Background and General Definitions

The following straightening methods are used and were developed by myself for titanium alloys. This chapter discusses details of preparation, criteria, and risks involved with each method for straightening. The goal of these steps is to help you identify the most appropriate straightening process for a given part situation.

The Boeing specification that I work to allows creep straightening during stress relief when allowed by drawing. At other times, straightening is done per instructions resulting from reject paperwork. These instructions allow straightening operations that vary from the normal processing steps processing steps that are outside of specification limits. These deviant steps must be coordinated and approved by engineering in specific cases, unless allowed by drawing.

The most common material straightened by myself was Ti-6Al-4V-ELI-BA; on fewer occasions, we have straightened Ti-6AL4V mill annealed and Ti-6Al-2Sn-2Zr-2Cr-2Mo-STA.