KR20010099949A - Die cast titanium alloy articles - Google Patents

Abstract

A die cast article composed of titanium alloy is disclosed, and is preferably characterized by a transformed beta microstructure, a relatively fine average grain size and an absence of flow lines. Typical alloys include Ti 6Al-4V and Ti 6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo. Exemplary articles include gas turbine engine components. The articles may be used in place of corresponding forged articles, and have at least comparable mechanical properties.

Description

Die Cast Titanium Alloy Products {DIE CAST TITANIUM ALLOY ARTICLES}

Cross Reference to Related Applications

Some of the materials disclosed in this application are described and claimed in a co-pending application, entitled “Method Of Making Die Cast Articles of High Melting Temperature Materials”, filed on the same day and expressly referenced herein.

Titanium and titanium alloys are used in applications requiring light weight and high strength-weight ratios. These alloys exhibit good corrosion resistance and are generally useful at relatively high temperatures, such as up to about 1200 ° F. (650 ° C.). Broadly, the term "titanium alloy" is meant to include alloys composed of about 25 atomic percent or more of titanium.

For example in gas turbine engines, titanium alloys are used in compressor compartments of engines, including but not limited to intermediate and structural components such as compressor casings and compressor disks, as well as airfoils such as blades and vanes. Titanium alloys widely used in gas turbine engines include Al (aluminum) of about 6w / o (wt%) and V (vanadium) of about 4w / o, with the remainder being typically titanium, Ti used in environments below about 600 ° F. 6-4.

For high temperature applications, for example in environments up to about 1200 ° F. (650 ° C.) and when improved creep and other high temperature properties are needed, Ti 6-2-4-2 can be used, which is Al about 6w / o, Sn (tin) about 2w / o, Zr (zirconium) about 4w / o and Mo (molybdenum) about 2w / o and the remainder is generally titanium. In addition, Al of about 8w / o, Mo 1w / o and V 1w / o included, as well as Ti 8-1-1 remainder is typically titanium, substantially stoichiometric amounts of titanium and aluminum, such as TiAl and TiAl ₃ the Other titanium based alloys such as titanium aluminide may be used. In addition to the properties discussed above, these materials should be able to be formed at least in relatively complex three-dimensional shapes, such as airfoils, especially at elevated temperatures.

Titanium and titanium alloys (except titanium aluminide) have typically been forged precisely in the past to produce parts with a fine average particle size and a balance of high strength, low weight and durability or high cyclic fatigue resistance. In the gas turbine engine industry, forging is the preferred method used to produce parts with complex three-dimensional shapes such as blades and vanes. When properly produced, forged parts exhibit a balance of high strength, low weight and durability.

Briefly, to forge a part such as an airfoil, to convert the ingot of the material into a slab form, typically cylindrical in the case of blades and vanes, and then plastically deform the material to the desired component shape, Multiple heating and stamping, for example, between the die and / or hammer allows thermomechanical processing to have a shape that is progressively similar to the desired shape. Forging dies can typically be heated. Each component is typically heat treated to achieve the desired properties such as hardening / reinforcement, stress relaxation, resistance to crack growth, and a certain level of HCF resistance, and also provide precise shape, dimension and / or surface characteristics to the component. If necessary, it is for example machined, chemically-milled and / or media finished.

Since the manufacture of components by forging is costly and time consuming, they are typically only allowed for components that require a special combination of properties such as high strength, low weight and durability, both at room temperature and at elevated temperatures. In terms of obtaining forging materials, certain materials require long procurement times. Forging typically involves a series of operations, each requiring a separate die and associated device. Post-forging finishing operations, such as machining the root portion of the blade and providing adequate surface finishing, constitute a significant part of the overall manufacturing cost of the forged part, and the part to be discarded constitutes a significant part of the cost.

During the forging of the component, a large amount of raw material (up to about 85% or less depending on the size of the forging) is removed and does not form part of the finished component, for example wasted. The complexity of the manufactured components increases the effort and cost required for the manufacture of the components only, which is a greater consideration, especially for gas turbine engine components having complex shapes. Titanium alloys can also be somewhat springback, for example the material is elastic and the elasticity has to be considered during forging, ie the part is typically "over forging". As indicated above, finished components may still require extensive post forging processing. Moreover, because computer software is used to apply computer fluid dynamics to analyze and generate more aerodynamically effective airfoil shapes, these airfoils and components have a much more complex three-dimensional shape. For example, it is more difficult or impossible to precisely forge titanium alloys into these advanced, more complex shapes, in part due to the slight elasticity that many materials exhibit during forging, which adds to the cost of the components Making them more expensive makes it impossible to achieve certain advances in engine technology or to use special alloys in some components economically.

Forged components may contain forging defects that tend to be difficult to inspect. Moreover, precise reproducibility is also a concern, forging does not produce components with precisely the same dimensions between the parts. After the inspection, many parts still have to be reworked. Usually, forged parts have to be scraped or significantly reworked for about 20% of the time. Moreover, newer and more advanced titanium-based alloys are becoming increasingly difficult to forge (although not impossible) and thus will cost more forging. This concern will be magnified as more complex three-dimensional airfoil geometries are used.

Casts have been widely used to make products of relatively nearly finished shapes.

An investment cast method in which molten metal is injected into a ceramic shell having a cavity in the shape of the product to be cast can be used to make such a product. However, the investment cast method produces extremely large particles such as ASTM 1 or larger particles (relative to the small average particle size obtainable by forging), and in some cases are entirely composed of single particles. Moreover, this process is expensive because individual molds are made for each part. Reproducibility of very precise dimensions between parts is difficult to achieve. In addition, the molten material is typically melted, injected and / or solidified in air or other gases, thereby causing parts with undesirable properties such as inclusions and porosity, especially for materials containing reactive elements such as titanium or aluminum Can be generated.

In addition, a permanent mold cast method in which molten material is injected into a reusable mold, which is a multipart, and flows into the mold only under gravity, has been commonly used to cast the part. See, eg, US Pat. No. 5,505,246 to Colvin. However, the permanent mold cast method has several drawbacks. In the case of thin casts such as airfoils, gravity is insufficient to bring the material into thinner compartments, especially when materials with high melting temperatures and less overheating are used, so that the mold is not constantly filled and the part has to be scraped. . Dimensional tolerances must be relatively large, thus requiring more post-cast work, which is difficult to do repeatedly. In addition, the permanent mold cast method is relatively poor in surface finishing and requires more post-cast work.

Die cast methods, in which molten metal is injected into a reusable die under pressure, have been successfully used to form products from materials having relatively low melt temperatures, such as less than about 2000 ° F. (1095 ° C.). As shown, for example, in US Pat. Nos. 2,932,865, 3,106,002, 3,532,561 and 3,646,990, conventional die casters include multiple part dies, such as fixed and removable platens that together define a die cavity. A shot sleeve mounted to the platen of one (typically stationary) of a two-part die. The short sleeve is oriented horizontally, vertically or inclined between horizontal and vertical. The sleeve communicates with the runner of the die and includes an opening on the sleeve through which molten metal is injected. The plunger is positioned to move in the sleeve, and the drive mechanism moves the plunger to press the molten metal from the sleeve into the die. In a "cooling chamber" type die caster, the short sleeve is typically horizontally oriented and not heated. The cast is generally performed under atmospheric conditions. That is, the device is not located in a non-reactive environment such as a vacuum chamber or inert atmosphere.

Furthermore, the drawbacks of such machines, in particular the inability to use such machines to cast high melting point materials, are discussed in Cross, US Pat. Nos. 3,646,990 and 3,791,440. In a conventional machine, the atmosphere of the short sleeve is not vacuum, and the plunger also pressurizes air from the sleeve into the die to create the porosity of the die cast product, which is particularly useful for applications where the product is required for applications such as aerospace components. Is undesirable and unacceptable. Thus, in order to avoid bubbles being injected with the molten material, the short sleeve should be filled as completely as possible, or tilted to allow any air in the molten material to exit the die before injection. Moreover, because the short sleeve is not heated, the skin or “can” of the molten metal solidifies inside the short sleeve and moves the plunger through the sleeve to inject the molten metal into the die. The can must be "crushed" by scraping the skin from the sleeve to overcome the resistance of the solidified metal. However, the can forms, for example, a cylindrical structurally strong member supported by the sleeve, and the plunger and / or associated structure for movement of the plunger may be damaged or destroyed due to resistance to plunger movement. If the plunger is twisted to the heat and does not conform to the sleeve shape or the sleeve is twisted to the heat to change the gap between the sleeve and the plunger, a passage ("blowback") may be created between the plunger and the sleeve. Plungers can be combined, all of which adversely affect the resulting product. See also US Pat. No. 3,533,464 to Parlanti et al.

Despite many efforts, conventional "cooling chamber" die cast devices have not been successfully used to produce products made of high melting temperature materials such as titanium alloys and superalloys. As used herein, superalloy generally refers to materials that feature high strength and maintain high strength at high temperatures. Such materials are also characterized by relatively high melting points. Past attempts to die cast materials of high melting temperatures, such as titanium alloys and superalloys, not only render the die caster inoperable but also feature poor quality such as impurities, excessive porosity and relatively poor strength and fatigue properties. The product was produced.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a die cast product composed of high melting temperature materials such as titanium alloys.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a high quality product composed of alloys having a significant amount of reactive elements such as titanium and aluminum.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a die cast titanium alloy product having properties comparable to the corresponding forged product.

A more specific object of the present invention is to provide a titanium alloy article having strength, durability and fatigue resistance comparable to the corresponding forged titanium alloy article.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide products (eg gas turbine engine blades and vanes) with complex three-dimensional shapes that are difficult but not forged.

Further objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the following disclosure and drawings.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a die cast titanium alloy product is disclosed. Products, such as airfoils for gas turbine engines, have a modified beta microstructure and preferably have a fine average particle size, such as ASTM 1 or less, for the cast product and are not wireline. Examples of titanium alloys include Ti 6Al-4V (comprising Al about 4 to 8w / o and V 3 to 5w / o, with the balance being generally titanium) or Ti 6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo (Al about 5.5 to 6.5 w / o, Sn (tin) about 1.75-2.25 w / o, Zr about 3.5-4.5 w / o and Mo about 1.8-2.2 w / o, with the balance being generally titanium). Other titanium alloys such as Ti 8Al-1Mo-1V and titanium aluminide have also been successfully die cast.

The article of the invention has both a yield strength and a final tensile strength that is at least comparable to forged parts composed of the same material at both room temperature and elevated temperature, and also have similar fatigue properties.

The present invention is advantageous to eliminate any need for producing specially cut steel sheet materials. Thus, the time required to manufacture the part from the ingot to the finished part is significantly shortened. The die cast can be performed in a single operation that is largely different from a multiple forging operation. In die cast, multiple parts can be manufactured in a single cast. Die casts can produce parts with more complex three-dimensional shapes than in forging, so that new software design techniques can be applied and used in applications such as gas turbine engines, to produce more aerodynamically effective airfoils and other components. To do it. Die casts enable the manufacture of such products using materials that are difficult or impossible to forge into this shape. Die cast parts are manufactured in a nearly finished shape and have a superior finished surface, thus minimizing post-forming finishing operations and reducing the manufacturing cost of such parts.

The present invention relates generally to products made from titanium, more particularly to products made from titanium alloys.

1 shows a die cast titanium alloy product according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a micrograph showing the microstructure of the air foil composed of die cast Ti 6-4 according to the present invention.

3 is a micrograph showing the microstructure of a test bar composed of die cast Ti 6-4 according to the present invention.

Figure 4 is a micrograph showing the microstructure of the air foil composed of forged Ti 6-4.

5 and 6 show a comparison of the properties for die cast Ti 6-4 and forged Ti 6-4 according to the invention.

7 and 8 show the fatigue properties of die cast Ti 6-4 and the corresponding forged products.

9 is a micrograph showing the microstructure of an air foil composed of die cast Ti 6-2-4-2 according to the present invention.

10 is a micrograph showing the microstructure of a test bar composed of die cast Ti 6-2-4-2 according to the present invention.

11 is a micrograph showing the microstructure of an air foil composed of forged Ti 6-2-4-2.

12 shows a comparison of the properties for die cast Ti 6-2-4-2 and forged Ti 6-2-4-2 according to the invention.

FIG. 13 is a micrograph showing the microstructure of a product composed of die cast Ti 8-1-1.

14 and 15 are schematic views of a die caster according to the present invention.

16 is a flow diagram illustrating a die cast process of a high melting temperature material in accordance with the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a die cast titanium alloy product according to the present invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the article is a compressor blade 10 for a gas turbine engine and includes an airfoil 12, a platform 14, and a route 16. The present invention is generally applicable to titanium alloys used for various purposes, and is not limited to gas turbine engine parts.

One widely used titanium alloy for aerospace applications (and also for many other applications) is Ti-6Al-4V ("Ti 6-4"), which is typically about 4 to 8 w / o Al (weight percent). ) And V 3 to 5 w / o. In addition, Ti 6-4 typically contains some impurities, examples of which are about 0.5 w / o or less of Fe, about 0.25 w / o or less of O, about 0.20 w / o of C or less, and about 0.1 w / o of N. Or less than about 0.02 w / o H, about 0.01 w / o Y or less and about 0.4 w / o other elements.

For higher temperature applications, improved high temperature properties are required, in which case Ti 6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo (“Ti 6-2-4-2”) is used, which is typically about 5 to 7 w / Al. o, Sn (tin) about 1.5 to 2.5 w / o, Zr about 3.0 to 5.0 w / o, Mo about 1.5 to 2.5 w / o. In addition, Ti 6-2-4-2 typically contains some impurities, such as Si about 0.05 to 0.15 w / o, Fe about 0.2 w / o or less, O about 0.25 w / o or less, Cu About 0.15 w / o or less, N about 0.1 w / o or less, H about 0.02 w / o or less, Y about 0.010 w / o or less and other elements about 0.4 w / o or less.

Other Ti alloys include Ti 8-1-1 and titanium aluminide, which consist of stoichiometric amounts of titanium and aluminum. Ti 8-1-1 generally comprises about 7 to 8.5 w / o Al, 0.5 to 1.5 w / o Mn and 0.5 to 1.5 w / o V, with the remainder being generally titanium. In addition, Ti 8-1-1 typically contains some impurities, examples of which are about 0.22 w / o Si or less, about 0.4 w / o Fe or less, about 0.15 w / o O or less, and about 0.1 w / C C. up to about 0.25 w / o Sn, up to about 0.15 w / o Cu, up to about 750 ppm N, up to about 200 ppm H, up to about 50 ppm B, up to about 75 ppm Y, and trace amounts of other elements.

In general, titanium aluminide is composed mainly of stoichiometric amounts of titanium and aluminum and has compositions such as TiAl and TiAl ₃ . Titanium aluminides are discussed, for example, in US Pat. Nos. 4,294,615 and 4,292,077 to Blackburn et al., Which are incorporated herein by reference.

According to the invention, the products produced according to the invention are characterized by stable and markedly transformed beta microstructures compared to the alpha plus beta microstructures typically produced in forged titanium products. Investment cast products also typically exhibit a modified beta microstructure, but such microstructures typically consist of larger particles and coarser alpha / beta laths than the die cast products of the present invention. In particular, the preferred average particle size and the maximum allowable particle size will depend on the part's use and cross-sectional thickness, for example, whether the product is used in gas turbine engines for other applications, for rotating parts against non-rotating parts, or at high temperatures. It will depend on whether it is intended to be used for low temperature operation in preparation for environmental operation. In gas turbine engine parts such as compressor blades and vanes, the average particle size should be less than or equal to ASTM 1, more preferably less than or equal to ASTM 3.

Titanium alloy products such as blades and vanes according to the invention are preferably characterized in that no streamline exists. It should be noted that the product may optionally be thermomechanically processed after being cast. In other words, the die cast product can serve as a preform for subsequent use in forging operations. In order to maximize the cost savings associated with the present invention, the inventors wish to cast the die cast product close to the mesh, minimizing the associated costs for post-cast work and products.

The die cast product may also be processed to heat any residual cast porosity that may be present, such as by isostatic pressing operations such as hot isostatic pressing (HIP). Careful selection of HIP parameters such as temperature, pressure and time is necessary to restore any porosity without altering the fine particles, transformed beta microstructures. The temperature should be high enough to seal the porosity under pressure, for example creepable, but not so high that recrystallization of the material is possible, for example below the beta conversion temperature of the titanium alloy.

In the case of Ti 6-4, the HIP temperature should preferably not exceed 1750 ° F (950 ° C), more preferably about 1550-1650 ° F (845-900 ° C). Ti 6-4 can also be annealed at about 1550 ° F. for at least 2 hours after a HIP operation in a non-reactive environment, preferably in argon or vacuum. In the case of Ti 6-2-4-2, the HIP temperature should not exceed 1850 ° F (1010 ° C), more preferably about 1650-1750 ° F (900-950 ° C). Ti 6-2-4-2 may be heat treated at about 1100 ° F. (595 ° C.) for at least 8 hours in an unreactive environment, preferably in argon or vacuum. Further post-cast processing may be performed, such as chemical milling of the surface to remove surface contaminants, media processing to improve surface finish and additional thermal cycling to achieve a special balance of mechanical properties. Such further processing will vary depending on factors such as alloy composition and desired properties.

Die cast products composed of Ti 6-4 were prepared according to the invention as discussed in more detail below. These products included a compressor airfoil and a test bar and also included the post-cast processing above. Exemplary microstructures of test bars and airfoils are illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. The microstructure of the corresponding airfoil consisting of forged Ti 6-4 is illustrated in FIG. 4.

The product was tested to prove that its properties matched those of the corresponding forged product. The particular properties required depend on the use of any particular die cast product, but the die cast product used in place of the forged product should have at least comparable properties to the corresponding forged product.

The following figures are obtained by testing machined standard samples from large test bars. The results from the die cast product are comparable to the results from samples machined from the corresponding forged products, which are shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the die cast product is characterized by 0.2% yield strength, final tensile strength, elongation at break and impact strength comparable at room temperature and about 300 ° F. (150 ° C.).

In the case of a compressor airfoil, the die cast airfoil has at least the same strength and impact properties as the corresponding forged product exhibits. Compressor airfoils composed of Ti 6-4 should have a 0.2% yield strength of at least 100 ksi (700 MPa), more preferably at least 110 ksi (770 MPa), most preferably at least 125 ksi (875 MPa) at room temperature, and 300 ° F. (150 ° C.). Must have a yield strength of at least 90 ksi (630 MPa), more preferably at least 100 ksi (700 MPa), most preferably at least 105 ksi (735 MPa). Such products have a final tensile strength of at least 110 ksi (770 MPa), more preferably at least 125 ksi (875 MPa), most preferably at least 135 ksi (945 MPa) at room temperature, and at least 100 ksi (700 MPa) at 300 ° F. (150 ° C.). Preferably it has a final tensile strength of 110 ksi (770 MPa), most preferably 120 ksi (840 MPa) or more. Elongation at break (at 4D) at room temperature is preferably at least 10%, more preferably at least 15%, and at 300 ° F. (150 ° C.), preferably at least 13%, more preferably at least 15%. Impact strength at room temperature is at least 15 ft-lbs (2.1 kg-m), more preferably at least 17 ft-lbs (2.35 kg-m), and at 300 ° F. (150 ° C.) at least 15 ft-lbs (2.1 kg-m) More preferably, it is more than 22 ft-lbs (3.04 kg-m).

These parts also have equivalent durability, in particular high cyclic fatigue performance, such as fatigue strength. In addition, fatigue tests were compared for die cast Ti 6-4 and the corresponding forged parts, and as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the die cast products exhibited flat and notched fatigue life comparable to forged products. The above figures are at least comparable to the corresponding forged products according to AMS 4928 (Rev. N, April 1993). Other related details include AMS 4967, 4965 and 4930, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. In addition, the specific required values will vary depending on the specific use of the product.

In addition, die cast products composed of Ti 6-2-4-2 were prepared according to the present invention as described in more detail below. The product included a compressor airfoil and a test bar and also included post-cast processing. The microstructure of the test bar and the airfoil is illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. The microstructure of the corresponding airfoil consisting of forged Ti 6-2-4-2 is illustrated in FIG. 11.

Referring to FIG. 12, a diecast article composed of Ti 6-2-4-2 used as a compressor airfoil has strength and impact properties at least equivalent to that exhibited by the corresponding forged article produced for this application. Compressor airfoils composed of Ti 6-2-4-2 should have a yield strength of at least 55 ksi (385 MPa), more preferably at least 65 ksi (455 MPa) and most preferably at least 72 ksi (504 MPa) at 900 ° F. (480 ° C.). . Such products should have a final tensile strength of at least 75 ksi (525 MPa), more preferably at least 85 ksi (595 MPa), most preferably at least 95 ksi (665 MPa) at 900 ° F. (480 ° C.). Elongation at break (at 4D) at 900 ° F. (480 ° C.) is preferably at least 10%, more preferably at least 13%.

In addition, these components should have equivalent durability, in particular high cyclic fatigue performance, such as fatigue strength. In addition, fatigue tests were compared for die cast Ti 6-2-4-2 and the corresponding forged parts, whereby the die cast product exhibited comparable properties to the forged product. These figures are comparable to corresponding forging products according to AMS 4976 (Rev. E, July 1994), and other related details include AMS 4975, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The above example supports and illustrates that die casts can be used to produce products composed of a wide range of titanium alloy compositions. In addition, the product was die cast from Ti 8-1-1. The microstructure of die cast Ti 8-1-1 is illustrated in FIG. Fatigue test results comparing die cast Ti 8-1-1 and the corresponding forged parts are expected to show that the die cast products are comparable to the forged products. The value will depend on the specific use of the product. The figures are comparable to corresponding forging products according to AMS 4973 (Rev. D, October 1990), and other related details include AMS 4972, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Referring to Figures 14, 15 and 16, the inventors have found using die casters (Figures 14 and 15) in the form of unheated short sleeves ("cooling chambers") to make articles in accordance with the present invention. Prefer Generally, the fill material is prepared (step 44 of FIG. 16) and the die cast material is melted in the apparatus 18 (step 46 of FIG. 16). As is generally known, molten titanium is an aggressive material and attacks the material being melted. Thus, the inventors of the invention are in the form of units commercially available from Consarc Corporation, Lancacas, NJ, for example, capable of quickly and completely melting one filled material to be cast (eg, less than about 25 pounds of material). It is preferred to melt the titanium by induction skull remelting (ISR) or melting 24 at. In ISR, the material is melted in a crucible defined by a number of metal (typically copper) fingers held in positions adjacent to each other. The crucible is surrounded by an induction coil connected to a power source 26. The fingers include passages through which coolant is circulated through a water source (not shown) to prevent the fingers from melting. The field generated by the coil heats and melts the material located in the crucible. The field also serves to shake or stir the molten metal. A thin layer of material, such as titanium, is frozen at the crucible wall to form a skull, thereby minimizing the ability of molten titanium to attack the crucible. By properly selecting the crucible and coil, and the power level and frequency applied to the coil, it is possible to release the molten material from the crucible and also reduce the attack of the crucible wall by the molten material. Rather than maintaining a large container with molten alloy, only one fill is melted, so that components with relatively low melting points as a whole are not evaporated and lost before casting.

In the case of casting reactive materials such as titanium and aluminum and alloys containing such materials, melting the material under a non-reactive environment to prevent reactions, contamination or other conditions that may adversely affect the quality of the resulting product. It is important. Since any gas in the melting environment can penetrate the molten material and create excessive porosity in the die cast product, the inventors prefer to melt the material under vacuum rather than inert environments such as argon. More preferably, the material is melted in a melting chamber 20 connected to a vacuum source 22 which kept the chamber at a pressure of less than 100 μm, preferably less than 50 μm.

We prefer to melt the titanium charge alone or a small amount using an ISR unit, but if the material to be melted is not significantly contaminated, the material may be melted by other means such as vacuum induction melting (VIM) and electron beam melting. Can be melted. Moreover, the inventors do not exclude the melting of bulk material, such as several filling materials at the same time under vacuum environment, to transfer the molten packing to the short sleeve for injection into the die. However, since the material is melted under vacuum, any equipment used to transport the molten material should typically be resistant to high temperatures and be able to be placed in a vacuum chamber, resulting in a relatively large chamber. Additional equipment adds cost and affects circulation time as it takes more time to vacuum the correspondingly large vacuum chamber.

Some time must elapse between the melting of the material and the injection of the molten material into the die, so that small particles are kept at a temperature that is high enough to at least keep them substantially molten until the material is injected. The material is melted at a temperature low enough to cause rapid solidification upon moldable injection and to minimize the heat load on the die cast device (especially part of the device in contact with the molten metal). We melted the titanium alloy with controlled finite superheat, for example, we used a ceramic-less melting system, such as an induction skull melting unit, to provide about 100-200 ° F. (37) above the melting temperature of the alloy. To 95 ° C.), more preferably about 50 to 100 ° F. (10 to 37 ° C.). While the material is sufficiently overheated to ensure that the melt is maintained until injection into the mold, the degree of overheating is low enough to allow the molten material to solidify quickly after injection. The molten alloy is then transported to a horizontal shot sleeve of the machine, preferably placed under vacuum environment, to inject the molten material under pressure into a reusable mold. The inventors have found that the process of injecting and injecting molten material in one or two seconds is well performed in a die caster with an unheated short sleeve.

In order to transport the molten material from the crucible to the short sleeve 30 of the apparatus (step 48 of FIG. 16), the crucible is for movement (arrow 31 in FIG. 15) and also for movement of the main axis relative to the injection axis (arrow in FIG. 14). 33) and a molten material that is installed in a motor (not shown) for rotating the crucible is injected through the injection hole 32 of the short sleeve 30 from the crucible. The transport of the crucible takes place between the melting chamber 20 where the material is melted and the position in a separate vacuum chamber 34 in which the short sleeve is located. The injection chamber 34 is also maintained in a non-reactive environment, preferably in a vacuum environment having a pressure level of less than 100 μm, more preferably less than 50 μm. The melting chamber 20 and the injection chamber 34 are separated by a gate valve or other suitable means (not shown) so that when one chamber is exposed to the atmosphere, for example when it comes close to a component in a particular chamber, the vacuum Minimize losses. The illustrated embodiment includes separate melting and injecting chambers, but melting and injecting may be performed in one chamber. We prefer to use a separate chamber to minimize the loss of the vacuum environment when a given component needs to be exposed to the atmosphere, such as providing a melting unit or short sleeve or removing a cast.

As noted above, the molten material is transported from the crucible 24 to the shot sleeve 30 through the injection hole 34. The short sleeve 30 is connected to the reusable die 36, which is a multi-part defining the die cavity 38. Sufficient amount of molten material is injected into the short sleeve to fill the die cavity, which may include one part or more than one part. We have successfully cast 12 parts in a single shot, for example using 12 cavity dies.

The illustrated die 36 includes two compartments 36a and 36b (which may include more compartments) that together define the die cavity 38, for example in the form of a compressor blade or vane for a gas turbine engine. do. The die 36 is also preferably directly connected to a vacuum source and also through a short sleeve to vacuum the die and then inject molten metal. The die may be located in a vacuum chamber and may instead be connected directly to or additionally a vacuum source. While one of the two compartments 36a and 36b of the die is typically fixed, the other part may be moved relative to one compartment, for example by a hydraulic assembly (not shown). The die preferably includes an ejector pin (not shown) to easily release the solidified material from the die. The die also includes a stripper mechanism (not shown) for removing the cast material from the die (but the material is still hot) further reducing the heat load on the die.

The die can be composed of various materials, must have good thermal conductivity, and must be relatively resistant to corrosion and chemical attack by injection of molten material. A comprehensive list of possible materials is very extensive and includes materials such as metals, ceramics, graphite, ceramic matrix hybrids and metal matrix hybrids. The various die materials each have properties that make it desirable for different uses, such as ease of machining, strength at elevated temperatures and a compromise of both. In the case of titanium, we have recently preferred to use dies composed of low carbon steel, such as 1018, due to their low cost and ease of machining. Coating and surface treatment can be used to improve device performance and quality of the resulting parts. In addition, the die may be attached to a coolant source such as water or a heat source such as oil (not shown) to allow the die temperature to be thermally controlled during operation. In addition, the die lubricant may be applied to one or more selected parts of the die and the die cast apparatus. Any lubricant should generally improve the quality of the resulting cast product and more particularly be resistant to thermal breakage so as not to contaminate the injected material.

The molten metal is then transported from the crucible to the short sleeve. A sufficient amount of molten metal is injected into the short sleeve to partially fill the sleeve and then the die. Preferably, the sleeve is filled to less than 50%, more preferably less than about 40% and most preferably less than 30%.

Integrate an injection device, such as plunger 40, with the short sleeve 30 and drive the plunger in the direction of arrow 42 with a hydraulic or other suitable assembly (not shown) between the position shown by the solid line and the position indicated by the dotted line. The molten metal is injected from the sleeve 30 into the die cavity 38 under pressure by moving in (steps 50-15). In the position shown in solid lines, the plunger and sleeve together define a volume that is substantially greater than the amount of molten metal being injected. Preferably, the volume is at least two times, more preferably at least three times the volume of the material to be injected. Thus, the volume of molten material transported from the crucible to the sleeve fills less than one half of the sleeve volume, most preferably less than about one third. Since only part of the sleeve is filled, any material or skin that solidifies on the sleeve forms only a partial cylinder, such as an open arch surface, is easily scraped or crushed during metal injection and remixed into the molten material. For injection, we used a plunger speed of 30 to 300 in / s (ips) (short sleeve has an internal diameter of about 3 in), and recently about 50 to 175 in / s (ips) (1.2 to 4.5 m / s) plunger speed is preferred. The plunger is typically moved at a pressure of at least 1200 psi (8.4 MPa), more preferably at least 1500 psi (10.5 MPa). As the plunger approaches the end of its stroke when the die cavity is filled, the plunger begins to transmit pressure to the metal. It may be desirable to intensify the pressure to ensure complete filling of the mold cavity, and the specific strengthening parameter will depend on the desired result. Pressure intensification is performed to minimize porosity and reduce or eliminate material shrinkage during cooling. We have achieved satisfactory results using pressure intensities greater than 1500 psi (10.5 MPa). After sufficient time has elapsed to ensure solidification of the material in the die, an ejector pin (not shown) was operated to eject the part from the die (step 52, FIG. 16).

As is known in the art, cast products typically comprise slightly, generally up to several percent porosity. Thus, in particular when the product is used in the required applications, such as compressor airfoils for gas turbine engines, it is necessary to reduce porosity and to eliminate it and otherwise to process it as required (step 54, FIG. 16). The parts are therefore preferably hot isostatic pressed (HIP) to reduce and substantially eliminate porosity in the cast part as described above. In titanium alloy products, we generally have a temperature of about 1500 to 1600 ° F. (815 to 870 ° C.) (and below a beta conversion temperature of about 1850 ° F. (1010 ° C.) if desired to remain in the beta state present). Preference is given to HIP for at least 2 hours under pressure greater than 14 ksi (98 Mpa), more preferably greater than 14.5 ksi (101.5 MPa).

The product may then be heat treated, if desired. As mentioned above, for airfoils composed of die cast Ti-64, the product may be heated to a temperature of about 1500-1600 ° F. (815-870 ° C.) for at least 2 hours in an inert environment such as argon or vacuum. For airfoils composed of die cast Ti 6-2-4-2, the article is preferably about 1000 to 1200 ° F., more preferably about 1100 ° F. (590 ° C.) for at least 8 hours in an inert environment such as argon or vacuum. Heated to a temperature of). Actual heat treatment and HIP parameters may vary depending on the intended use of the product and the target cycle time of the process, but the temperature, pressure, and time during HIP should be sufficient to substantially remove all porosity in the cast product, but the particles are significantly Any alpha phase and beta phase in the grown and transformed beta microstructures should not be allowed to coarse.

The part is inspected using conventional inspection methods, for example by fluorescence penetrant inspection (FPI), radiographic examination, visual inspection (steps 56-16), using the component after passing the examination or further processing or if necessary. Can be reprocessed (step 58-16).

As a result of working with a titanium alloy, several conditions are considered important for producing a good cast product. Melting, injection and injection of the material, in particular in reactive materials such as titanium alloys, must be carried out in a non-reactive environment, and the inventors have carried out this operation preferably in a vacuum where the pressure is maintained below 100 μm, more preferably below 50 μm. I prefer to run in an environment. The degree of superheat should be sufficient to allow the material to melt substantially and completely from injection to injection, but also to allow for rapid cooling and formation of small particles during injection. Due to the relatively low overheating, molten metal transport and injection must be fast enough to occur before metal solidification. The resulting microstructure, such as particle size, seems to correspond to the die material used and the overheating used as well as the compartment thickness of the cast part. That is, thin compartments tend to contain small particles and thick compartments (particularly inside thick compartments) tend to contain large particles. High thermal conductivity die materials produce products with small particles as with low superheat. The inventors believe that the result is from a relative cooling rate. Although the design of the gate as well as the die material can work with the injection speed, the speed of movement of the plunger and the corresponding speed at which the material is injected into the mold appear to affect the surface finish of the cast product.

Die casts provide another important advantage over forging. In terms of the equipment required, forging requires the production of a large number of dies that are costly to manufacture new parts. On the other hand, die cast requires only one die set per part, which can significantly reduce costs compared to forging. Since there is no need to produce specially cut steel material and the cast is usually performed in one step, the time required to produce the finished part from the ingot is significantly reduced, as opposed to many forging operations. In die cast, many parts are produced in one cast. Die casts enable the manufacture of parts with complex three-dimensional shapes, thus enabling new software design techniques to be applied and used in applications such as gas turbine engines, and to produce more efficient airfoils and other components. do. The inventors believe that die casts enable the production of products with complex shapes using materials that are difficult or impossible to forge into complex shapes. Moreover, die cast parts can be made closer to the finished shape, with a good surface finish that minimizes post-forming finishing operations, all of which reduce the manufacturing cost of the part.

While the invention has been described in some detail above, numerous modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the following claims. Accordingly, it should be understood that the present invention has been described by way of example and not by way of limitation.

Claims (35)

Die Cast Titanium Alloy Products (10). The method of claim 1, Product characterized in that the modified beta microstructure. The method of claim 1, Product characterized in that the microstructure of the wired member. The method of claim 1, Products comprising gas turbine engine parts. The method of claim 4, wherein Compressor parts. The method of claim 1, Products having an average particle size of less than about ASTM 0. The method of claim 6, Products having a particle size of less than about ASTM 3. The method of claim 1, Titanium is about 25 atomic percent or more. The method of claim 1, Al comprising about 4 to 8 w / o (% by weight) and V 3 to 5 w / o, with the remainder essentially Ti. The method of claim 1, Al 5-7w / o, V 3.5-4.5w / o, Fe about 0.5w / o or less, O about 0.25w / o or less, C about 0.20w / o or less, N about 0.1w / o or less, H about 0.02 An article comprising w / o or less and Y about 0.01 w / o or less, with the remainder being essentially titanium. The method of claim 8, Products having a final tensile strength of at least 120 ksi (840 MPa) and a 0.2% yield strength of at least 110 ksi (770 MPa). The method of claim 11, Products having a final tensile strength of at least 135 ksi (945 MPa) and a 0.2% yield strength of at least 125 ksi (875 MPa). The method of claim 1, An article comprising Al about 5 to 7 w / o, Sn (tin) about 1.5 to 2.5 w / o, Zr about 3.0 to 5.0 w / o and Mo about 1.5 to 2.5 w / o, with the remainder being mostly titanium. The method of claim 1, Al 5.5 to 6.5 w / o, Sn (tin) about 1.75 to 2.25 w / o, Zr about 3.5 to 4.5 w / o, Mo about 1.8 to 2.2 w / o, Fe about 0.2 w / o or less, C about 0.15 w / o or less, O about 0.25w / o or less, N about 0.1w / o or less, H about 0.02w / o or less and Y about 0.01w / o or less, with the remainder being essentially titanium. The method of claim 13, An article having a final tensile strength of at least 75 ksi (525 MPa) at about 900 ° F. (480 ° C.). The method of claim 15, An article having a final tensile strength of at least 95 ksi (665 MPa) at about 900 ° F. (480 ° C.). The method of claim 1, An article comprising Al about 7-8.5 w / o, Mo about 0.5-1.5 w / o and V 0.5-1.5 w / o, with the remaining being generally titanium. The method of claim 1, Al 7.35 to 8.35 w / o, Mo 0.75 to 1.25 w / o, V 0.75 to 1.25 w / o, Si about 0.15 w / o or less, Fe about 0.4 w / o or less, O about 0.15 w / o or less, C about 0.1 w / o or less, Sn about 0.25 w / o or less, Cu about 0.15 w / o or less, N about 750 ppm or less, H about 200 ppm or less, B about 50 ppm or less and Y about 75 ppm or less, and the rest are titanium and other Products that are trace elements. The method of claim 18, It has a final tensile strength of at least 115 ksi (805 MPa) and a 0.2% yield strength of at least 100 ksi (770 MPa) at approximately room temperature, a final tensile strength of at least 75 ksi (525 MPa) and a 0.2% yield strength of at least 60 ksi (420 MPa) at about 800 ° F. (425 ° C.). Having a product. The method of claim 19, It has a final tensile strength of at least 125 ksi (875 MPa) and a 0.2% yield strength of 110 ksi (770 MPa) at room temperature, and a final tensile strength of at least 80 ksi (560 MPa) and a 0.2% yield strength of 70 ksi (490 MPa) at about 800 ° F. (425 ° C.). Having products. Die-cast gas turbine engine component consisting of a modified beta microstructured titanium alloy in a streamlined member. The method of claim 21, Die-cast gas turbine engine parts as compressor parts. The method of claim 22, Die cast gas turbine engine parts with an average particle size of less than about ASTM 3. The method of claim 21, A die cast gas turbine engine component comprising Al about 4 to 8 w / o and V 3 to 5 w / o, the remainder being generally Ti. The method of claim 24, A die cast gas turbine engine component having a final tensile strength of at least 120 ksi (840 MPa) and a 0.2% yield strength of at least 110 ksi (770 MPa). The method of claim 24, Die-cast gas turbine engine components having a final tensile strength of at least 135 ksi (945 MPa) and a 0.2% yield strength of at least 125 ksi (875 MPa). The method of claim 21, A die cast gas turbine comprising Al about 5 to 7 w / o, Sn (tin) about 1.5 to 2.5 w / o, Zr about 3.0 to 5.0 w / o, Mo about 1.5 to 2.5 w / o, the remainder being mostly titanium Engine parts. The method of claim 27, Die cast gas turbine engine component having a final tensile strength of at least 75 ksi (525 MPa) at about 900 ° F. (482 ° C.). The method of claim 21, A die cast gas turbine engine component comprising Al about 7 to 8.5 w / o, Mo 0.5 to 1.5 w / o and V 0.5 to 1.5 w / o, with the remainder being mostly titanium. The method of claim 29, It has a final tensile strength of at least 115 ksi (805 MPa) and a 0.2% yield strength of at least 100 ksi (700 MPa) at room temperature, a final tensile strength of at least 75 ksi (525 MPa) and a 0.2% yield strength of at least 60 ksi (420 MPa) at about 800 ° F. (425 ° C.). Die Cast Gas Turbine Engine Parts with. The method of claim 1, A product consisting of a stoichiometric amount of titanium and aluminum and consequently consisting of TiAl and TiAl ₃ . The method of claim 21, A die cast gas turbine engine part wherein the material consists of a stoichiometric amount of titanium and aluminum and consequently consists of TiAl and TiAl ₃ . The method of claim 24, Die-cast gas turbine engine parts with strength and fatigue resistance comparable to forged parts according to AMS 4928. The method of claim 27, Die-cast gas turbine engine parts with strength and fatigue resistance comparable to forged parts in accordance with AMS 4976. The method of claim 29, Die-cast gas turbine engine parts with strength and fatigue resistance comparable to forged parts in accordance with AMS 4973.