Titanium Alloy 6-4: Definition, Properties, History and Applications

Introduction

Titanium alloy 6-4 is an alloy composed of titanium, aluminum, and vanadium. It’s a high-strength, heat-treatable, corrosion-resistant titanium alloy with excellent ductility and weldability. It has superior mechanical properties compared to other titanium alloys and is widely used in the aerospace, medical, and automotive industries. In this article, we’ll look at the definition, properties, history, and applications of titanium alloy 6-4.

Definition of Titanium Alloy 6-4

Titanium alloy 6-4 is an alloy composed of titanium, aluminum, and vanadium. It has a nominal composition of 6% aluminum, 4% vanadium, and 90% titanium. The alloy is also known by its UNS number R56400. It has a density of 4.42 g/cm3 and is considered to be heat-treatable.

Properties of Titanium Alloy 6-4

Titanium alloy 6-4 has a number of useful properties that make it ideal for a variety of applications. It has a high tensile strength of 930 MPa and a yield strength of 825 MPa. Its elongation at break is 10%. Additionally, it has a high level of corrosion resistance and is highly resistant to oxidation. It’s also highly weldable.

History of Titanium Alloy 6-4

The development of titanium alloy 6-4 began in the early 1950s. At the time, titanium was being used in aircraft construction but it was not strong enough for certain applications. Scientists at the US Air Force and NASA began experimenting with different alloys to create a stronger titanium alloy. After several years of research, they developed titanium alloy 6-4 which was stronger than any other titanium alloy available at the time.

Applications of Titanium Alloy 6-4

Titanium alloy 6-4 is widely used in a number of industries due to its unique properties. It’s commonly used in the aerospace industry for airframes, engines, and other components. It’s also used in the medical industry for implants, prosthetics, and surgical instruments. Additionally, it’s used in the automotive industry for wheel rims and exhaust systems.

Conclusion

Titanium alloy 6-4 is a high-strength, heat-treatable, corrosion-resistant titanium alloy with excellent ductility and weldability. It has superior mechanical properties compared to other titanium alloys and is widely used in the aerospace, medical, and automotive industries. Its unique properties have made it an invaluable material for many applications.

Grade of titanium and titanium alloy and classification of metallographic structure after annealing