The melting of titanium ingots is a complex and precise process involving multiple steps and technologies. Below is a detailed introduction to titanium ingot melting:
1. Melting Technologies
Most titanium and titanium alloys, whether remelted consumable electrodes, forged billets, or shaped castings, are produced through Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR). Additionally, with advancements in modern technology, new melting techniques such as Electron Beam Cold Hearth Melting (EBM) have emerged.
Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR)
This is the primary method for melting titanium and titanium alloys. Under vacuum or inert gas protection, an electric arc heats and melts a consumable electrode, with the molten metal droplets solidifying in a water-cooled crucible to form an ingot.
Advantages of VAR:
High melting temperature
Precise process control
Uniform ingot composition
Low inclusion content
Electron Beam Cold Hearth Melting (EBM)
This advanced melting technology uses an electron beam as a heat source under vacuum or inert gas protection.
Advantages of EBM:
Significantly improves ingot cleanliness and microstructural uniformity
Suitable for high-demand applications such as aerospace
2. Melting Process
The titanium ingot melting process generally consists of the following steps:
Raw Material Preparation
Selecting high-quality sponge titanium or titanium alloy
Preprocessing (cleaning, crushing, etc.)
Electrode Preparation
Pressing raw materials into electrode blocks
Welding and assembling to form a consumable electrode
Melting Operation
Loading the consumable electrode into a VAR or EBM furnace
Precisely controlling parameters such as melting temperature, speed, and vacuum level
Ingot Solidification & Cooling
Molten metal droplets solidify in a water-cooled crucible
Post-melting heat treatment to relieve internal stresses and enhance microstructure
3. Quality Control
Quality control is critical in titanium ingot melting. Key measures include:
Raw Material Inspection – Ensuring composition and performance meet standards
Process Control – Strict monitoring of melting parameters
Ingot Testing – Chemical analysis, mechanical testing, and metallographic examination
4. Applications
After forging, rolling, and extrusion, titanium ingots are processed into various forms such as bars, wires, tubes, plates, and custom shapes. These materials are widely used in:
Aerospace
Shipbuilding
Chemical industry
Medical devices
Conclusion
Titanium ingot melting is a sophisticated process requiring advanced technologies and stringent quality control. With continuous technological advancements and expanding applications, titanium melting techniques will keep evolving to meet higher performance demands.
