Shell Mold-HIP Forming Process of TC4 Pre-alloyed Powder

Abstract

The shell mold-HIP forming process of TC4 pre-alloyed powder was investigated. The shrinkage of the molding part was revealed, and the microstructure and tensile property of the alloy as well as the interface between the alloy and mold were analyzed. Results show that the molding part with complete shape and a relative density of 98% is achieved by mold-HIP forming process. During densification, there is a small amount of shrinkage along the length and width of the molding part, while it is much larger along the depth, which reaches 30% in the centre; the process results in fine uniform basketweave microstructure, with a minority of equiaxed α grains surrounding the lamellar; the plasticity of the shell mold-HIP alloy is more than 1.5 times as much the casting alloy; the ultimate tensile strength of the shell mold-HIP alloy is up to and even higher than the level of the forged alloy. There is no obvious interface reaction between the TC4 alloy and shell mold during the HIP process, while a loose layer of about 10μm is formed on the alloy surface of the part.

Keywords

• TC4 alloy
• powder forming
• shell mold
• hot isostatic pressing