Ti-6.5Al-1Mo-1V-2Zr (TA15)
Ti-6.5Al-1Mo-1V-2Zr (TA15) is a near-alpha titanium alloy known for its high specific strength, excellent weldability, and superior creep resistance at temperatures up to 500°C. It is widely used in aerospace and defense applications requiring lightweight, high-strength components.
With titanium 3D printing, TA15 is commonly employed to produce airframe structures, load-bearing components, and thermal shielding parts. Additive manufacturing enables rapid production, complex geometries, and significant weight reduction while maintaining mechanical integrity.
TA15 Similar Grades Table
Country/Region | Standard | Grade or Designation |
|---|---|---|
China | GB | TA15 |
Russia | GOST | VT14 |
USA | – | Custom Near-Alpha Alloy |
International | – | Equivalent to Ti-6.5Al-1Mo-1V-2Zr |
TA15 Comprehensive Properties Table
Category | Property | Value |
|---|---|---|
Physical Properties | Density | 4.49 g/cm³ |
Melting Range | 1600–1650°C | |
Thermal Conductivity (20°C) | 6.3 W/(m·K) | |
Thermal Expansion (20–500°C) | 8.7 µm/(m·K) | |
Chemical Composition (%) | Titanium (Ti) | Balance |
Aluminum (Al) | 6.3–6.8 | |
Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.8–1.2 | |
Vanadium (V) | 0.8–1.2 | |
Zirconium (Zr) | 1.8–2.2 | |
Iron (Fe) | ≤0.25 | |
Oxygen (O) | ≤0.15 | |
Mechanical Properties | Tensile Strength | ≥1080 MPa |
Yield Strength (0.2%) | ≥1000 MPa | |
Elongation at Break | ≥10% | |
Modulus of Elasticity | 113 GPa | |
Hardness (HRC) | 30–36 |
3D Printing Technology of TA15 Titanium Alloy
TA15 is suitable for metal additive manufacturing using Selective Laser Melting (SLM), Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), and Electron Beam Melting (EBM). These processes enable the production of high-strength, complex aerospace-grade parts with excellent mechanical stability.
Applicable Process Table
Technology | Precision | Surface Quality | Mechanical Properties | Application Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
SLM | ±0.05–0.2 mm | Excellent | Excellent | Aerospace, Structural Parts |
DMLS | ±0.05–0.2 mm | Very Good | Excellent | Precision Load-Bearing Parts |
EBM | ±0.1–0.3 mm | Good | Very Good | High-Mass, Heat-Resistant Parts |
TA15 3D Printing Process Selection Principles
When dimensional accuracy (±0.05–0.2 mm), fine surface finish (Ra 5–10 µm), and high mechanical properties are needed, Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is ideal for TA15 parts such as wing reinforcements and bulkhead brackets.
Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) is excellent for manufacturing structurally critical aerospace parts with complex features that require fatigue resistance and long-term dimensional stability.
For larger heat-resistant parts, Electron Beam Melting (EBM) provides high build rates with consistent material performance in TA15 alloy, making it suitable for fuselage frames and engine mounting brackets.
TA15 3D Printing Key Challenges and Solutions
Thermal gradients during 3D printing introduce residual stresses. Support structures combined with Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) at 920–950°C and 100–150 MPa relieve stress and enhance structural fatigue performance.
Porosity must be minimized to preserve strength and corrosion resistance. Optimized laser parameters—power of 250–400 W and scan speeds of 600–900 mm/s—combined with HIP post-processing, achieve densities >99.8%.
Surface roughness (Ra 8–15 µm) affects fatigue life and airflow behavior. CNC machining or electropolishing achieves smoother finishes (Ra 0.4–1.2 µm), meeting aerospace-grade specifications.
Strict atmospheric controls (oxygen < 200 ppm, humidity < 5% RH) are essential to prevent embrittlement and oxidation during powder handling.
Industry Application Scenarios and Cases
TA15 alloy is used in demanding structural and high-temperature environments:
Aerospace: Airframe load-bearing parts, wing structures, bulkheads, and high-temp enclosures.
Defense: Lightweight armored components requiring fatigue resistance.
Aviation Engines: Heat-resistant frames and mounts operating near 500°C.
A recent aerospace project successfully implemented SLM-printed TA15 structural braces, achieving a 30% reduction in component weight and a 20% increase in fatigue life compared to traditional machined titanium parts.
FAQs
What makes TA15 ideal for aerospace structural 3D printing?
Which additive manufacturing methods are most effective for TA15 alloy?
How does TA15 compare with Ti-6Al-4V in mechanical and thermal performance?
What challenges arise in TA15 additive manufacturing, and how are they mitigated?
What post-processing techniques enhance TA15 part fatigue and surface finish?
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