, up to 0.05 wt% N, trace amounts of Mo and trace amounts of Sn, with the remainder of the alloy composition being titanium. In some embodiments, Ti-9S (or T-9S) has 6 wt% to 8.5 wt% Al, 1 wt% to 2 wt% V, less than 0.1 wt% C, up to 0.2 wt% Si, 0.4 wt% It contains less than Fe, up to 0.15 wt% O, less than 0.05 wt% N, trace amounts of Mo and trace amounts of Sn, with the remainder of the alloy composition being titanium. The solvus temperature for Ti-9S (or T-9S) is between 560°C and 590°C. In some embodiments, Ti-9S (or T-9S) will have higher porosity and lower yield than Ti 8-1-1. Ti-9S (or T-9S) has a density of approximately 0.156 lb/in ³ to 0.157 lb/in ³ (4.32 to 4.35 g/cc). Ti-9S (or T-9S) has a density of 0.156 lb/in ³ (4.32 g/cc).

In other embodiments, the material may be another α-β Ti alloy such as Ti-6-6-2, Ti-6246, or IMI 550. Titanium 662 may contain 6 wt% Al, 6 wt% V, and 2 wt% Sn, with the remainder of the alloy composition being titanium and possibly some trace elements. Ti-6-6-2 has a density of 0.164 lb/in ³ (4.54 g/cc). The solvus temperature for Ti 662 is between 540°C and 560°C. Titanium 6246 may contain 6 wt% Al, 2 wt% Sn, 4 wt% zirconium (Zr), and 6 wt% Mo, with the remaining alloy composition being titanium and possibly some trace elements. The solvus temperature for Ti-6246 is between 570°C and 590°C. Ti 6246 has a density of 0.168 lb/in ³ (4.65 g/cc). IMI 550 may contain 6 wt% Al, 2 wt% Sn, 4 wt% Mo and 0.5 wt% Si, with the remaining alloy composition being titanium and possibly some trace elements. The solver temperature for IMI 550 is between 490°C and 510°C. IMI 550 has a density of 0.157 lb/in ³ (4.60 g/cc).

In another embodiment, the material may contain 8 wt% Al, 1.0 wt% Mo, and 1 wt% V, with the remaining alloy composition being titanium and possibly some trace elements, such as Ti-8-1-1. , may be other α-β Ti alloys. In some embodiments, Ti-8-1-1 has 7.5 wt% to 8.5 wt% Al, 0.75 wt% to 1.25 wt% Mo, 0.75 wt% to 1.25 wt% V, up to 0.08 wt% C, It may contain up to 0.3 wt% Fe, up to 0.12 wt% O, up to 0.05 wt% N, up to 0.015 wt% H, up to 0.015 wt% Sn and trace amounts of Si, with the remainder of the alloy composition being titanium. . The solvus temperature for Ti-8-1-1 is between 560°C and 590°C. In some embodiments, Ti-8-1-1 has a density of 0.1580 lb/in ³ (4.37 g/cc).

In other embodiments, the material may be another α-β Ti alloy that may contain 7 wt% to 8 wt% Al and the remaining alloy composition is titanium and other α and β stabilizers. The solvus temperature for this α-β Ti alloy is between 500°C and 720°C.

In other embodiments, the material may be another α-β Ti alloy that may contain 8 wt% to 9 wt% Al and the remaining alloy composition is titanium and other α and β stabilizers. The solver temperature for this α-β Ti alloy is between 680°C and 810°C.

In another embodiment, the material may be another α-β Ti alloy that may contain 9 wt% to 10 wt% Al and the remaining alloy composition is titanium and other α and β stabilizers. The solvus temperature for this α-β Ti alloy is between 760°C and 895°C.

In other embodiments, the material may be another α-β Ti alloy that may contain 10 wt% to 11 wt% Al and the remaining alloy composition is titanium and other α and β stabilizers. The solvus temperature for this α-β Ti alloy is between 870°C and 910°C.

In other embodiments, the material may be another α-β Ti alloy that may contain 11 wt% to 12 wt% Al and the remaining alloy composition is titanium and other α and β stabilizers. The solver temperature for this α-β Ti alloy is between 890°C and 980°C.

In other embodiments, the material may be another α-β Ti alloy containing 12 wt% to 13 wt% Al and the remaining alloy composition being titanium and other α and β stabilizers. The solver temperature for this α-β Ti alloy is between 960°C and 1030°C.

In another embodiment, the material may be another α-β Ti alloy containing 13 wt% to 14 wt% Al and the remaining alloy composition being titanium and other α and β stabilizers. The solver temperature for this α-β Ti alloy is between 980°C and 1070°C.

In other embodiments, the material may be another α-β Ti alloy that may contain 14 wt% to 15 wt% Al and the remaining alloy composition is titanium and other α and β stabilizers. The solvus temperature for this α-β Ti alloy is between 1030°C and 1100°C.

In other embodiments, the material may be another α-β Ti alloy that may contain 16 wt% to 17 wt% Al and the remaining alloy composition is titanium and other α and β stabilizers. The solvus temperature for this α-β Ti alloy is between 1100°C and 1140°C.

In another embodiment, the material may be another α-β Ti alloy that may contain 17 wt% to 18 wt% Al and the remaining alloy composition is titanium and other α and β stabilizers. The solvus temperature for this α-β Ti alloy is between 1140°C and 1150°C.

In other embodiments, the material may be another α-β Ti alloy that may contain 18 wt% to 19 wt% Al and the remaining alloy composition is titanium and other α and β stabilizers. The solvus temperature for this α-β Ti alloy is between 1150°C and 1180°C.

In other embodiments, the material may be another α-β Ti alloy that may contain 19 wt% to 20 wt% Al and the remaining alloy composition is titanium and other α and β stabilizers. The solvus temperature for this α-β Ti alloy is between 1170°C and 1180°C.

In other embodiments, the material may be another α-β Ti alloy that may contain 7 wt% to 13 wt% Al and the remaining alloy composition is titanium and other α and β stabilizers. The solver temperature for this α-β Ti alloy is between 500°C and 1030°C.

In other embodiments, the material may be another α-β Ti alloy that may contain 8 wt% to 13 wt% Al and the remaining alloy composition is titanium and other α and β stabilizers. The solver temperature for this α-β Ti alloy is between 680°C and 1030°C.

In another embodiment, the material may be another α-β Ti alloy that may contain 9 wt% to 13 wt% Al and the remaining alloy composition is titanium and other α and β stabilizers. The solver temperature for this α-β Ti alloy is between 760°C and 1030°C.

In other embodiments, the material may be another α-β Ti alloy that may contain 10 wt% to 13 wt% Al and the remaining alloy composition is titanium and other α and β stabilizers. The solvus temperature for this α-β Ti alloy is between 870°C and 1030°C.

In other embodiments, the material may be another α-β Ti alloy that may contain 11 wt% to 13 wt% Al and the remaining alloy composition is titanium and other α and β stabilizers. The solver temperature for this α-β Ti alloy is between 890°C and 1030°C.

In other embodiments, the material may be another α-β Ti alloy containing 12 wt% to 13 wt% Al and the remaining alloy composition being titanium and other α and β stabilizers. The solver temperature for this α-β Ti alloy is between 960°C and 1030°C.

6 shows the process for forming club head assembly 30. In a first step 62, face plate 14 is aligned relative to club head 10. The second step 66 includes welding the face plate 14 to the club head 10. In the third step 70, the club head 10 and face plate 14 are heated to a temperature above the solvus temperature of the face plate 14 material. Finally, in a fourth step 74, the club head 10 and face plate 14 are air cooled.

In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the third step 70 at a temperature above the solvus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy for 1 to 6 hours. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the third step 70 at a temperature above the solvus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy for 1 to 2 hours. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the third step 70 at a temperature above the solvus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy for 1 to 4 hours. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the third step 70 at a temperature above the solvus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy for 4 to 6 hours. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the third step 70 at a temperature above the solvus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy for 1.5 to 5.5 hours. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the third step 70 at a temperature above the solvus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy for 2 to 5 hours. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the third step 70 at a temperature above the solvus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy for 2.5 hours to 4.5 hours. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the third step 70 at a temperature above the solvus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy for 3 to 4 hours.

In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the third step 70 at a temperature above the solvus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy for at least one hour. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the third step 70 at a temperature above the solvus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy for at least 1.5 hours. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the third step 70 at a temperature above the solvus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy for at least two hours. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the third step 70 at a temperature above the solvus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy for at least 2.5 hours. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the third step 70 at a temperature above the solvus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy for at least 3 hours. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the third step 70 at a temperature above the solvus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy for at least 3.5 hours. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the third step 70 at a temperature above the solvus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy for at least 4 hours. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the third step 70 at a temperature above the solvus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy for at least 4.5 hours. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the third step 70 at a temperature above the solvus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy for at least 5 hours. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the third step 70 at a temperature above the solvus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy for at least 5.5 hours. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the third step 70 at a temperature above the solvus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy for at least 6 hours.

In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the third step 70 at between 400°C and 630°C, between 400°C and 1200°C, or between 500°C and 1030°C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 between 425°C and 550°C, between 425°C and 1200°C, or between 525°C and 1030°C. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the third step 70 between 450°C and 550°C, between 450°C and 1095°C, or between 550°C and 925°C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at between 550°C and 625°C, between 550°C and 1195°C, or between 650°C and 925°C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated between 520° C. and 1200° C. in third step 70. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated between 620° C. and 1150° C. in third step 70. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated between 720° C. and 1000° C. in third step 70. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated between 820° C. and 950° C. in third step 70. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated between 720° C. and 900° C. in the third step 70. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated between 820° C. and 850° C. in third step 70. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is operated for a third time for 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, 120 minutes, 150 minutes, 180 minutes, 210 minutes, 240 minutes, 270 minutes, 300 minutes, 330 minutes, or 360 minutes. In step 70, 400°C, 410°C, 420°C, 430°C, 440°C, 450°C, 460°C, 470°C 480°C, 490°C, 500°C, 510°C, 520°C, 530°C, 540°C, 550°C ℃, 560℃, 570℃, 580℃, 590℃, 600℃, 610℃, 620℃, 630℃, 640℃, 650℃, 660℃, 670℃, 680℃, 690℃, 700℃, 710℃, 720℃, 730℃, 740℃, 750℃, 760℃, 770℃, 780℃, 790℃, 800℃, 810℃, 820℃, 830℃, 840℃, 850℃, 860℃, 870℃, 880℃ , 890℃, 900℃, 910℃, 920℃, 930℃, 940℃, 950℃, 960℃, 970℃, 980℃, 990℃, 1000℃, 1010℃, 1020℃, 1030℃, 1040℃, 1050 It is heat treated at ℃, 1060℃, 1070℃, 1080℃, 1090℃, 1100℃, 1110℃, 1120℃, 1130℃, 1140℃, 1150℃, 1160℃, 1170℃, 1180℃, 1190℃ or 1200℃.

In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 400° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 420° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 440° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 460° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 475° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 480° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 500° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 520° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 540° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 560° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 575° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 580° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 600° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated at a temperature of at least 620° C. in third step 70. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 625° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 630° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 640° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 660° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated at a temperature of at least 675° C. in third step 70. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated at a temperature of at least 680° C. in third step 70. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 700 degrees Celsius. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 720° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 740° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 760° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 775° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 780° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 800° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 820° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 840° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated at a temperature of at least 860° C. in third step 70. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 875° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 880° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated at a temperature of at least 900° C. in third step 70. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated at a temperature of at least 920° C. in third step 70. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated at a temperature of at least 940° C. in third step 70. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated at a temperature of at least 960° C. in third step 70. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated at a temperature of at least 975° C. in third step 70. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated at a temperature of at least 980° C. in third step 70. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 1000 degrees Celsius. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated at a temperature of at least 1020° C. in third step 70. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated at a temperature of at least 1040° C. in third step 70. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated at a temperature of at least 1060° C. in third step 70. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 1075° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated at a temperature of at least 1080° C. in third step 70. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 1100° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated at a temperature of at least 1120° C. in third step 70. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 1140° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated at a temperature of at least 1160° C. in third step 70. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 1175 degrees Celsius. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated in third step 70 at a temperature of at least 1180° C. In one embodiment, club head assembly 30 is heat treated at a temperature of at least 1200° C. in third step 70.

In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the third step 70 between 475° C. and 500° C. for 4 to 6 hours. In another embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in a third step 70 between 575° C. and 625° C. for 1 to 2 hours. In another embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the third step 70 at approximately 550° C. for 1 to 4 hours. In other embodiments, face plate 14 may be formed in step 70 from another alloy. In other embodiments, the heat treatment process may be implemented at different temperatures for different amounts of time. Additionally, heat treatment can be applied to various materials and various types of welding.

Unlike the conventional club head metal aging process that occurs at a low temperature, heat treating the club head assembly 30 above the solvus temperature after welding the face plate 14 is performed within the face plate 14. And stress is relieved between the metal matrix of the club head 10 and the welded area. Post-welding stress relief distributes the stresses associated with the weld metal heat affected zone (HAZ), or the area around the weld whose properties have changed due to the welding process. Because of the significant contrast in mechanical properties between the HAZ and the rest of the metal matrix, the HAZ is much more likely to crack or fail. Previous post-weld treatments were performed below the solvus temperature for short periods of time. These processes simply aged the metal but did not address the increased stresses transferred to the weld zone. Moreover, the face plate was not strong enough and would flatten or lose its curvature relatively quickly. In contrast, heat treatment above the solvus temperature dissipates stresses in the weld metal HAZ. Heat treatment improves the durability of the HAZ by relieving stress. Additionally, heat treating the club head assembly 30 above the solvus temperature reduces the likelihood of forming titanium-aluminum (Ti ₃ Al) crystals along the weld zone.

The grains of the face plate alloy may be aligned in the crown-sole direction prior to heat treatment. The crown-sole orientation of the alloy grains allows stretching in the same direction. In some embodiments, the grains of the faceplate α-β titanium (α-β Ti) alloy may be aligned in a crown-sole direction prior to heat treatment. The crown-sole orientation of the α-β Ti alloy grains allows stretching in the same direction. In some embodiments, the disclosed face plate α-β Ti alloy (e.g., Ti-6Al-4V (or Ti 6-4), Ti-9S (or T-9S), Ti-662, Ti-8-1 -1, Ti-65K, Ti-6246 and IMI 550 alloys) can be aligned in the crown-sole direction prior to heat treatment. Disclosed α-β Ti alloys (e.g., Ti-6Al-4V (or Ti 6-4), Ti-9S (or T-9S), Ti-662, Ti-8-1-1, Ti-65K, (Ti-6246 and IMI 550 alloys) the crown-to-sole orientation of the grains allows stretching in the same direction.

Additionally, heat treatment improves the toughness or durability of the face plate 14. The improved stiffness allows the face plate 14 to be thinner without sacrificing durability, thereby reducing club head weight. The reduced weight of the face plate 14 shifts the center of gravity of the club head assembly 30 and allows additional weight to be added to other components of the club to further adjust the center of gravity. Increasing the durability of the face plate 14 allows the face plate 14 to withstand a significantly greater number of hits against a golf ball and may result in slight bending or bending of the face plate over the life of the club while experiencing hundreds or thousands of golf ball strikes. Allow it to maintain its round shape. Accordingly, the club is more forgiving when the ball is hit off-center because the rounded shape of the face plate 14 provides a “gear effect” between the ball and the face plate 14.

As shown in Figure 7, an experiment was conducted to compare the effect of various heat treatment temperatures on the face plate 14 over 2000 hits or ball hits. Face plate 14 was formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy. One club head assembly was heated to 400°C, which is below the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy. The second club head assembly was heated to 600°C, which is above the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy. The measurement data provided in Figure 7 represents the percent change in radius of curvature of the bulge and roll dimensions compared to the original radius of curvature. As the face plate becomes flatter, the radius of curvature increases. The club head assembly with face plate 14 treated with Ti-9S at 400° C. was significantly flattened in both its roll and bulge dimensions within 25 hits with a golf ball. In contrast, the club head assembly with Ti-9S treated at 600° C. maintained its curvature significantly better than the first club head assembly after 2000 hits. The Ti-9S face plate treated at 600°C maintained its curvature and roll and bulge dimensions better than the first club head assembly with the face plate 14 of untreated Ti-6-4 after 2000 hits. Curvature was maintained in all cases.

For heat treatment below the solvus temperature (eg, at 400° C.), Ti ₃ Al particles become more mobile and can precipitate into the α matrix. Some of the Ti ₃ Al grains gather at grain boundaries and age harden the material. In contrast, for heat treatment above the solvus temperature (eg, at 600° C.), the Ti ₃ Al particles dissolve within the α matrix instead. Brittle Ti ₃ Al particles can act as stress points. Dissolving the brittle Ti ₃ Al particles within the α matrix thereby acts as stress relief. This “stress relief” process allows the club head assembly 10 to better withstand tension and compression forces during impact with a golf ball.

In one embodiment, the face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated above the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) retains its original bulge and roll after approximately 25 blows. Maintain within 2% deviation of curvature. In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti 6-4 and heat treated above the solvus temperature of Ti 6-4 has a deviation of 3% of its original roll curvature and 8% of its original bulge curvature after approximately 25 blows. Maintain within % deviation.

In one embodiment, the face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated above the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) retains its original bulge and roll after approximately 50 blows. Maintain within 8% deviation of curvature. In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti 6-4 and heat treated above the solvus temperature of Ti 6-4 exhibits a 5% deviation of its original roll curvature and a 10% deviation of its original bulge curvature after approximately 50 blows. Maintain within % deviation.

In one embodiment, the face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated above the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) retains its original bulge and roll after approximately 75 blows. Maintain within 10% deviation of curvature. In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti 6-4 and heat treated above the solvus temperature of Ti 6-4 exhibits a 13% deviation of its original roll curvature and a 10% deviation of its original bulge curvature after approximately 75 blows. Maintain within % deviation.

In one embodiment, the face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated above the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) retains its original bulge and roll after approximately 100 blows. Maintain within 10% deviation of curvature. In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti 6-4 and heat treated above the solvus temperature of Ti 6-4 exhibits a 14% deviation of its original roll curvature and a 10% deviation of its original bulge curvature after approximately 100 blows. Maintain within % deviation.

In one embodiment, the face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated above the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) retains its original bulge and roll after approximately 150 blows. Maintain within 10% deviation of curvature. In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti 6-4 and heat treated above the solvus temperature of Ti 6-4 has a deviation of 15% of its original roll curvature and 11% of its original bulge curvature after approximately 150 blows. Maintain within % deviation.

In one embodiment, a face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated above the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) retains its original bulge and roll after approximately 300 blows. Maintain within 10% deviation of curvature. In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti 6-4 and heat treated above the solvus temperature of Ti 6-4 remains within 15% deviation of its original roll and bulge curvature after approximately 300 blows.

In one embodiment, a face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated above the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) retains its original bulge and roll after approximately 1000 blows. Maintain within 10% deviation of curvature. In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti 6-4 and heat treated above the solvus temperature of Ti 6-4 exhibits a 23% deviation of its original roll curvature and a 17% deviation of its original bulge curvature after approximately 1000 blows. Maintain within % deviation.

In one embodiment, a face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated above the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) retains its original bulge and roll after approximately 2000 blows. Maintain within 10% deviation of curvature. In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti 6-4 and heat treated above the solvus temperature of Ti 6-4 exhibits a 24% deviation of its original roll curvature and an 18% deviation of its original bulge curvature after approximately 2000 blows. Maintain within % deviation.

Furthermore, experiments were conducted to compare the effect of various heat treatment temperatures on the face plate 14 during 2000 blows or ball blows. Face plate 14 was formed from α-β Ti alloy. One club head assembly was heated to 400°C, which is below the solvus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy. The second club head assembly was heated to 600°C, which is above the solvus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy. The club head assembly treated at 400° C. flattened significantly in both its roll and bulge dimensions within 25 hits with a golf ball. In contrast, the club head assembly treated at 600° C. did not begin to flatten until 225 hits against the golf ball and maintained its curvature significantly better than the first club head assembly after 2000 hits.

In one example, a club head assembly treated at 500°C maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 25 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 500°C maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 50 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 500°C maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 75 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 500° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 100 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 500°C maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 125 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 500° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 150 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 500° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 175 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 500° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 200 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 500°C maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 225 hits.

In one example, a club head assembly treated at 500° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 250 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 500° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 275 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 500° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 300 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 500° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 500 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 500° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 1000 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 500° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 1500 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 500° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 2000 hits.

In one example, a club head assembly treated at 600° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 25 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 600° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 50 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 600° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 75 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 600° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 100 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 600° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 125 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 600° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 150 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 600° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 175 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 600° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 200 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 600°C maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 225 hits.

In one example, a club head assembly treated at 600° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 250 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 600°C substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 275 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 600° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 300 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 600° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 500 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 600° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 1000 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 600° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 1500 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 600° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 2000 hits.

In one example, a club head assembly treated at 600°C maintained its original bulge curvature after 250 hits and its roll radius of curvature increased from 11 inches to 13 inches. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 600° C. maintained its original bulge curvature after 275 hits and maintained a roll radius of curvature of 13 inches. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 600° C. increased its original bulge curvature from 12 inches to 13 inches and maintained a roll radius of curvature of 13 inches after 300 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 600° C. maintained its bulge curvature of 13 inches and maintained a roll radius of curvature of 13 inches after 500 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 600° C. maintained its bulge curvature of 13 inches after 1000 hits and increased its roll radius of curvature from 13 inches to 14 inches. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 600°C maintained its bulge curvature of 13 inches and a roll radius of curvature of 14 inches after 1500 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 600°C maintained its bulge curvature of 13 inches and a roll radius of curvature of 14 inches after 2000 hits.

In one example, a club head assembly treated at 700° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 25 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 700° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 50 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 700° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 75 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 700° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 100 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 700° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 125 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 700° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 150 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 700°C maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 175 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 700° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 200 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 700° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 225 hits.

In one example, a club head assembly treated at 700° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 250 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 700° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 275 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 700° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 300 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 700° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 500 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 700° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 1000 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 700° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 1500 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 700° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 2000 hits.

In one example, a club head assembly treated at 800° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 25 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 800°C maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 50 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 800°C maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 75 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 800° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 100 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 800° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 125 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 800° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 150 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 800° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 175 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 800° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 200 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 800° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 225 hits.

In one example, a club head assembly treated at 800° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 250 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 800° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 275 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 800° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 300 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 800° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 500 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 800° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 1000 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 800° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 1500 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 800° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 2000 hits.

In one example, a club head assembly treated at 900° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 25 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 900° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 50 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 900° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 75 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 900° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 100 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 900° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 125 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 900° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 150 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 900° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 175 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 900° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 200 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 900° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 225 hits.

In one example, a club head assembly treated at 900° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 250 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 900° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 275 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 900° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 300 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 900° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 500 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 900° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 1000 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 900° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 1500 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 900° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 2000 hits.

In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1000°C maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 25 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1000° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 50 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1000°C maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 75 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1000°C maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 100 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1000°C maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 125 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1000° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 150 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1000°C maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 175 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1000°C maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 200 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1000°C maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 225 hits.

In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1000° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 250 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1000° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 275 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1000°C substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 300 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1000° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 500 hits. In one embodiment, a club head assembly treated at 1000° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 1000 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1000° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 1500 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1000° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 2000 hits.

In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1100° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 25 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1100° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 50 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1100°C maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 75 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1100° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 100 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1100°C maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 125 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1100° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 150 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1100° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 175 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1100° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 200 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1100°C maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 225 hits.

In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1100° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 250 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1100° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 275 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1100° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 300 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1100° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 500 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1100° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 1000 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1100° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 1500 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1100° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 2000 hits.

In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1200°C maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 25 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1200°C maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 50 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1200°C maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 75 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1200°C maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 100 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1200°C maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 125 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1200°C maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 150 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1200°C maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 175 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1200° C. maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 200 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1200°C maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 225 hits.

In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1200° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 250 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1200°C substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 275 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1200°C substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 300 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1200° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 500 hits. In one embodiment, a club head assembly treated at 1200° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 1000 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1200° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 1500 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated at 1200° C. substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 2000 hits.

In one example, a club head assembly treated above Solbus temperature maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 25 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated above Solbus temperature maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 50 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated above Solbus temperature maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 75 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated above Solbus temperature maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 100 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated above Solbus temperature maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 125 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated above Solbus temperature maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 150 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated above Solbus temperature maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 175 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated above Solbus temperature maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 200 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated above Solbus temperature maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 225 hits.

In one embodiment, a club head assembly treated above Solbus temperature substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 250 hits. In one example, a club head assembly treated above Solbus temperature substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 275 hits. In one embodiment, a club head assembly treated above the solvus temperature substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 300 hits. In one embodiment, a club head assembly treated above the solvus temperature substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 500 hits. In one embodiment, a club head assembly treated above the solvus temperature substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 1000 hits. In one embodiment, a club head assembly treated above the solvus temperature substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 1500 hits. In one embodiment, a club head assembly treated above the solvus temperature substantially maintained its original bulge and roll curvature after 2000 hits.

Additionally, as shown in Figure 8, a follow-up test was performed to compare the effect of 600°C heat treatment on three different face plate structures. The roll dimensions of all three face plate structures were consistent, confirming that the stress relief heat treatment increases the ability of the face plate to maintain its curvature. The face plate included Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy.

Referring now to Figure 9, an experiment was conducted to compare the effect of various heat treatment temperatures on the face plate 14 over 2000 hits or ball hits. Face plate 14 was formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy. One club head assembly was heated to 550°C, which is below the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy. The second club head assembly was heated to 575°C, and the third club head assembly was heated to 600°C, which is higher than the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy. The measurement data provided in Figure 9 represents the percent change in radius of curvature of the bulge and roll dimensions compared to the original radius of curvature. As the face plate becomes flatter, the radius of curvature increases. Club head assemblies treated at 550° C. flattened significantly in both their roll and bulge dimensions within a few hits of a golf ball. In contrast, the club head assembly treated at 600° C. maintained its curvature significantly better than the club head assemblies after 2000 hits.

In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated at 600° C. is within 1% deviation of its original roll curvature and 3% of its original bulge curvature after 25 blows. It is within the deviation. In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated at 575° C. is within 24% of its original roll curvature and within 11% of its original bulge curvature after 25 blows. It is within. In one embodiment, a face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated at 550° C. is within 19% of its original roll curvature and 9% of its original bulge curvature after 25 blows. It is within.

In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated at 600° C. maintains its original roll curvature after 50 blows and is within a 4% deviation of its original bulge curvature. there is. In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated at 575° C. is within 28% of its original roll curvature and within 13% of its original bulge curvature after 50 blows. It is within. In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated at 550° C. is within 23% of its original roll curvature and within 15% of its original bulge curvature after 50 blows. It is within.

In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated at 600° C. maintains its original roll curvature after 75 blows and is within a 5% deviation of its original bulge curvature. there is. In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated at 575° C. is within 28% of its original roll curvature and within 12% of its original bulge curvature after 75 blows. It is within. In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated at 550° C. is within 28% of its original roll curvature and 23% of its original bulge curvature after 75 blows. It is within.

In one embodiment, a face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated at 600° C. maintains its original roll curvature after 100 blows and is within a 6% deviation of its original bulge curvature. there is. In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated at 575° C. is within 30% of its original roll curvature and within 13% of its original bulge curvature after 100 blows. It is within. In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated at 550° C. is within 29% of its original roll curvature and within 22% of its original bulge curvature after 100 blows. It is within.

In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated at 600° C. maintains its original roll curvature after 150 blows and is within a 7% deviation of its original bulge curvature. there is. In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated at 575° C. is within 28% of its original roll curvature and within 13% of its original bulge curvature after 150 blows. It is within. In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated at 550° C. is within 31% of its original roll curvature and within 24% of its original bulge curvature after 150 blows. It is within.

In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated at 600° C. is within 5% of its original roll curvature after 300 blows and within 5% of its original bulge curvature. It is within % deviation. In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated at 575° C. is within 28% of its original roll curvature deviation and 14% of its original bulge curvature after 300 blows. It is within. In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated at 550° C. is within 34% of its original roll curvature and within 26% of its original bulge curvature after 300 blows. It is within.

In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated at 600° C. is within 4% deviation of its original roll curvature and 7% of its original bulge curvature after 1000 blows. It is within % deviation. In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated at 575° C. is within 27% of its original roll curvature and within 13% of its original bulge curvature after 1000 blows. It is within. In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated at 550° C. is within 34% deviation of its original roll curvature and 27% of its original bulge curvature after 1000 blows. It is within.

In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated at 600° C. is within 5% deviation of its original roll curvature and 6% of its original bulge curvature after 2000 blows. It is within % deviation. In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated at 575° C. is within 25% deviation of its original roll curvature and 15% of its original bulge curvature after 2000 blows. It is within. In one embodiment, face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated at 550° C. is within 34% deviation of its original roll curvature and 28% of its original bulge curvature after 2000 blows. It is within.

As shown in Figure 10, experiments were conducted to compare the durability of the face plate 14 when constructed from Ti-6-4 alloy or Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy. The experiment tracked the number of hits from an air cannon until failure of the face plate 14. One club head assembly used Ti-6-4 alloy as the face plate material. The second club head assembly used a different model of club head with Ti-6-4 alloy as the face plate material (data not shown). The third club head assembly used the third model club head with Ti-6-4 alloy as the face plate material (data not shown). The fourth club head assembly uses the same model of club head as the third club head assembly with T-9S (or Ti-9S) alloy as the face plate material. The measurement data provided in Figure 10 represents the number of hits until failure of the face plate. Club head assemblies with T-9S (or Ti-9S) alloy face plates showed increased durability compared to assemblies with Ti 6-4 alloy face plates. The same club head model has a durability of approximately 2600 hits until failure of a face plate with Ti 6-4 alloy as the face plate material, versus a face plate with T-9S (or Ti-9S) alloy as the face plate material. It showed increased durability of approximately 3200 hits until failure.

Table 1, shown below, quantifies the composition of T-9S, Ti 6-4 and Ti-8-1-1 alloys. Table 2 below is a chart showing the mechanical properties of various α-β Ti alloys. This data is based on METL reports and confirmed with industry standards and supplier data sheets. Table 3 is a chart showing expected weight savings based on one embodiment.

C Si Mo Fe Al V Sn O Ti 9s up to 0.08 up to 0.20 grain up to 0.30 6.50 - 8.50 1.00 - 2.00 grain up to 0.20 remain 6-4 up to 0.08 up to 0.03 grain up to 0.30 5.50 - 6.75 3.50 - 4.50 Up to 0.015 up to 0.20 remain 8-1-1 up to 0.08 grain 0.75 - 1.25 up to 0.30 7.50 - 8.50 0.75 - 1.25 Up to 0.015 up to 0.12 remain

Chart showing the composition of T-9S, Ti 6-4 and Ti-9-1-1 alloys

T9S seat ^*
(width) T9S seat ^*
(length) Ti 6-4
casting Ti 6-4
Sheet Ti 8-1-1
casting Ti 8-1-1
Sheet 17-4
Sheet
Cond A yield strength
(ksi) 135 - 145 135 - 145 115 - 125 125 - 135 110 - 120 115 - 125 130 - 140 tensile strength
(ksi) 145 - 155 155 - 165 125 - 135 130 - 140 125 - 135 125 - 135 150 - 160 Elongation (%) 7 - 12 14 - 19 13 - 18 12 - 15 7 - 12 8 - 10 4 - 6 Young's modulus
(Mpsi) 15.9 15.2 16.2 16.5 18.0 17.5 28.5

Chart showing mechanical properties of various α-β Ti alloys

* Samples had driver heat treatment (600°C for 1 hour)

Outer surface thickness center face thickness density face volume face mass for Ti 6-4
weight saving body
volume body
mass (inch) (inch) (lb/in ³ ) (g/in ³ ) (in ³ ) (gram) (gram) (in ³ ) (gram) Ti 6-4
(today) 0.090 0.140 0.1597 72.44 0.592 42.9 --- 1.9013 137.7 Ti 8-1-1 0.090 0.140 0.1575 71.44 0.592 42.3 0.6 1.9013 135.8 TS9 0.090 0.140 0.1560 70.76 0.592 41.9 1.0 1.9013 134.5 5% thinner TS9 0.086 0.136 0.1560 70.76 0.563 39.8 3.1 1.9013 134.5 10% thinner TS9 0.081 0.131 0.1560 70.76 0.533 37.7 5.2 1.9013 134.5

Chart showing expected weight savings based on selected examples

Figure 11a shows grains in the microstructure of an α-β Ti alloy that has not undergone heat treatment. A distinct striation of the β band can be seen between the pockets of the α/β matrix. In contrast, Figure 11b shows grains in the microstructure of an α-β Ti alloy that has undergone heat treatment. Here, the grains are oriented in the crown-sole direction. Figures 12c and 12d, the corresponding stress-strain curves of untreated and heat-treated samples, show the benefits of heat treatment. The stress/strain curve of the unheated α-β Ti alloy (Figure 11c) shows unstable yielding at high strains, possibly due to deformation of the β band. The β band is known to have different plasticity values compared to the α/β matrix, which results in the aforementioned deformations at high strain rates. The stress/strain curve of the heat-treated α-Ti alloy (Figure 11d) is more stable, demonstrating that stress is more easily transmitted along grain boundaries at high strain rates.

Figure 12 is a phase diagram of Ti and Al alloy. The shaded area of α+Ti ₃ Al represents α-β Ti alloy that has not yet been heat treated. α+Ti ₃ Al is a brittle material that is not suitable for face plate manufacturing. When α+Ti ₃ Al is heated above its solvus temperature, indicated by the vertical line, it transitions into the αTi phase. During this transition, Ti ₃ Al in α+Ti ₃ Al goes into solution, relieving the brittle properties of α+Ti ₃ Al. As shown in the phase diagram, the temperature range for this transition depends on the proportion of aluminum in α+Ti ₃ Al.

As shown in Figure 13, an experiment was performed to compare the amount of deviation of the face plate 14 during 0, 25, 50, 100, 150, 1000 and 2000 hits or ball hits. Face plate 14 was formed from Ti 6-4 or Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy. One club head assembly made of Ti 6-4 alloy was not heat treated. The second club head assembly made of Ti 6-4 alloy was heated to 600°C, which is higher than the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy. The third club head assembly made of Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy was heated to 600°C, which is higher than the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy. The measurement data provided in Table 4 below represents the percent change in radius of curvature of the bulge and roll dimensions compared to the original radius of curvature.

damage Ti 6-4
Not heat treated
role Ti 6-4
Not heat treated
bulge Ti 6-4
600℃
role Ti 6-4
600℃
bulge T9S
600℃
role T9S
600℃
bulge 0 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 25 2% 7% 10% 4% 0% One% 50 4% 8% 12% 6% 8% 7% 100 13% 9% 16% 7% 8% 8% 150 13% 10% 19% 11% 8% 8% 1000 21% 16% 25% 15% 9% 8% 2000 22% 17% 30% 15% 10% 10%

Raw data for percent deviation of roll and bulge for heat treated and untreated Ti 6-4 alloy and heat treated T-S9 alloy.

As the face plate becomes flatter, the radius of curvature increases. A golf club assembly with a face plate 14 made of Ti 6-4 treated at 600° C. was significantly flattened in both its roll and bulge dimensions, and for all strokes up to 2000 blows, the golf club assembly had a significant flattening in both its roll and bulge dimensions. It did not perform similarly with the club head assembly having a face plate 14 made of T9S processed at 600° C. maintaining a deviation below 10%. This may be due to Ti 6-4 having a different or lower wt% Al content; T9S has 6.5 wt% to 8.5 wt% Al, and Ti 6-4 has 5.5 wt% to 6.75 wt% Al. The solvus temperature for Ti 6-4 is lower, from ˜540 to 560° C., compared to the solvus temperature for T9S, which ranges from ˜560 to 590° C. Therefore, heat treatment at 600°C did not have the same effect on Ti 6-4 as it had on T9S. The Ti-9S faceplate treated at 600°C showed that the club head assembly with faceplate 14 of untreated Ti-6-4 and heat-treated Ti-6-4 held in both roll and bulge dimensions after 2000 hits. It maintained its curvature better than before.

As shown in Figure 15, an experiment was performed to compare the % deviation in the face plate 14 during 100 or 1000 hits or ball hits. Face plate 14 was formed from Ti 6-4 or Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy. Various club head assemblies were treated at 400°C, 550°C, 575°C, 580°C, 600°C, and 700°C for 1 or 4 hours. One club head assembly made of Ti 6-4 alloy was not heat treated. The second club head assembly made of Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy was not heat treated. The third club head assembly made of Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy was heated to 400°C, which is lower than the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy, for 1 hour. The fourth club head assembly made of Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy was heated to 550°C, which is lower than the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy, for 1 hour. The fifth club head assembly made of Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy was heated to 575°C, which is lower than the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy, for 1 hour. The sixth club head assembly made of Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy was heated to 580°C, which is the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy, for 4 hours. The seventh club head assembly made of Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy was heated to 600°C, which is higher than the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy, for 1 hour. The eighth club head assembly made of Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy was heated to 600°C, which is higher than the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy, for 4 hours. The ninth club head assembly made of Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy was heated to 700°C, which is higher than the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy, for 1 hour. The 10th club head assembly made of Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy was heated to 700°C, which is higher than the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) alloy, for 4 hours. The measurement data provided in Figure 15 represents the percent change in radius of curvature of the bulge and roll dimensions compared to the original radius of curvature. As the face plate becomes flatter, the radius of curvature increases. From 575°C to 580°C there is less variation in the roll and much more in the bulge. However, at slightly higher temperatures (above 600° C.), the percent deviation for both dimensions drops significantly and remains the same at much higher temperatures. This represents the inflection point at which Ti ₃ Al particles enter solution. After reaching 600°C for a critical period of 1 hour, increasing the temperature does not provide any significant improvement in structural stability. Increasing the period from 1 to 4 hours also did not provide significant improvement in percent deviation.

In one embodiment, the face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated to 580° C., the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) for 4 hours, after approximately 100 blows. It has ~9% deviation from its original bulge and ~6% deviation from its original roll. In one embodiment, a face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated for 4 hours at 580° C., the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S), loses its weight after 1000 blows. It has ~10% deviation from the original bulge and ~6% deviation from its original roll.

In one embodiment, a face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated for 1 hour at 600° C. above the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) is subjected to approximately 100 blows. It later has ~5% deviation from its original bulge and ~3% deviation from its original roll. In one embodiment, a face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated for 1 hour at 600° C. above the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) exhibits a It has ~6% deviation from its original bulge and ~5% deviation from its original roll.

In one embodiment, a face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated for 4 hours at 600° C. above the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) is subjected to approximately 100 blows. It later has ~5% deviation from its original bulge and ~2% deviation from its original roll. In one embodiment, a face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated for 4 hours at 600° C. above the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) has It has ~6% deviation from its original bulge and ~3% deviation from its original roll.

In one embodiment, a face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated for 1 hour at 700° C. above the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) is subjected to approximately 100 blows. It later has ~4% deviation from its original bulge and ~3% deviation from its original roll. In one embodiment, a face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated for 1 hour at 700° C. above the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) exhibits a loss after 1000 blows. It has ~5% deviation from its original bulge and ~3% deviation from its original roll.

In one embodiment, the face plate 14 formed from Ti-9S (or T-9S) and heat treated for 4 hours at 700° C. above the solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) is subjected to approximately 100 blows. It later has ~3% deviation from its original bulge and ~5% deviation from its original roll.

In one embodiment, a heat treated face plate 14 formed from an α-β Ti alloy and heated to 500 to 1200° C. above its solvus temperature has a bulge of not more than 30% of its original bulge after approximately 2000 blows. deviation and has a deviation of not more than 30% from its original roll.

In one embodiment, a face plate 14 formed from an α-β Ti alloy and heat treated above its solvus temperature exhibits no more than a 30% deviation from its original bulge and no more than a 30% deviation from its original roll after approximately 2000 blows or less. It has a deviation of less than 30%. In one embodiment, a face plate 14 formed from an α-β Ti alloy and heat treated above its solvus temperature exhibits no more than a 25% deviation from its original bulge and no more than a 25% deviation from its original roll after approximately 2000 blows or less. It has a deviation of less than 25%. In one embodiment, the face plate 14 formed from an α-β Ti alloy and heat treated above its solvus temperature has a deviation from its original bulge of no more than 20% and a deviation from its original roll after approximately 2000 blows. It has a deviation of less than 20%. In one embodiment, a face plate 14 formed from an α-β Ti alloy and heat treated above its solvus temperature has a deviation from its original bulge of no more than 15% and a deviation from its original roll after approximately 2000 blows. It has a deviation of less than 15%. In one embodiment, the face plate 14 formed from an α-β Ti alloy and heat treated above its solvus temperature has a deviation from its original bulge of less than 10% and a deviation from its original roll after approximately 2000 blows. It has a deviation of less than 10%. In one embodiment, a face plate 14 formed from an α-β Ti alloy and heat treated above its solvus temperature has a deviation from its original bulge of no more than 9% and a deviation from its original roll after approximately 2000 blows. It has a deviation of less than 9%. In one embodiment, a face plate 14 formed from an α-β Ti alloy and heat treated above its solvus temperature has a deviation from its original bulge of less than 8% and a deviation from its original roll after approximately 2000 blows. It has a deviation of less than 8%. In one embodiment, the face plate 14 formed from an α-β Ti alloy and heat treated above its solvus temperature has a deviation from its original bulge of less than 7% and a deviation from its original roll after approximately 2000 blows. It has a deviation of less than 7%. In one embodiment, a face plate 14 formed from an α-β Ti alloy and heat treated above its solvus temperature has a deviation from its original bulge of less than 6% and a deviation from its original roll after approximately 2000 blows. It has a deviation of less than 6%. In one embodiment, a face plate 14 formed from an α-β Ti alloy and heat treated above its solvus temperature exhibits no more than a 5% deviation from its original bulge and no more than a 5% deviation from its original roll after approximately 2000 blows or less. It has a deviation of less than 5%. In one embodiment, the face plate 14 formed from an α-β Ti alloy and heat treated above its solvus temperature has a deviation from its original bulge of less than 4% and a deviation from its original roll after approximately 2000 blows. It has a deviation of less than 4%. In one embodiment, a face plate 14 formed from an α-β Ti alloy and heat treated above its solvus temperature exhibits no more than a 3% deviation from its original bulge and no more than a 3% deviation from its original roll after approximately 2000 blows or less. It has a deviation of less than 3%. In one embodiment, the face plate 14 formed from an α-β Ti alloy and heat treated above its solvus temperature has a deviation from its original bulge of less than 2% and a deviation from its original roll after approximately 2000 blows or less. It has a deviation of less than 2%. In one embodiment, a face plate 14 formed from an α-β Ti alloy and heat treated above its solvus temperature has a deviation from its original bulge of less than 1% and a deviation from its original roll after approximately 2000 blows. It has a deviation of less than 1%. In one embodiment, the face plate 14 formed from an α-β Ti alloy and heat treated above its solvus temperature has no more than 0% deviation from its original bulge and no more than 0% deviation from its original roll after approximately 2000 blows or less. It has a deviation of less than 0%.

Accordingly, the present invention provides, among other things, a method of forming a golf club head assembly. Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications are within the scope and spirit of one or more aspects of the invention as described.

Clause 1. A method of forming a golf club head assembly, comprising:

aligning the face plate with a recess in the club head;

Welding the face plate to the club head;

After welding the face plate, heating the club head and face plate to at least the solvus temperature of the face plate for a predetermined amount of time; and

After heating the club head and face plate, allowing the club head and face plate to cool in an inert gas.

A method of forming a golf club head assembly, comprising:

Clause 2. The method of clause 1, further comprising forming a face plate from an α-β titanium alloy.

Clause 3. The method of clause 1, wherein welding the face plate comprises a pulse plasma welding process.

Clause 4. The method of clause 1, providing a face plate having a minimum thickness of 0.7 mm.

Clause 5. The method of clause 1, wherein heating the club head and face plate includes heating the club head and face plate for 1 hour to 6 hours.

Clause 6. The golf club head assembly of clause 5, wherein heating the club head and face plate comprises heating the club head and face plate to 400° C. to 630° C. or 400° C. to 1200° C. Formation method.

Clause 7. Clause 6, wherein heating the club head and face plate comprises heating the club head and face plate to 475° C. to 625° C. or 520° C. to 1150° C. for 1 hour to 6 hours. In, method of forming a golf club head assembly.

Clause 8. Clause 7, wherein heating the club head and face plate comprises heating the club head and face plate to 475° C. to 550° C. or 520° C. to 1150° C. for 4 hours to 6 hours. In, method of forming a golf club head assembly.

Clause 9. Clause 8, wherein heating the club head and face plate comprises heating the club head and face plate to 475° C. to 500° C. or 520° C. to 1100° C. for 4 hours to 6 hours. In, method of forming a golf club head assembly.

Clause 10. Clause 7, wherein heating the club head and face plate comprises heating the club head and face plate to 550° C. to 625° C. or 620° C. to 1200° C. for 1 hour to 2 hours. In, method of forming a golf club head assembly.

Clause 11. Clause 10, wherein heating the club head and face plate comprises heating the club head and face plate to 575° C. to 625° C. or 720° C. to 1200° C. for 1 hour to 2 hours. In, method of forming a golf club head assembly.

Clause 12. A method of forming a golf club head assembly, comprising:

Providing a face plate formed from an α-β Ti alloy having a solvus temperature;

aligning the face plate with the recess of the club head;

Welding the face plate to the club head;

After welding the face plate, heating the club head and face plate to a temperature above the solvus temperature of the face plate for a predetermined amount of time; and

After heating the club head and face plate, allowing the club head and face plate to air cool.

A method of forming a golf club head assembly, comprising:

Clause 13. The method of clause 11, wherein welding the face plate comprises a pulsed plasma welding process.

Clause 14. The method of clause 11, wherein heating the club head and face plate includes heating the club head and face plate for 1 hour to 6 hours.

Clause 15. The method of clause 13, wherein the step of heating the club head and face plate is: 400°C to 630°C, 400°C to 1200°C, 500°C to 1030°C, 680°C to 1030°C, 760°C to 1030°C, 870°C. A method of forming a golf club head assembly comprising heating the club head and face plate to a temperature of between 890°C and 1030°C, or between 890°C and 1030°C.

Clause 16. Clause 15, wherein heating the club head and face plate comprises heating the club head and face plate to 475° C. to 625° C. or 520° C. to 1200° C. for 1 hour to 6 hours. In, method of forming a golf club head assembly.

Clause 17. Clause 16, wherein heating the club head and face plate comprises heating the club head and face plate to 475° C. to 550° C. or 520° C. to 1150° C. for 4 hours to 6 hours. In, method of forming a golf club head assembly.

Clause 18. Clause 17, wherein heating the club head and face plate comprises heating the club head and face plate to 475° C. to 500° C. or 520° C. to 1100° C. for 4 hours to 6 hours. In, method of forming a golf club head assembly.

Clause 19. Clause 15, wherein heating the club head and face plate comprises heating the club head and face plate to 550° C. to 625° C. or 620° C. to 1200° C. for 1 hour to 2 hours. In, method of forming a golf club head assembly.

Clause 20. Clause 19, wherein heating the club head and face plate comprises heating the club head and face plate to 575° C. to 625° C. or 720° C. to 1200° C. for 1 hour to 2 hours. In, method of forming a golf club head assembly.

Clause 21. The method of clause 12, wherein the face plate is formed from an α-β Ti alloy having 7 to 20 wt% Al.

Clause 22. Clause 21, wherein the inert gas is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen (N), argon (Ar), helium (He), neon (Ne), krypton (Kr) and xenon (Xe) or combinations thereof. A method of forming a golf club head assembly.

Clause 23. The method of clause 22, wherein the inert gas is nitrogen (N), argon (Ar), or a combination thereof.

Clause 24. A method of forming a golf club head assembly, comprising: (a) 6.5 wt% to 20 wt% aluminum (Al), 1.0 wt% to 2.0 wt% vanadium (V), up to 0.20 wt% oxygen (O), and Providing a face plate formed from an α-β titanium alloy containing 0.20 wt% or less of silicon (Si); (b) aligning the face plate with the recess of the club head; (c) welding the face plate to the club head; (d) heating the club head and face plate to a temperature greater than the solvus temperature of the face plate for a predetermined amount of time; and (e) allowing the club head and face plate to cool in an inert gas, wherein step (d) is performed at 520° C. to 1200° C. for 1 hour to 6 hours. method.

Article 25. Article 24, wherein the α-β titanium alloy contains less than 0.30 wt% of iron (Fe), less than 0.08 wt% of carbon (C), less than 0.05 wt% of nitrogen (N), and trace amounts of molybdenum (Mo). , a method of forming a golf club head assembly, further comprising a trace amount of tin (Sn) and the remaining weight percent of titanium (Ti).

Clause 26. The method of clause 24, wherein the welding of step (c) is a pulsed plasma welding process.

Clause 27. Clause 24, wherein the inert gas in step (e) is nitrogen (N), argon (Ar), helium (He), neon (Ne), krypton (Kr), and xenon (Xe) or a combination thereof. A method of forming a golf club head assembly, wherein the method is selected from the group consisting of:

Clause 28. The method of clause 27, wherein the inert gas is nitrogen (N) or argon (Ar).

Clause 29. The method of clause 24, wherein the face plate of step (a) has a minimum thickness of 0.7 mm.

Clause 30. The method of clause 24, wherein step (d) comprises heating the club head and face plate to 550° C. to 1200° C. for 1 hour to 2 hours.

Clause 31. The golf club head assembly of clause 30, wherein heating the club head and face plate comprises heating the club head and face plate to 575° C. to 1200° C. for 1 hour to 2 hours. How to form.

Clause 32. A method of forming a golf club head assembly, comprising: 6.5 wt% to 20 wt% aluminum (Al), 1.0 wt% to 2.0 wt% vanadium (V), 0.20 wt% or less oxygen (O), 0.20 wt% Silicon (Si) of less than 0.3 wt%, iron (Fe) of less than 0.08 wt%, carbon (C) of less than 0.08 wt%, nitrogen (N) of less than 0.05 wt%, trace amount of molybdenum (Mo), trace amount of tin (Sn). providing a face plate formed from an α-β titanium alloy comprising titanium (Ti) and the remaining weight percent titanium (Ti); aligning the face plate with the recess of the club head; Welding the face plate to the club head; After welding the face plate, heating the club head and face plate to a temperature higher than the solvus temperature of the face plate for a predetermined amount of time; and after heating the club head and face plate, allowing the club head and face plate to cool in an inert gas environment.

Clause 33. The method of clause 32, wherein welding the face plate comprises a pulse plasma welding process.

Clause 34. The method of clause 32, wherein heating the club head and face plate includes heating the club head and face plate for 1 hour to 6 hours.

Clause 35. The method of clause 34, wherein heating the club head and face plate comprises heating the club head and face plate to between 520°C and 1200°C.

Clause 36. The golf club head assembly of clause 35, wherein heating the club head and face plate comprises heating the club head and face plate to 520° C. to 1200° C. for 1 hour to 6 hours. Formation method.

Clause 37. The golf club head assembly of clause 36, wherein heating the club head and face plate comprises heating the club head and face plate to 520° C. to 1150° C. for 4 hours to 6 hours. Formation method.

Clause 38. The golf club head assembly of clause 37, wherein heating the club head and face plate comprises heating the club head and face plate to 520° C. to 1100° C. for 4 hours to 6 hours. Formation method.

Clause 39. The golf club head assembly of clause 35, wherein heating the club head and face plate comprises heating the club head and face plate to 550° C. to 1200° C. for 1 hour to 2 hours. Formation method.

Clause 40. The golf club head assembly of clause 39, wherein heating the club head and face plate comprises heating the club head and face plate to 575° C. to 1200° C. for 1 hour to 2 hours. Formation method.

Clause 41. Clause 32, wherein the inert gas in step (e) is nitrogen (N), argon (Ar), helium (He), neon (Ne), krypton (Kr), and xenon (Xe) or a combination thereof. A method of forming a golf club head assembly, wherein the method is selected from the group consisting of:

Clause 42. The method of clause 41, wherein the inert gas is nitrogen (N) or argon (Ar).

Clause 43. The method of clause 32, wherein the face plate of step (a) has a minimum thickness of 0.7 mm.

Article 44. A golf club head, a crown; sole; Toe end; heel end; a recess positioned between the crown and the sole and between the toe end and the heel end; a hosel positioned adjacent the heel end; and a faceplate aligned with the recess and welded to the club head, the faceplate having a bulge curvature extending between the heel end and the toe end, the faceplate having 6.5 wt% to 20 wt%. of aluminum (Al), 1.0 wt% to 2.0 wt% of vanadium (V), 0.20 wt% or less oxygen (O), 0.20 wt% or less silicon (Si), 0.3 wt% or less iron (Fe), 0.08 wt% or less α-β titanium alloy containing less than wt% of carbon (C), less than 0.05 wt% of nitrogen (N), trace amounts of molybdenum (Mo), trace amounts of tin (Sn), and the remaining weight percent of titanium (Ti). and, after the face plate is welded to the club head, the club head and face plate are heated to 525° C. to 1200° C. for 1 hour to 6 hours; A golf club head that is allowed to cool in an inert gas.

Clause 45. Comprising 7 wt% to 20 wt% of aluminum (Al), 1.0 wt% to 2.0 wt% of vanadium (V), up to 0.20 wt% of oxygen (O) and up to 0.20 wt% of silicon (Si), α-β titanium alloy.

Clause 46. The α-β titanium alloy of clause 45, comprising from 7 wt% to 13 wt% aluminum (Al).

Clause 47. The α-β titanium alloy of clause 45, comprising 8.5 wt% to 13 wt% aluminum (Al).

Clause 48. The α-β titanium alloy of clause 45, comprising from 10 wt% to 13 wt% aluminum (Al).

Clause 49. The α-β titanium alloy of clause 45 comprising 11 wt% to 13 wt% aluminum (Al).

Article 50. The method of any one of Articles 45 to 49, wherein not more than 0.3 wt% of iron (Fe), not more than 0.08 wt% of carbon (C), not more than 0.05 wt% of nitrogen (N), and trace amounts of molybdenum (Mo) ), an α-β titanium alloy containing trace amounts of tin (Sn) and the remaining weight percent titanium (Ti).

Claims (20)

As a golf club head,
crown;
a sole opposite the crown;
Toe end;
a heel end opposite the toe end;
a recess bounded by the crown, the sole, the toe end and the heel end; and
A face plate aligned with the recess, fitted within the recess, and configured to be welded to the recess.
Including,
The face plate includes an α-β titanium alloy, and the α-β titanium alloy includes 6.5 wt% to 20 wt% of aluminum (Al), 1.0 wt% to 2.0 wt% of vanadium (V), and 0.20 wt% or less. Contains oxygen (O) and 0.20 wt% or less of silicon (Si),
wherein the golf club head is heated to a temperature higher than the solvus temperature of the face plate for a predetermined amount of time between 1 hour and 6 hours and cooled in an inert gas. According to paragraph 1,
A golf club head wherein the α-β titanium alloy contains 7wt% to 13wt% of aluminum (Al). According to paragraph 1,
A golf club head wherein the α-β titanium alloy contains 8.5 wt% to 13 wt% of aluminum (Al). According to paragraph 1,
A golf club head wherein the α-β titanium alloy contains 10 wt% to 13 wt% of aluminum (Al). According to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The α-β titanium alloy includes 0.3 wt% or less of iron (Fe), 0.08 wt% or less of carbon (C), 0.05 wt% or less of nitrogen (N), 0.75 wt% to 1.25 wt% of molybdenum (Mo), A golf club head, further comprising less than 0.015 wt% tin (Sn) and the remaining weight percent titanium (Ti). According to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A golf club head, wherein the face plate is configured to be welded to the recess through a pulse plasma welding process. According to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The inert gas is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen (N), argon (Ar), helium (He), neon (Ne), krypton (Kr), and xenon (Xe), or a composite gas thereof. . In clause 7,
A golf club head, wherein the inert gas is nitrogen (N) or argon (Ar). According to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A golf club head, wherein the face plate has a minimum thickness of 0.7 mm. According to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A golf club head, wherein the golf club head is heated to a temperature of 575°C to 1200°C for 1 hour to 2 hours. As a golf club head,
crown;
a brush opposite the crown;
Toe end;
a heel end opposite the toe end;
a recess bounded by the crown, the sole, the toe end and the heel end; and
A face plate aligned with the recess, fitted within the recess, and configured to be welded to the recess.
Including,
The face plate includes an α-β titanium alloy, and the α-β titanium alloy includes molybdenum (Mo), vanadium (V), silicon (Si), oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), and 6.5 wt% to 20 wt. % aluminum (Al),
wherein the golf club head is heated to a temperature greater than the solvus temperature of the face plate for a predetermined amount of time and cooled in an inert gas. According to clause 11,
A golf club head, wherein the face plate is configured to be welded to the recess through a pulse plasma welding process. According to claim 11 or 12,
A golf club head, wherein the golf club head and the face plate are heat treated for 1 hour to 6 hours. According to claim 11 or 12,
A golf club head, wherein the golf club head and the face plate are heat treated at a temperature of 520°C to 1200°C. According to clause 14,
A golf club head, wherein the golf club head and the face plate are heat treated at a temperature of 520°C to 1150°C for 4 to 6 hours. According to clause 15,
A golf club head, wherein the golf club head and the face plate are heat treated at a temperature of 520°C to 1100°C for 4 to 6 hours. According to clause 13,
A golf club head, wherein the golf club head and the face plate are heat treated at a temperature of 550°C to 1200°C for 1 hour to 2 hours. According to clause 14,
A golf club head, wherein the golf club head and the face plate are heat treated at a temperature of 575°C to 1200°C for 1 hour to 2 hours. According to claim 11 or 12,
The inert gas is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen (N), argon (Ar), helium (He), neon (Ne), krypton (Kr), and xenon (Xe), or a composite gas thereof. . According to claim 11 or 12,
A golf club head, wherein the face plate has a minimum thickness of 0.7 mm.