Assessment of electrical resistance heating for hot formability of Ti-6Al-4V alloy sheet

Ti-6Al-4V (Ti64) is the most commercially used heat treatable high strength/weight ratio, high corrosion, and thermal resistance alloy in titanium alloys. However, room temperature (RT) formability of this alloy is very poor and springback after forming is very severe due to the high yield strength and low elasticity modulus. In this research, the applicability of electrical resistance heating process which is a new and rapid heating process for hot forming application is investigated in order to improve formability and eliminate springback. The electrical resistance heating method is found to be effective for T64 alloy. Results reveal that the changes in hardness and grain size of the alloy have been found inconsiderable when the method is used. Springback compensation is achieved at high temperatures and springback free part is almost produced.