Recent developments in the manufacturing of Low Cost Titanium Alloys

About a half dozen of so-called "Low Cost Titanium Alloys" were developed almost a decade ago being targeted to emerging markets such as automotive and armor applications. Initial efforts were focused on the formulation cost of alloys by increasing revert content or designing new alloys that require less expensive raw materials. None of these alloys were able to achieve a solid presence in these markets. More recently the environment for low cost titanium has been improving. Electron Beam Cold Hearth Melting is recognized as a versatile tool for low cost industrial applications as well as premium grade titanium alloys. The reduction of conversion cost is critical to an overall cost reduction. A combined effort to introduce new titanium alloys by vertical integrated teams with users and suppliers has started to open up the opportunities for low cost titanium alloys in cost sensitive applications. This paper will review and discuss the recent developments in the manufacturing of low cost titanium alloys.