Titanium alloy component preparation method and device and diversion pipe radius confirmation method

Abstract

The invention relates to a titanium alloy component preparation method and device and a flow guide pipe radius confirmation method, and relates to the technical field of negative pressure suction casting. The titanium alloy component preparation method comprises the steps that raw materials are smelted in stages based on the preset smelting power P1 of the raw materials till the heating temperature reaches the preset pouring temperature T, carrying out heat preservation on the smelted raw materials; based on the smelting power P2 of the blocking piece, the blocking piece is smelted in a staged mode till the blocking piece is completely smelted within a preset time period; and negative pressure is applied to a mold, and negative pressure mold filling is conducted on the mold through the molten blocking piece material and the molten raw materials. By adopting the technical scheme, the technical problems of long mold filling time and serious heat loss existing in an existing casting mode of combining smelting and crucible tilting weighting can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of negative pressure suction casting technology, and in particular to a method, apparatus and method for confirming the radius of a flow guide tube for preparing titanium alloy components. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, for smelting, such as titanium alloys, there are vacuum arc remelting (VAR), electron beam cold bed melting (EBCHM), and vacuum levitation melting (VIM). Among them, vacuum arc remelting (VAR) is mainly suitable for smelting and casting large titanium alloy castings, and can pour 100-500 kg of titanium alloy melt at a time. Electron beam cold bed melting (EBCHM) is mainly combined with water-cooled crystallizers to realize continuous casting of large titanium ingots. Vacuum levitation melting (VIM) uses a high-frequency electromagnetic field to levitate and melt titanium alloy raw materials in a vacuum water-cooled copper crucible environment, so that the melt is kept away from the crucible as much as possible, avoiding contamination by oxides and inclusions (such as titanium carbide and silicon dioxide) generated by the reaction between the crucible material (such as graphite or ceramic) and the melt during the traditional smelting process. Vacuum arc melting (VAR) and electron beam cold bed melting (EBCHM) are mostly used for melting and casting large titanium alloy castings and continuous casting of large titanium ingots; the titanium alloy melt obtained by vacuum suspension melting (VIM) has good compositional uniformity, and this method is often used for casting components.

[0003] After melting using the methods described above, existing technologies often combine crucible tilting and gravity casting to pour the molten material into a mold for casting. However, this casting method results in a slow fluid flow rate, and some high-melting-point titanium alloys have low viscosity, leading to significant heat loss during crucible tilting. Furthermore, the crucible tilting and centrifugal casting method places extremely high demands on mold design and speed control, easily causing stress concentration, resulting in high mold costs, high power consumption, and a tendency for elemental segregation in the castings. Therefore, it is necessary to explore new technical solutions to improve the flow and filling efficiency of the molten material and the quality of the castings, while simultaneously increasing the material utilization rate of titanium alloy components. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a method, apparatus, and method for confirming the radius of a flow guide tube for preparing titanium alloy components. It can improve the existing casting method that combines melting with crucible tilting and gravity, which has the technical problems of long filling time and serious heat loss. It can also improve the problems of stress concentration and element segregation caused by centrifugal casting, thereby improving the quality of castings.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for preparing a titanium alloy component, comprising the following steps: Based on the predetermined melting power P1 of the raw materials, the raw materials are melted in stages until the heating temperature reaches the predetermined casting temperature T, and the melted raw materials are kept warm. Determine the melting power P2 of the plugging material, and melt the plugging material in stages based on the melting power P2 until the plugging material is completely melted within a predetermined time period. The staged melting of the plugging material based on the melting power P2 includes: Blocking Stage 1: Before all the raw materials are melted, the blocking material is preheated by gradually increasing the power from 1%P2 to 50%P2. Blocking Stage Two: When all the raw materials have melted, the power is gradually increased from 60%P2 to 70%P2 so that the blocking material reaches its melting point and begins to melt. Stage 3 of plugging: By gradually increasing the power from 100%P2 to 120%P2, the plugging material is completely melted; Apply negative pressure to the mold, and fill the mold with the molten plug material and the molten raw material under negative pressure.

[0006] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: Before all the raw materials are melted, the plug is gradually preheated with a power of 1-50%P2, which can appropriately raise the temperature of the plug in advance, facilitating subsequent melting. The plug melting stage one overlaps with the raw material melting stage, which can shorten the melting time. The plug melting stage two further increases the temperature of the plug, making the temperature of the plug close to the melting point. At the same time, the increased plug temperature can indirectly keep the bottom of the melted raw material warm, reducing heat loss from the bottom of the melt. In the plug melting stage three, the plug is rapidly melted under high temperature heating with a power of 100-120%P2, which opens the flow channel. Under negative pressure, the melted plug material and the melted raw material are quickly filled into the mold. This improves the existing casting method that combines melting with crucible tilting and gravity, which has the technical problems of long filling time and serious heat loss. It can also improve the problems of stress concentration and element segregation caused by centrifugal casting, and improve the quality of castings.

[0007] Based on the above technical solution, the present invention can be further improved as follows.

[0008] Furthermore, the process of melting the raw materials in stages based on the predetermined melting power P1 until the heating temperature reaches the predetermined casting temperature T, and then holding the melted raw materials at that temperature, includes: Raw material stage one: preheating the raw materials by gradually increasing the power from 1%P1 to 30%P1; Raw material stage two: The raw materials are heated by gradually increasing the power from 30%P1 to 70%P1 until they begin to melt and form an initial molten pool. Raw material stage three: The raw material is heated by gradually increasing the power from 70%P1 to 100%P1 until it is completely transformed into liquid metal and forms a uniform molten pool. The heating temperature reaches the predetermined casting temperature T, and the smelted raw materials are kept warm.

[0009] Furthermore, determining the melting power P2 of the plugging piece includes: The blockage piece is heated under the same working environment until its temperature rises to the melting point. Timing begins at this point, and heating continues until the blockage piece is completely melted within the predetermined melting time period. The melting power at this point is recorded as P2.

[0010] Secondly, the present invention provides a titanium alloy component preparation apparatus, applied to the aforementioned titanium alloy component preparation method, comprising: A crucible (1) with a primary coil (11) wound around its outer side. A flow guide tube (2) is vertically arranged and its upper end extends into the lower end of the crucible (1). The flow guide tube (2) is fitted with a heat insulation tube (21), and a secondary coil (22) is wound around the heat insulation tube (21). Mold (3), which opens upward and connects to the lower end of the guide tube (2); The suction casting pump (4) has a suction casting valve (41) connected to its inlet, and the inlet of the suction casting valve (41) is connected to the lower end of the mold (3).

[0011] Thirdly, the present invention provides a method for confirming the radius of a flow guide tube, comprising the following steps: The total weight of the molten metal inside the mold is determined using the following formula. : In the formula, V is the volume of the casting and gating system (m³). 3 L is the filling rate (%), and ρ is the density of the molten metal at the predetermined pouring temperature T (kg / m³). 3 ); The pouring time t is determined using the following formula: In the formula, K is a coefficient; The melt casting rate ν1 (kg / s) is determined according to the following formula: The volumetric flow rate Q (m³) is determined using the following formula. 3 / s): The flow outlet cross-sectional area S (m²) of the guide tube is determined according to the following formula. 2 ): In the formula, ν' is the average flow velocity of the melt in the guide tube (m / s), which can be determined by the following formula: In the formula, C1 is the flow rate coefficient, g is the gravitational acceleration, and h is the height from the surface of the melt in the crucible to the outlet of the guide tube. The radius R (m) of the guide tube is determined according to the following formula: In the formula, π is a constant, taken as 3.14. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the titanium alloy component preparation apparatus of the present invention; Figure 2 For the present invention Figure 2 Enlarged view of section A; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the product in Example 1 of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the product in Example 2 of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the product in Example 3 of the present invention.

[0013] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows: 1. Crucible; 11. Primary coil; 12. Melting chamber; 121. Infrared detector; 2. Guide tube; 21. Heat insulation tube; 22. Secondary coil; 23. Molding chamber; 24. Connector; 3. Mold; 4. Casting pump; 41. Casting valve. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The principles and features of the present invention are described below. The examples given are only for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0015] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for preparing titanium alloy components, as detailed below.

[0016] A method for preparing a titanium alloy component includes the following steps: Based on the predetermined melting power P1 of the raw materials, the raw materials are melted in stages until the heating temperature reaches the predetermined casting temperature T, and the melted raw materials are kept warm. Determine the melting power P2 of the plugging material, and melt the plugging material in stages based on the melting power P2 until the plugging material is completely melted within a predetermined time period. The staged melting of the plugging material based on the melting power P2 includes: Blocking Stage 1: Before all the raw materials are melted, the blocking material is preheated by gradually increasing the power from 1%P2 to 50%P2. Blocking Stage Two: When all the raw materials have melted, the power is gradually increased from 60%P2 to 70%P2 so that the blocking material reaches its melting point and begins to melt. Stage 3 of plugging: By gradually increasing the power from 100%P2 to 120%P2, the plugging material is completely melted; Apply negative pressure to the mold, and fill the mold with the molten plug material and the molten raw material under negative pressure.

[0017] Before all the raw materials are melted, the plug is preheated with 1-50% P2 power to appropriately raise its temperature in advance, facilitating subsequent melting. The plug melting stage one overlaps with the raw material melting stage, which can shorten the melting time. The plug melting stage two further increases the plug temperature, bringing it close to the melting point. At the same time, the increased plug temperature can indirectly keep the bottom of the melted raw material warm, reducing heat loss from the bottom of the melt. In the plug melting stage three, the plug is rapidly melted under high temperature with 100-120% P2 power, opening the flow channel. Under negative pressure, the molten plug material and the molten raw material are quickly filled into the mold. This improves the existing casting method that combines melting with crucible tilting and gravity, which has the problems of long filling time and serious heat loss. It can also improve the stress concentration and element segregation problems caused by centrifugal casting, thus improving the quality of the casting.

[0018] In this embodiment, the material of the plug is the same as that of the raw material to ensure that the mold filling is performed after the plug and the raw material have melted. The thickness of the plug is 6-10mm. When the plug thickness is below this range, the temperature of the melt inside the crucible is high, and melt-through is likely to occur before the melt temperature reaches the pouring temperature, resulting in substandard casting quality. When the plug thickness is above this range, the melting time of the plug increases after the melt temperature reaches the pouring temperature. To maintain the melt temperature for a long time, the power supply needs to maintain a high power output, reducing the power supply lifespan. Furthermore, prolonged high power output consumes a lot of electricity, which is not conducive to cost savings.

[0019] It should be noted that during the preparation stage, after the fully alloyed raw material is placed inside the crucible, it is essential to ensure that the bottom of the raw material presses down on the blockage in the guide tube. The furnace door should then be closed, and a vacuum operation should be performed on the furnace body, with a vacuum degree ≤ 5 × 10⁻⁶. -2 After the furnace reaches the specified vacuum level, inert argon gas is introduced into the furnace before melting begins. During the melting process, the raw materials are melted in an oxygen-free environment.

[0020] When heating the raw material, it is heated directly against the bottom of the block. Directly heating the raw material against the bottom of the block ensures that the lower part of the raw material melts smoothly. Once the block is melted, the solution can be smoothly discharged under negative pressure, while the solid titanium ingot above gradually slides downwards due to its own gravity, continuously entering the heating zone. Simultaneously, heating the raw material against the bottom of the block transfers heat to the block, creating preliminary preheating and further shortening the melting time and improving efficiency.

[0021] The predetermined pouring temperature T is 50-60°C higher than the alloy liquidus temperature of the raw materials. This ensures the fluidity of the raw material solution, allowing the melt to flow smoothly into the mold, while preventing excessive thermal erosion of the mold surface and reducing its service life. Specifically, when the predetermined pouring temperature T is below this range, the melt viscosity is high, resulting in poor fluidity and hindering melt flow into the mold. When the predetermined pouring temperature T is above this range, the melt experiences a stronger cooling effect on the mold surface after flowing into the mold cavity, leading to greater localized equivalent stress in the casting and a higher tendency for hot cracking. Furthermore, the higher the melt temperature, the stronger the thermal erosion effect on the mold surface, reducing the mold's service life.

[0022] In this embodiment, the steps include: based on the predetermined melting power P1 of the raw materials, melting the raw materials in stages until the heating temperature reaches the predetermined casting temperature T, and then holding the melted raw materials at a constant temperature. Raw material stage one: preheating the raw materials by gradually increasing the power from 1%P1 to 30%P1; Raw material stage two: The raw materials are heated by gradually increasing the power from 30%P1 to 70%P1 until they begin to melt and form an initial molten pool. Raw material stage three: The raw material is heated by gradually increasing the power from 70%P1 to 100%P1 until it is completely transformed into liquid metal and forms a uniform molten pool. The heating temperature reaches the predetermined casting temperature T, and the smelted raw materials are kept warm.

[0023] In this way, by heating the raw materials in stages, the temperature of the raw materials can be continuously increased until they melt. In the first stage of heating, the raw materials show signs of softening but have not yet melted, and the titanium ingot is slowly guided into the hot working state. In the second stage of heating, the temperature of the raw materials gradually increases and begins to melt, forming an initial molten pool. In the third stage of heating, the raw materials are completely melted.

[0024] The heating time for the first stage of raw material processing is 8-10 minutes, the heating time for the second stage is 6-10 minutes, and the heating time for the third stage is 6-10 minutes. This ensures that the raw materials are fully preheated and enter the hot processing state, and that the raw materials melt completely and smoothly within the sufficient heating time period.

[0025] In this embodiment, the step of determining the melting power P2 of the plugging piece includes: The blockage piece is heated under the same working environment until its temperature rises to the melting point. Timing begins at this point, and heating continues until the blockage piece is completely melted within the predetermined melting time period. The melting power at this point is recorded as P2.

[0026] Thus, by controlling the temperature of the plugging plate to reach the melting point, and determining the P2 obtained by completely melting the plugging plate within a predetermined time period, the plugging plate can be processed using this P2. This ensures that the melting of the plugging plate can be completed quickly within the predetermined time period during the melting operation of the plugging plate stage three, reducing the time required to keep the raw material solution warm and lowering costs.

[0027] In this embodiment, the heating time for the first stage of the plugging process is 6-10 minutes, and the heating time for the second stage of the plugging process is 10-20 minutes. This ensures that the plug is fully preheated and enters the hot processing state, and that the plug's temperature rises smoothly to its melting point within the sufficient heating time period.

[0028] In this embodiment, the step of applying negative pressure to the mold and filling the mold with the molten plugging material and the molten raw material under negative pressure includes: A real-time negative pressure of 0.02-0.09 MPa is applied to the mold, and this real-time negative pressure is proportional to the material filling speed. Under negative pressure, the material quickly completes filling and solidification, ensuring filling quality and reducing heat loss from the melt during filling. When the real-time negative pressure is below this range, the initial velocity of the melt pouring is low, the pouring time is long, and heat loss from the melt is more severe. When the real-time negative pressure is above this range, the melt flow velocity is high, and some melt flow even transforms into a jet, resulting in strong splashing upon contact with the mold. This exacerbates cold shuts on the casting surface and significantly affects the surface quality of the casting.

[0029] By employing the aforementioned titanium alloy component preparation method, and through controlling the casting temperature, molten metal flow rate, and flow rate, defects such as shrinkage cavities and porosity are controlled while achieving good mold filling. By controlling the melting heating power and adjusting the thickness of the melt conduction control plug, as well as synergistically regulating the heating power of the crucible coil and the secondary flow guiding coil, the casting temperature and melt holding time (ensuring uniform melt temperature) are controlled. By adjusting the negative pressure suction casting pressure and the diameter of the flow guiding tube, and considering the high viscosity of the titanium alloy melt, the flow rate and flow rate of the molten metal are controlled to achieve stable mold filling and obtain a clean, high-temperature titanium alloy melt.

[0030] Secondly, the present invention provides a titanium alloy component preparation apparatus, as detailed below.

[0031] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 An apparatus for preparing titanium alloy components, using the titanium alloy component preparation method described in the first aspect, includes: Crucible 1, with a primary coil 11 wound around its outer side; The guide tube 2 is vertically arranged and its upper end extends into the lower end of the crucible 1. The guide tube 2 is fitted with a heat insulation tube 21, and the heat insulation tube 21 is wound with a secondary coil 22. Mold 3, which opens upward and connects to the lower end of guide tube 2; The suction casting pump 4 has a suction casting valve 41 connected to its inlet, and the inlet of the suction casting valve 41 is connected to the lower end of the mold 3.

[0032] During preparation, the plug is placed at the upper opening of the guide tube 2, and the raw material is placed in the crucible 1, pressing the raw material down onto the plug. Then, the primary coil 11 is energized to heat and melt the raw material in the crucible 1 in stages until the heating temperature reaches the predetermined casting temperature T. The melted raw material is then kept at a constant temperature. Before the raw material is completely melted, the secondary coil 22 is energized to preheat the plug with a power of 1-50%P2. During the second stage of the plug melting process, the suction casting pump 4 is simultaneously turned on. In the third stage of the blockage process, the blockage is rapidly melted under high temperature by using 100-120% P2 super power P2, which makes the guide pipe 2 open. At this time, the suction casting valve 41 is opened so that the molten blockage material and the molten raw material are rapidly filled into the mold 3 under negative pressure. This improves the technical problems of long filling time and serious heat loss in the existing casting method that combines melting and crucible tilting and gravity. It can also improve the problems of stress concentration and element segregation caused by centrifugal casting and improve the quality of castings.

[0033] The primary coil 11 is electrically connected to a first power source, and the secondary coil 22 is electrically connected to a second power source. A casting hole is provided at the bottom of the mold 3 to connect to the casting valve 41 via a pipe. The guide pipe 2 is made of graphite material, and the heat insulation pipe 21 is a ceramic heat insulation pipe.

[0034] The titanium alloy component preparation device also includes a melting chamber 12, a forming chamber 23, and a connector 24. The crucible 1, the primary coil 11, the guide pipe 2, the heat insulation pipe 21, and the secondary coil 22 are all installed in the melting chamber 12. The mold 3 is located in the forming chamber 23. The connector 24 has a vertical through-opening structure, and its upper end extends into the melting chamber 12 and connects to the lower end of the guide pipe 2. Its lower end connects to the forming chamber 23 and is vertically opposite to the upper opening of the mold 3.

[0035] The melting chamber 12 is used to seal the crucible 1, and a vacuuming process is performed before starting the melting process to improve safety and ensure melting quality. At the same time, the molding chamber 23 is used to seal the mold 3 to ensure the success rate of alloy preparation.

[0036] Based on the above embodiment, the crucible 1 has a through-hole, and the lower opening size is larger than the upper opening size. The primary coil 11 is wound around the lower end of the crucible 1, and the lower end is on the same horizontal plane as the upper opening of the hole, so as to ensure that the bottom of the raw material can be heated by the energization of the primary coil 11.

[0037] The guide tube 2 is T-shaped, and the heat insulation tube 21 is fitted onto the small-diameter end of the guide tube 2 and abuts against the shoulder of the large-diameter end of the heat insulation tube 21. The guide tube 2 and the heat insulation tube 21 are inserted downward into the inlet of the crucible 1 and extend downward out of the crucible 1. The large-diameter end of the guide tube 2 hangs on the bottom of the crucible 1 and protrudes. The sum of the mass of the raw material and the plug is greater than the sum of the mass of the casting and the gating system, so as to form a pouring allowance located inside the crucible 1 to ensure that the amount of casting entering the mold 3 is sufficient.

[0038] The upper opening of the guide tube 2 is a funnel-shaped structure to facilitate the stable insertion of the plug.

[0039] The secondary coil 22 is wound around the outer wall of the heat insulation tube 21 and is located on the lower side of the crucible 1. When the secondary coil 22 is energized, heat is transferred upward through the heat insulation tube 21 and the guide tube 2, heating the plug at the upper opening of the guide tube 2. It should be noted that, using the casting method of the present invention, in the third stage of plugging, the plug is heated by gradually increasing power of 100-120%P2, which can ensure that the plug is completely melted.

[0040] Based on the above embodiment, the connector 24 extends into the upper side wall of the melting chamber 12 and forms a detection port through the opening. An infrared detector 121 is provided on the inner wall of the melting chamber 12. The infrared detector 121 is communicatively connected to the suction casting valve 41 so as to detect whether the melt flows down. The infrared detector 121 is triggered at the moment the alloy melt flows down, thereby opening the suction casting valve 41. At this time, the melt flows into the mold 3 under a certain gas pressure to complete the filling of the casting.

[0041] It should be noted that during quality inspection, after the casting has cooled to room temperature, air can be introduced into the melting chamber 12, the melting chamber 12 can be opened, the titanium alloy casting can be taken out, and samples can be taken from three different locations on the titanium alloy casting to obtain its tensile strength, yield strength and elongation. Then, wire cutting longitudinal sectioning can be performed on the parts of the casting most prone to defects and hot spots to observe the shrinkage porosity of the casting.

[0042] By employing the aforementioned negative pressure suction casting process, the alloy melt can be filled and solidified under a certain gas pressure, increasing the initial velocity of the melt filling. Compared to the crucible-turning pouring method in a vacuum consumable furnace, negative pressure suction casting reduces heat loss during filling, resulting in a higher alloy temperature upon entering the mold and significantly reducing the risk of defects in the alloy casting. Furthermore, compared to traditional gravity casting, the melt in negative pressure suction casting is affected by pressure, improving the alloy melt's filling capacity and enhancing the filling integrity of thin-walled alloy castings, thus reducing the casting difficulty of thin-walled titanium alloy castings. Compared to centrifugal casting, the melt obtained through vacuum suspension melting has a uniform chemical composition. Under negative pressure, the castings do not exhibit elemental segregation due to centrifugal force. Moreover, the design of negative pressure suction casting molds is relatively simple. In centrifugal casting, the fluid velocity is very high under centrifugal force, making the casting prone to stress concentration. Under negative pressure, the solidification structure of the casting is uniform, dense, and of high quality.

[0043] Furthermore, this device utilizes electromagnetic levitation melting technology to achieve partial contact melting of metallic materials in a high-vacuum environment, producing 5-20 kg of clean, high-temperature melt in a single batch. This is particularly suitable for the small-batch precision casting needs of aerospace precision parts, biomedical implants, and other small alloy castings. It is worth emphasizing that this process system achieves closed-loop material management throughout the entire casting process. Auxiliary structural components such as risers and runners in the gating system can be mechanically separated and returned to the melting furnace for secondary melting after casting. Because the vacuum levitation melting process does not introduce new impurity elements and effectively eliminates segregation in the castings, the metallurgical quality of the recycled material is completely equivalent to that of the virgin material. Actual production verification shows that through this recycling model, the comprehensive material utilization rate can reach 90-95%.

[0044] Economically, this process has multiple advantages: firstly, the ultra-low material loss characteristics significantly reduce the cost of using precious metal alloys; secondly, the small-batch rapid melting capability (single furnace melting time is about 40-60 minutes) can flexibly meet the customized production needs of multiple varieties and small batches.

[0045] This embodiment takes the preparation of Ti-2Al-Nb rods as an example and provides the following two comparative examples to further explain the present invention.

[0046] To further illustrate the above-mentioned solution of the present invention, this application provides supplementary explanation through the following melting process of two raw materials of different weights and the completion of negative pressure suction casting operation.

[0047] Smelting process 1 Taking the preparation of Ti-2Al-Nb rods as an example, the element mass ratio is 0.46:0.11:0.43, the total mass is 7.7 kg, and the predetermined melting power P1 is 350 kW.

[0048] Melting and heating process: A cylindrical metal plug with a diameter of 19mm and a height of 8mm and a graphite guide tube with a diameter of 18mm and stepped grooves with a diameter of 19mm and a height of 8mm are fabricated. Then, the pre-melted titanium ingot is placed inside the crucible, with the bottom ingot pressing down on the cylindrical metal plug in the guide tube. The furnace door is closed, and a vacuum operation is performed on the furnace body, with a vacuum degree ≤5×10⁻⁵. -2 Once the furnace reaches the specified vacuum level, argon gas with a purity higher than 99.999% is introduced into the furnace to begin melting.

[0049] The first power source smelting process parameters are: The first power source has a melting power of 6kW and a heating time of 2min; The first power source has a melting power of 16kW and a heating time of 2min; The first power source has a melting power of 27kW and a heating time of 2min; The first power source has a melting power of 38kW and a heating time of 2 minutes; The first power source has a melting power of 58.5kW and a heating time of 2 minutes; The first power source has a melting power of 78.5kW and a heating time of 2 minutes; The first power source has a melting power of 104.5kW and a heating time of 2 minutes; The first power source has a melting power of 130.5kW and a heating time of 2 minutes; The first power source has a melting power of 170kW and a heating time of 2 minutes; The first power source has a melting power of 225kW and a heating time of 2 minutes; The first power supply has a melting power of 268kW. After continuous heating to the specified casting temperature, the second power supply is turned on at its highest power until the block is melted and the molten liquid flows out, after which heating is stopped. The second power supply is turned on simultaneously with the first power supply. The smelting process parameters for the second power supply are as follows: The second power source has a melting power of 5kW and a heating time of 1 minute and 30 seconds; The second power source has a melting power of 13kW and a heating time of 1 minute and 30 seconds. The second power source has a melting power of 23kW and a heating time of 1 minute and 30 seconds. The second power source has a melting power of 33kW and a heating time of 15min30s; At this point, it was observed that the molten metal had completely turned into a liquid state. The melting power of the second power source was adjusted to 45kW until the blockage was melted.

[0050] Melt casting process: After the plug melts, the melt enters the mold under the action of gravity to form the entire gravity casting process.

[0051] Next, the entire bar is axially sectioned using wire cutting, resulting in a casting as shown. Figure 3 As shown, due to the rapid change in the melting power of the second power source, the heating rate of the plug increases too quickly. The plug completely melts before the molten metal reaches the predetermined pouring temperature, causing the crucible and the guide pipe to become completely connected. The molten metal fills the mold solely under gravity. This can be observed... Figure 3 The resulting castings had numerous shrinkage cavities and air holes on the top, with the shrinkage cavities being quite large, which severely affected the quality of the castings.

[0052] Melting process 2 Taking the preparation of Ti-2Al-Nb rods as an example, the element mass ratio is 0.46:0.11:0.43, the total mass is 7.7 kg, and the predetermined melting power P1 is 350 kW.

[0053] Melting and heating process: A cylindrical metal plug with a diameter of 19mm and a height of 8mm and a graphite guide tube with a diameter of 18mm and stepped grooves with a diameter of 19mm and a height of 8mm are fabricated. Then, the pre-melted titanium ingot is placed inside the crucible, with the bottom ingot pressing down on the cylindrical metal plug in the guide tube. The furnace door is closed, and a vacuum operation is performed on the furnace body, with a vacuum degree ≤5×10⁻⁵. -2 Once the furnace reaches the specified vacuum level, argon gas with a purity higher than 99.999% is introduced into the furnace to begin melting.

[0054] The first power source smelting process parameters are: The first power source has a melting power of 6kW and a heating time of 2min; The first power source has a melting power of 13.5kW and a heating time of 2 minutes; The first power source has a melting power of 24kW and a heating time of 2min; The first power source has a melting power of 37.5kW and a heating time of 2 minutes; The first power source has a melting power of 57kW and a heating time of 2 minutes; The first power source has a melting power of 77kW and a heating time of 2 minutes; The first power source has a melting power of 104kW and a heating time of 2 minutes; The first power source has a melting power of 130.5kW and a heating time of 2 minutes; The first power source has a melting power of 170kW and a heating time of 2 minutes; The first power source has a melting power of 220kW and a heating time of 2 minutes; The first power source has a melting power of 264kW and a heating time of 2 minutes; The first power source has a melting power of 305.5kW and a heating time of 2 minutes; The first power supply has a melting power of 350kW. After continuous heating to the specified casting temperature, the second power supply is turned on at its highest power until the plug melts and the molten liquid flows out, then heating is stopped. The second power supply is turned on simultaneously with the first power supply. The smelting process parameters for the second power supply are as follows: The second power source has a melting power of 5kW and a heating time of 1 minute and 30 seconds; The second power source has a melting power of 8kW and a heating time of 1 minute and 30 seconds. The second power source has a smelting power of 12kW and a heating time of 1 minute and 30 seconds. The second power source has a melting power of 16kW and a heating time of 1 minute and 30 seconds; The second power source has a melting power of 21kW and a heating time of 2min; The second power source has a melting power of 31kW and a heating time of 16min; At this point, it was observed that the molten metal had completely turned into a liquid state. The melting power of the second power source was adjusted to 45kW until the blockage was melted.

[0055] Melt casting process: After the block melts, the infrared signal of the infrared detector 121 is transmitted to the liquid flow monitoring system, which opens the casting valve and completes the entire negative pressure casting process.

[0056] Next, the entire bar is axially sectioned using wire cutting, resulting in a casting as shown. Figure 4 As shown, there are no obvious macroscopic defects inside the casting, and the maximum shrinkage porosity is within 0.5mm, which meets the performance requirements of bar castings.

[0057] Smelting process 3 Taking the preparation of Ti-2Al-Nb rods as an example, the element mass ratio is 0.46:0.11:0.43, the total mass is 6.0 kg, and the predetermined melting power P1 is 310.5 kW.

[0058] Melting and heating process: A cylindrical metal block with a diameter of 19mm and a height of 7mm and a flow guide tube are prepared. The flow guide tube has an inner diameter of 18mm and a stepped groove with a diameter of 19mm and a height of 7mm. The pre-melted titanium ingot is placed inside the crucible, with the bottom ingot pressing down on the cylindrical metal block in the flow guide tube. The furnace door is closed, and a vacuum operation is performed on the furnace body, with a vacuum degree ≤5×10⁻² Pa. After the furnace body reaches the specified vacuum degree, argon gas with a purity higher than 99.999% is introduced into the furnace body, and melting begins.

[0059] The first power source smelting process parameters are: The first power source has a melting power of 6kW and a heating time of 2min; The first power source has a melting power of 13kW and a heating time of 2min; The first power source has a melting power of 24kW and a heating time of 2min; The first power source has a melting power of 40.5kW and a heating time of 2 minutes; The first power source has a melting power of 60kW and a heating time of 2 minutes; The first power source has a melting power of 82kW and a heating time of 2min; The first power source has a melting power of 108.5kW and a heating time of 2 minutes; The first power source has a melting power of 140kW and a heating time of 2 minutes; The first power source has a melting power of 170kW and a heating time of 2 minutes; The first power source has a melting power of 223kW and a heating time of 2min; The first power source has a melting power of 267kW and a heating time of 2min; The first power supply has a melting power of 310.5kW. After continuous heating to the specified casting temperature, the second power supply is turned on at its highest power until the plug melts and the molten liquid flows out, after which heating is stopped. The second power supply is turned on simultaneously with the first power supply. The melting process parameters for the second power supply are as follows: The second power source has a melting power of 5kW and a heating time of 1 minute and 30 seconds; The second power source has a melting power of 9kW and a heating time of 1 minute and 30 seconds. The second power source has a melting power of 13kW and a heating time of 1 minute and 30 seconds. The second power source has a melting power of 18kW and a heating time of 1 minute and 30 seconds; The second power source has a melting power of 22kW and a heating time of 2min; The second power source has a melting power of 30kW and a heating time of 12min; At this point, it was observed that the molten metal had completely turned into a liquid state. The melting power of the second power source was adjusted to 45kW until the blockage was melted.

[0060] Melt casting process: After the block melts, the infrared signal is transmitted to the liquid flow monitoring system, which opens the casting valve and completes the entire negative pressure casting process.

[0061] Quality inspection process: The entire bar is axially sectioned by wire cutting, and the resulting casting is as follows. Figure 5 As shown, there are no obvious macroscopic defects inside the casting.

[0062] Thirdly, the present invention provides a method for confirming the radius of the guide tube in the titanium alloy component preparation apparatus, as detailed below.

[0063] A method for confirming the radius of a flow guide tube in a titanium alloy component manufacturing apparatus includes the following steps: Determine the total weight of the molten metal inside the mold according to formula (A). (kg), represented by formula (A): (A) In the formula, V is the volume of the casting and gating system (m³). 3 L is the filling rate (%), and ρ is the density of the molten metal at the predetermined pouring temperature T (kg / m³). 3 According to formula (A), based on the molten metal density ρ, filling rate L, and the volume V of the casting and gating system determined by the molten metal, the total weight of the molten metal inside the mold is calculated. (kg).

[0064] The pouring time t(s) is determined according to formula (B), which is expressed as: (B) In the formula, K is the coefficient ( For light castings (generally less than 1000 kg), K is 1.63 when the casting wall thickness is 2.5-3.5 mm; 1.85 when the casting wall thickness is 3.5-8 mm; and 2.2 when the casting wall thickness is 8-15 mm. For heavy castings (generally greater than 1000 kg), K is 1.1 when the casting wall thickness is less than 10 mm; 1.4 when the casting wall thickness is 10-20 mm; 1.7 when the casting wall thickness is 20-40 mm; and 1.9 when the casting wall thickness is greater than 40 mm. The melt casting rate ν1 (kg / s) is determined according to formula (C), which is characterized as follows: (C) Determine the volumetric flow rate Q (m³) according to formula (D). 3 / s), formula (D) is characterized as: (D) The cross-sectional area S (m²) of the flow guide tube is determined according to formula (E). 2 Formula (E) is represented as: (E) In the formula, ν' is the average flow velocity of the melt in the guide tube (m / s), which can be determined by formula (F), which is characterized as: (F) In the formula, C1 is the flow rate coefficient, usually taken as 0.95-0.99, g is the gravitational acceleration, and h is the height from the surface of the melt in the crucible to the outlet of the guide tube; The radius R (m) of the guide tube is determined according to formula (G), which is expressed as: (G).

[0065] In the formula, π is a constant, taken as 3.14.

[0066] By selecting a suitable inner diameter for the guide tube 2, the mold 3 can be filled smoothly.

[0067] Fourthly, the present invention provides an electronic device, as detailed below.

[0068] An electronic device includes a processor and a memory, and may further include one or more of an information input / output (I / O) interface, a communication component, and a communication bus.

[0069] The processor controls the overall operation of the electronic device to complete all or part of the steps in the above-described method for preparing titanium alloy components. The memory stores various types of data to support the operation of the electronic device. This data may include, for example, instructions for any application or method operating on the electronic device, as well as application-related data. The memory can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as one or more of Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0070] The I / O interface provides an interface between the processor and other interface modules, such as a keyboard, mouse, and buttons. These buttons can be virtual or physical. The communication component is used to test wired or wireless communication between the electronic device and other devices. Wireless communication includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), 2G, 3G, or 4G, or a combination thereof. Therefore, the corresponding communication component may include: a Wi-Fi component, a Bluetooth component, and an NFC component.

[0071] A communication bus can include a pathway for transmitting information between the aforementioned components. The communication bus can be a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus or an EISA (Extended Industry Standard Architecture) bus, etc. Communication buses can be categorized into address buses, data buses, control buses, etc.

[0072] The electronic device can be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other electronic components to execute the metal liquid flow control method for negative pressure suction casting given in the above embodiments.

[0073] Electronic devices can include, but are not limited to, mobile terminals such as digital broadcast receivers, PDAs (personal digital assistants), and PMPs (portable multimedia players), as well as fixed terminals such as digital TVs and desktop computers, and can also be servers.

[0074] Fifthly, the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium, as detailed below.

[0075] A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the above-described method for preparing titanium alloy components.

[0076] The computer-readable storage medium may include various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0077] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0078] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0079] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0080] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0081] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0082] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for preparing a titanium alloy component, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Based on the predetermined melting power P1 of the raw materials, the raw materials are melted in stages until the heating temperature reaches the predetermined casting temperature T, and the melted raw materials are kept warm. Determine the melting power P2 of the plugging material, and melt the plugging material in stages based on the melting power P2 until the plugging material is completely melted within a predetermined time period. The staged melting of the plugging material based on the melting power P2 includes: Blocking Stage 1: Before all the raw materials are melted, the blocking material is preheated by gradually increasing the power from 1%P2 to 50%P2. Blocking Stage Two: When all the raw materials have melted, the power is gradually increased from 60%P2 to 70%P2 so that the blocking material reaches its melting point and begins to melt. Stage 3 of plugging: By gradually increasing the power from 100%P2 to 120%P2, the plugging material is completely melted; Apply negative pressure to the mold, and fill the mold with the molten plug material and the molten raw material under negative pressure.

2. The method for preparing a titanium alloy component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The predetermined melting power P1 based on the raw materials involves melting the raw materials in stages until the heating temperature reaches the predetermined casting temperature T, and then holding the melted raw materials at that temperature, including: Raw material stage one: preheating the raw materials by gradually increasing the power from 1%P1 to 30%P1; Raw material stage two: The raw materials are heated by gradually increasing the power from 30%P1 to 70%P1 until they begin to melt and form an initial molten pool. Raw material stage three: The raw materials are heated by gradually increasing the power from 70%P1 to 100%P1 until they are completely transformed into liquid metal and a uniform molten pool is formed. The heating temperature reaches the predetermined casting temperature T, and the smelted raw materials are kept warm.

3. The method for preparing a titanium alloy component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heating time for the first stage of raw material is 8-10 minutes, the heating time for the second stage of raw material is 6-10 minutes, and the heating time for the third stage of raw material is 6-10 minutes.

4. The method for preparing a titanium alloy component according to claim 1, characterized in that, When heating the raw materials, the raw materials are heated against the bottom of the block.

5. The method for preparing a titanium alloy component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The determination of the melting power P2 of the plugging piece includes: The blockage piece is heated under the same working environment until its temperature rises to the melting point. Timing begins at this point, and heating continues until the blockage piece is completely melted within the predetermined melting time period. The melting power at this point is recorded as P2.

6. The method for preparing a titanium alloy component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating time for the first stage of the blocking process is 6-10 minutes, and the heating time for the second stage of the blocking process is 10-20 minutes.

7. The method for preparing a titanium alloy component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of applying negative pressure to the mold to fill it with the molten plugging material and the molten raw material includes: A real-time negative pressure of 0.02-0.09 MPa is applied to the mold, and the real-time negative pressure is proportional to the filling speed of the material.

8. The method for preparing a titanium alloy component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The predetermined casting temperature T is 50-60°C higher than the alloy liquidus temperature of the raw materials.

9. A titanium alloy component preparation apparatus, applied to the titanium alloy component preparation method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, include: A crucible (1) with a primary coil (11) wound around its outer side. A flow guide tube (2) is vertically arranged and its upper end extends into the lower end of the crucible (1). The flow guide tube (2) is fitted with a heat insulation tube (21), and a secondary coil (22) is wound around the heat insulation tube (21). The mold (3) opens upward and connects to the lower end of the guide tube (2); The suction casting pump (4) has a suction casting valve (41) connected to its inlet, and the inlet of the suction casting valve (41) is connected to the lower end of the mold (3).

10. The titanium alloy component manufacturing apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a melting chamber (12), a forming chamber (23), and a connector (24). The crucible (1), the primary coil (11), the guide pipe (2), the heat insulation pipe (21), and the secondary coil (22) are all installed in the melting chamber (12). The mold (3) is located in the forming chamber (23). The connector (24) has a vertical through-opening structure, and its upper end extends into the melting chamber (12) and connects to the lower end of the guide pipe (2). Its lower end connects to the forming chamber (23) and is vertically opposite to the upper opening of the mold (3).

11. A method for confirming the radius of a guide tube in a titanium alloy component manufacturing apparatus as described in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The total weight of the molten metal inside the mold is determined using the following formula. : In the formula, V is the volume of the casting and gating system (m³). 3 L is the filling rate (%), and ρ is the density of the molten metal at the predetermined pouring temperature T (kg / m³). 3 ); The pouring time t is determined using the following formula: In the formula, K is a coefficient; The melt casting rate ν1 (kg / s) is determined according to the following formula: The volumetric flow rate Q (m³) is determined using the following formula. 3 / s): The flow outlet cross-sectional area S (m²) of the guide tube is determined according to the following formula. 2 ): In the formula, ν' is the average flow velocity of the melt in the guide tube (m / s), which can be determined by the following formula: In the formula, C1 is the flow rate coefficient, g is the gravitational acceleration, and h is the height from the surface of the melt in the crucible to the outlet of the guide tube. The radius R (m) of the guide tube is determined according to the following formula: In the formula, π is a constant, taken as 3.14.

Images