Cautious Optimism in the Titanium Market
KISSIMMEE, FL 鈥� About 1,000 delegates from across the titanium industry heard an optimistic outlook from more than 100 experts on the titanium market, which was a record number at the International Titanium Association鈥檚 26th annual conference and exhibition, October 1鈥� 3, 2010. The overall tone confirmed that recovery for the titanium industry and its consuming markets, while perhaps slow, is on track and the worst of the global economic crisis is past.
Speakers on 22 panels addressed a broad array of topics including global demand and supply trends, economic trends, the changing role of China in the industry, the status of aerospace, military, medical and consumer markets, export and legal issues, supply chain management challenges, and the latest developments in materials, processing and manufacturing.聽 Speaking within the materials and processing track, along with other aerospace panelists, was our own Bob Hill, President of 麻豆国产精品 of Western PA. 聽Bob鈥檚 talk was entitled 鈥淰acuum Heat Treating Titanium Alloys For Commercial Airframes.鈥�
From a materials鈥� point of view, the Boeing 787 “Dreamliner” is one of the most revolutionary leaps in the history of aerospace manufacturing. 聽By designing the 787 airframe with 50% of its weight as composites, it precluded the fact that more titanium and higher strength, near beta alloys, must be utilized. 聽With 15 percent of the 787鈥檚 airframe made from titanium, Bob reviewed the five main areas where the largest concentrations of titanium and its various alloys are used. 聽The five main areas are the landing gear, floor structure, extrusions, nacelles, and other major structural components within the wing and tail of the aircraft.
Bob concluded his remarks with examples of how existing titanium heat treating specifications need to be updated, which would ultimately enhance this exotic materials property. 聽The talk, with over 200 in attendance, was very well received.