The long-term solution to stress in parts is to adjust upstream processes to prevent warpage in the first place. As in any problem situation, finding the root cause is paramount toward resolving the problem. There are three basic sources of stress that cause parts to warp. The first step towards solving warpage is to determine which of the three categories of stress the culprit is. The three source categories of stress and brief recommended process adjustments are:

1. Inherited stresses usually solved by making a trip to the material supplier.

2. Clamped-in stresses usually resolved by shimming or by changing the sequence of milling.

3. Machined-in stresses usually corrected by using sharp cutters and lots of coolant.

Most warpage problems can be solved or greatly improved.

The short-term solution to warped parts is to straighten them.

The Recipes chapter began with a discussion and definitions of general information pertinent to straightening warped titanium alloy parts. Six recipes for straightening titanium alloy parts were then presented in detail with additional information that will help you select the best recipe for a specific part.

Most straightening is done using two recipes:

1. Straightening in a gas furnace

2. Straightening in a vacuum furnace

I want to repeat three important points on furnace stress relief:

1. Cleanliness Keep furnace, fixtures, parts, and coupons clean and use white cotton gloves. Part contamination and alpha-case removal are expensive and can result in scrap if the part gets too thin.

2. Rule-of-thumb Apply the one-third to one-half rule when adding weights to straighten parts. Use enough...