Material science and technological aspects of rapidly solidified titanium alloy production

The paper covers main directions of the works on improvement of titanium alloys via rapid solidification (RS) process (alloys containing brittle intermetallic compounds, alloys subjected to spot, zone segregation, etc.), on development of a fine-grained structure, elimination of dangerous metallurgical defects such as low-density inclusions. The most advanced technique used for production of rapidly solidified titanium alloy components including near-net-shapes is validated. The paper gives examples of complex-shape components showing a combination of properties which cannot be obtained via usage of conventional techniques. Rapid solidification of titanium alloys immediately from the melt is the most economical technique of manufacturing titanium alloys. The RS process combines minimum metal consumption, minimum cost and the possibility to obtain high mechanical properties of components. This proposition is illustrated by calculations concerning production of various types of semiproducts and components.