knowledges

6Al4V AMS 4928 titanium bar is a high-strength, low-weight titanium alloy widely used in aerospace, medical, and industrial applications. This versatile material is composed of 6% aluminum, 4% vanadium, and the balance titanium. The AMS 4928 specification refers to the Aerospace Material Specification that defines the chemical composition, mechanical properties, and quality requirements for this particular titanium alloy in bar form. Known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility, 6Al4V AMS 4928 titanium bar has become a go-to material for demanding applications across various industries.

What are the mechanical properties of 6Al4V AMS 4928 titanium bar?

The mechanical properties of 6Al4V AMS 4928 Titanium Bar are what make it such a valuable material in various industries. This alloy offers an impressive combination of strength, ductility, and fatigue resistance that sets it apart from other materials. The typical tensile strength of 6Al4V AMS 4928 titanium bar ranges from 895 to 1000 MPa (130 to 145 ksi), depending on the heat treatment condition. Its yield strength is equally impressive, typically falling between 825 and 910 MPa (120 to 132 ksi).

One of the key advantages of 6Al4V AMS 4928 titanium bar is its high strength-to-weight ratio. With a density of approximately 4.43 g/cm³, it is significantly lighter than steel while offering comparable or even superior strength. This characteristic makes it particularly attractive for aerospace applications, where weight reduction is crucial for fuel efficiency and performance.

The alloy also exhibits excellent fatigue resistance, which is essential for components subjected to cyclic loading. Its fatigue strength is typically around 510 MPa (74 ksi) at 10^7 cycles, making it suitable for applications where long-term durability under stress is required. Additionally, 6Al4V AMS 4928 titanium bar maintains its mechanical properties over a wide temperature range, from cryogenic temperatures up to about 400°C (752°F).

Another notable property of this material is its good fracture toughness. The plane-strain fracture toughness (KIC) of 6Al4V AMS 4928 titanium bar is typically between 33 and 66 MPa√m, depending on the processing and heat treatment condition. This property is crucial for applications where resistance to crack propagation is essential, such as in aircraft structural components.

The modulus of elasticity for 6Al4V AMS 4928 titanium bar is approximately 114 GPa (16.5 x 10^6 psi), which is lower than that of steel. This lower stiffness can be advantageous in certain applications where some flexibility is desired, such as in golf club shafts or bicycle frames.

How is 6Al4V AMS 4928 titanium bar manufactured?

The manufacturing process of 6Al4V AMS 4928 titanium bar is a complex and carefully controlled procedure that ensures the material meets the stringent requirements of the aerospace industry. The process typically begins with the production of titanium sponge, which is then combined with aluminum and vanadium in precise proportions to create the 6Al4V alloy.

The first step in the manufacturing process is the creation of titanium sponge through the Kroll process. This involves reducing titanium tetrachloride with magnesium at high temperatures, resulting in a porous mass of titanium metal called sponge. The sponge is then crushed and screened to achieve the desired particle size.

Next, the titanium sponge is mixed with aluminum and vanadium in the correct proportions to achieve the 6Al4V composition. This mixture is then melted in a vacuum or inert atmosphere to prevent contamination and ensure the purity of the alloy. The melting process typically uses either vacuum arc remelting (VAR) or electron beam melting (EBM) techniques to produce a homogeneous ingot.

Once the ingot is formed, it undergoes a series of thermomechanical processing steps to transform it into bar form. This typically involves hot working processes such as forging, rolling, or extrusion. These processes not only shape the material but also help to refine its microstructure, improving its mechanical properties.

The final steps in producing 6Al4V AMS 4928 titanium bar involve finishing operations such as turning, grinding, or polishing to achieve the required dimensional tolerances and surface finish. The bars are then typically straightened to meet stringent straightness requirements.

It's worth noting that the manufacturing process can be tailored to produce bars with different microstructures and properties. For example, the cooling rate from the beta phase during processing can be controlled to achieve either a fully lamellar, bimodal, or fully equiaxed microstructure, each offering different combinations of strength, ductility, and fatigue resistance.

What are the main applications of 6Al4V AMS 4928 titanium bar?

6Al4V AMS 4928 titanium bar finds extensive use across various industries due to its exceptional combination of properties. Its high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility make it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, particularly in aerospace, medical, and industrial sectors.

In the aerospace industry, 6Al4V AMS 4928 titanium bar is a critical material for numerous components. It's commonly used in aircraft structural parts such as wing and tail assemblies, landing gear components, and fasteners. The material's high strength and low weight contribute to fuel efficiency and overall performance of aircraft. Additionally, its resistance to fatigue and corrosion makes it suitable for parts that undergo cyclic loading and exposure to harsh environments.

The space industry also heavily relies on this material. Spacecraft components, including brackets, fittings, and pressure vessels, are often manufactured from 6Al4V AMS 4928 titanium bar. Its ability to maintain its properties at both cryogenic and elevated temperatures makes it particularly valuable for space applications.

In the medical field, the biocompatibility of 6Al4V AMS 4928 titanium bar makes it an excellent choice for implants and surgical instruments. It's commonly used in orthopedic implants such as hip and knee replacements, dental implants, and bone screws. The material's ability to osseointegrate (bond with bone) and its resistance to corrosion in the human body contribute to its success in these applications.

The chemical processing industry also utilizes this material for its corrosion resistance. Heat exchangers, pumps, and valves in chemical plants often incorporate 6Al4V AMS 4928 titanium components to withstand aggressive chemicals and high temperatures.

Sports equipment is another area where this material shines. Golf club heads, bicycle frames, and high-end sports car components often feature 6Al4V titanium for its strength, lightweight nature, and vibration damping properties.

In the oil and gas industry, 6Al4V AMS 4928 titanium bar is used for downhole tools, subsea equipment, and other components that require high strength and corrosion resistance in challenging environments.

As technology advances, new applications for 6Al4V AMS 4928 titanium bar continue to emerge. For instance, it's being explored for use in 3D printing applications, opening up new possibilities for complex geometries and customized parts in various industries.

At SHAANXI CXMET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD, we take pride in our extensive product range, which caters to diverse customer needs. Our company is equipped with outstanding production and processing capabilities, ensuring the high quality and precision of our products. We are committed to innovation and continuously strive to develop new products, keeping us at the forefront of our industry. With leading technological development capabilities, we are able to adapt and evolve in a rapidly changing market. Furthermore, we offer customized solutions to meet the specific requirements of our clients. If you are interested in our products or wish to learn more about the intricate details of our offerings, please do not hesitate to contact us at sales@cxmet.com. Our team is always ready to assist you.

References

1. ASM International. (2015). ASM Handbook, Volume 2: Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials.
2. Boyer, R., Welsch, G., & Collings, E. W. (1994). Materials Properties Handbook: Titanium Alloys. ASM International.
3. Leyens, C., & Peters, M. (Eds.). (2003). Titanium and Titanium Alloys: Fundamentals and Applications. John Wiley & Sons.
4. Lutjering, G., & Williams, J. C. (2007). Titanium. Springer Science & Business Media.
5. Peters, M., Hemptenmacher, J., Kumpfert, J., & Leyens, C. (2003). Structure and Properties of Titanium and Titanium Alloys. Titanium and Titanium Alloys: Fundamentals and Applications, 1-36.
6. Rack, H. J., & Qazi, J. I. (2006). Titanium alloys for biomedical applications. Materials Science and Engineering: C, 26(8), 1269-1277.
7. SAE International. (2015). AMS 4928: Titanium Alloy Bars, Wire, Forgings, and Rings 6Al-4V Annealed.
8. Titanium Industries. (n.d.). Ti 6Al-4V Grade 5 Titanium. 
9. United Titanium. (n.d.). 6AL-4V Titanium Alloy (Grade 5). 
10. Veiga, C., Davim, J. P., & Loureiro, A. J. R. (2012). Properties and applications of titanium alloys: A brief review. Reviews on Advanced Materials Science, 32(2), 133-148.