Papers by Keyword: Net Shape Forming

Abstract: For the net shape forming of composite products with structure of SB/CF-EP (steel backing/carbon fabric reinforced epoxy) lining, the demolding is difficult. Aiming to net shape forming of transmission screw nuts with structure of SB/CF-EP, a new solution was proposed in which the high-strength casting wax was used as the release agent. A basic demolding experiment was designed and comparative demolding experiments were conducted for three different conditions: wax and grease as release agents and no agent. The influences of different agents and agent thickness on demolding force, product sizes and surface quality were studied. In comparison with grease and no release agent the demolding force for wax was reduced by 91.6% and 98.0% respectively. The product shrink could be compensated by controlling the wax thickness. By using wax release agent, the fabrication of transmission screw nuts with SB/CF-EP lining was successfully completed.

Abstract: Over the past decades, a large number of researchers have been trying titanium alloys in an attempt to combine most of their advantages, such as high specific yield strength, good corrosion resistance, excellent fatigue property and biocompatibility by casting route. However, the wide use of titanium alloys casting has been limited, since it is considered as only a near net shape forming process in titanium alloys due to the catastrophic reactivity of molten states, the alpha-case formations and the casting defects. In order to maximize the unique property of titanium alloys casting which are comparable to wrought products and quite often superior, it is necessary to take a close examination of titanium alloys casting procedure. Therefore, the merits and demerits of various melting devices, pouring methods and mold materials will be addressed with regard to improving titanium alloys casting.

Abstract: The aim of this study is to evaluated the possibility of the in-situ synthesized (TiC+TiB) reinforced titanium matrix composites (TMCs) for the application of structural materials. In-situ synthesis and casting of TMCs were carried out in a vacuum induction melting furnace with Ti and B4C. The synthesized TMCs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, an electron probe micro-analyzer and transmission electron microscopy, and evaluated through thermodynamic calculations. The spherical TiC plus needle-like and large, many-angled facet TiB reinforced TMCs can be synthesized with Ti and B4C by a melting route.

Abstract: Alpha-case formations between investment molds and TiAl alloys were investigated for economic TiAl alloys net-shape forming. The α-case reactions between mold and TiAl alloys were characterized by using optical microscopy and a hardness tester. In the case of TiAl alloys, there were no α-case formation reactions. The α-case was formed not only by interstitial oxygen elements but also by substitutional metallic elements dissolved from mold materials. There were neither interstitial nor substitutional α-case formations since TiAl alloys have both negligible solubility of oxygen and low activity in molten states. The results of the investment casting of TiAl alloys confirmed that the casting route in our study can be an effective approach for the economic net-shape forming of TiAl alloys automotive parts.

Abstract: The aim of this study is to fabricate an α-case free (TiB+TiC) hybrid titanium matrix composites (TMCs) shot sleeve for aluminum alloy diecasting by in-situ synthesis and investment casting. Granular 1.88 wt% B4C was added to a titanium matrix in a vacuum induction melting furnace. The synthesized (TiB+TiC) TMCs were examined using electron probe micro-analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The results of the in-situ synthesis and investment casting of the TMCs show that our casting route constitutes an effective approach to the economic net-shape forming of TMC sleeves.