Boeing and TIMET
Problem
AFRC researchers conducted a study into cold forming processes of titanium alloys in order to investigate the benefits it can offer over hot forming. The research focused on complex shaped parts and how cold forming techniques could potentially offer a significant cost reduction to the customer.
What we did
AFRC researchers formed a dome shaped part made of commercially pure titanium 50A. This shape was manufactured at room temperature using the process of incremental sheet forming.
Result
The research demonstrates that incremental sheet forming offers an opportunity for manufacturers to make a significant saving on their current forming costs for titanium alloys. Manufacturing of the parts using this technology helps to shorten time to market, reduce development costs, reduce production cost and energy usage, and obtain desirable parts in a small series.
AFRC researchers have proven that a complex shaped 3D part could be successfully formed using cold forming processes. This, in turn, confirmed the suitability of the titanium 50A alloy as a material for room temperature forming. In addition, a plastic die from Boeing was manufactured by utilising advanced three-dimensional printing technology.
Dr Evgenia Yakushina, senior manufacturing engineer at the AFRC said: “We are very satisfied with the results of our research. This research proves that incremental sheet forming offers energy and cost saving benefits to our customers. We look forward to utilising our advanced technologies and expertise at the AFRC for further research in cold sheet forming.”