Patent ID: 8499605

Claim:
A method for straightening a solution treated and aged titanium alloy form, comprising: heating a solution treated and aged titanium alloy form to a straightening temperature, wherein the straightening temperature comprises a straightening temperature in the α+β phase field in a straightening temperature range of 1100° F. (611.1° C.) below a beta transus temperature of the solution treated and aged titanium alloy form to 25° F. (13.9° C.) below an age hardening temperature of the solution treated and aged titanium alloy form; applying an elongation tensile stress to the solution treated and aged titanium alloy form for a time sufficient to elongate and straighten the solution treated and aged titanium alloy form to provide a straightened solution treated and aged titanium alloy form, wherein the straightened solution treated and aged titanium alloy form deviates from straight by no greater than 0.125 inch (3.175 mm) over any 5 foot length (152.4 cm) or shorter length; and cooling the straightened solution treated and aged titanium alloy form while simultaneously applying a cooling tensile stress to the straightened solution treated and aged titanium alloy form; wherein the cooling tensile stress is sufficient to balance a thermal cooling stress in the straightened solution treated and aged titanium alloy form and maintain a deviation from straight of no greater than 0.125 inch (3.175 mm) over any 5 foot length (152.4 cm) or shorter length of the straightened solution treated and aged titanium alloy form.