Properties and applications of three recently introduced heat-treatable beta titanium alloys (Beta III, 8Mo-8V-2Fe-3Al, and 38644) are discussed. This class of alloys offers properties significantly different from those of the common alpha-beta grades. The beta alloys are cold workable, simply heat treatable to high strengths even in heavy sections, and very tough. Actual and potential applications include fasteners, sheet metal parts, tubing, and heavy section parts.
Three new deep-hardenable alpha-beta grades (6Al-2Sn-4Zr-6Mo, 6Al-6V-4Zr-4Mo, and IMI 680) are discussed in less detail. These alloys are less hardenable and lower in fracture toughness than the beta grades, but have higher heat treated tensile ductility.
