Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-6Mo is a near-beta titanium alloy designed for high strength, oxidation resistance, and creep resistance up to 550°C. It is widely used in aerospace turbine engine components, afterburner structures, and missile systems that operate under cyclic thermal and mechanical loads.
Through advanced titanium 3D printing, Ti-6-2-4-6 enables production of geometrically complex, lightweight components such as disks, frames, and nozzle parts. Additive manufacturing enhances performance, reduces weight, and enables on-demand part customization for high-performance applications.
Country/Region | Standard | Grade or Designation |
---|---|---|
USA | UNS | R56620 |
USA | AMS | AMS 4981 |
China | GB | TA19B |
Russia | GOST | VT22 (variant) |
Category | Property | Value |
---|---|---|
Physical Properties | Density | 4.65 g/cm³ |
Melting Range | 1610–1660°C | |
Thermal Conductivity (20°C) | 6.1 W/(m·K) | |
Thermal Expansion (20–500°C) | 8.9 µm/(m·K) | |
Chemical Composition (%) | Titanium (Ti) | Balance |
Aluminum (Al) | 5.5–6.5 | |
Tin (Sn) | 1.8–2.2 | |
Zirconium (Zr) | 3.8–4.2 | |
Molybdenum (Mo) | 5.5–6.5 | |
Oxygen (O) | ≤0.15 | |
Mechanical Properties | Tensile Strength | ≥1100 MPa |
Yield Strength (0.2%) | ≥1000 MPa | |
Elongation at Break | ≥8% | |
Modulus of Elasticity | 112 GPa | |
Hardness (HRC) | 34–40 |
Additive manufacturing processes including Selective Laser Melting (SLM), Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), and Electron Beam Melting (EBM) are well-suited for Ti-6-2-4-6. These methods allow the fabrication of highly precise, load-bearing parts with excellent thermal resistance and dimensional control.
Technology | Precision | Surface Quality | Mechanical Properties | Application Suitability |
---|---|---|---|---|
SLM | ±0.05–0.2 mm | Excellent | Excellent | Turbine Structures, Engine Parts |
DMLS | ±0.05–0.2 mm | Very Good | Excellent | Airframes, Aerospace Brackets |
EBM | ±0.1–0.3 mm | Good | Very Good | Large, High-Temperature Parts |
For parts demanding tight tolerances (±0.05–0.2 mm), fine surface quality (Ra 5–10 µm), and superior fatigue resistance, SLM is ideal, particularly for engine disks and precision structural components.
DMLS is effective for components needing strength, fatigue endurance, and geometric flexibility, such as aerospace stiffeners and load-bearing brackets.
For larger, high-mass parts requiring robust thermal properties and moderate precision (±0.1–0.3 mm), EBM is preferred due to its high build rate and consistent material performance.
Thermal stress accumulation during printing may cause distortion and cracking. Applying engineered support structures and Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) at 900–950°C and 100–150 MPa relieves stress and improves fatigue life.
Porosity can compromise structural integrity. Laser power settings between 250–400 W and scan speeds of 600–900 mm/s, combined with post-process HIP, enable density above 99.8%.
Surface roughness (Ra 8–15 µm) affects fatigue and thermal flow efficiency. Post-processing with CNC machining and electropolishing achieves Ra 0.4–1.0 µm.
Powder sensitivity to oxidation requires controlled storage and printing environments (O₂ < 200 ppm, RH < 5%) to maintain mechanical reliability.
Ti-6-2-4-6 is used in:
Aerospace: Jet engine parts, afterburner rings, turbine support structures.
Defense: Missile components and supersonic airframe structures.
Industrial Turbines: Rotors, mounts, and pressure-resistant housings.
A case study involving SLM-produced turbine support rings showed a 22% weight reduction and a 30% increase in fatigue life under cyclic loading compared to conventionally forged equivalents.
What applications are best suited for Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-6Mo 3D printing?
How does Ti-6-2-4-6 compare to Ti-6Al-4V in high-heat environments?
Which 3D printing processes are optimal for Ti-6-2-4-6 components?
What challenges arise in additive manufacturing of Ti-6-2-4-6, and how are they solved?
What post-processing techniques improve Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-6Mo part performance?