In order to optimize fabrication, considerations must be given to the grade or alloy, heat treatment and crystal structure. Titanium can usually be cold worked on equipment designed for stainless steel. Press brakes used for forming sheet, shears, cold rolls, hydro press forming, drawing and pilgering can all be used. The majority of aircraft and some industrial components require hot working to overcome springback, minimize stresses and to reduce the high forming forces needed for titanium alloys. Casting, forging, hot forming and other elevated temperature processes, play an important roll in providing shapes with desired properties and maximum metal utilization.
Forgings are the workhorse of the aerospace industry with a wide range of sizes available.
New developments in precision forgings now provide near net shapes with improved material efficiencies. Extrusions and hot rolling are used to produce shapes. Hot forming of sheet and plate is extensively used for aircraft components. Superplastic forming under pressure and temperature has recently found growing acceptance. Diffusion bonding is often incorporated in the same process.