Technological aspects of preparation of nanostructured titanium wire using a CONFORM machine

Abstract

One of available ways to enhancing the efficiency of production of sections is combining the CONFORM continuous extrusion process and the ECAP method. This paper describes the initial experience with such a combined process deployed in the CONFORM 315i machine, which is equipped with a specially-designed die chamber. Process trials were performed to explore the effects of the set-up of the CONFORM equipment on the resulting microstructure of Ti wire. The feedstock was in the form of CP Ti grade 2 bars of 10 mm diameter. Crucial parameters of the process include the temperature of the die chamber, which was purposefully varied from the initial 500 °C to the final 200 °C, and the cooling stage, which was realized immediately upon the exit from the die chamber. The mean grain size, mechanical properties and thermal stability were measured and studied in the specimens upon forming. The smallest grain size was achieved by two passes at 200 °C. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.