Vacuum Creep Flattening

Vacuum Creep Flattening (VCF)

Vacuum Creep Flattening is used to produce stress-free plates for futher machining or processing.

Titanium and titanium alloys are generally difficult to straighten at room temperature due to high strength and springback characteristics.  Vacuum Creep Flattening is used to produce stress-free plates for futher machining or processing.  The plate is placed on a large, flat ceramic bed and heated while gradually being exposed to a vacuum.  Insulation is placed on top of the plate, and a plastic sheet is sealed to the frame. The plate is then exposed to atmospheric pressure again, deformed and flattened.

Design Advantages:

• Produces plates that are flat and small in springback during later fabrication processes
• Relieves internal and residual stresses
• Relatively free from oxidation and contamination

Business Advantages:

• Vacuum Creep Flattening allows for flattening while annealing, combining two steps in the fabrication process
• Potential savings by reducing complications in later fabrication processes

Related Markets:

Aerospace

RTI is the leading supplier of specialty metals for the aerospace industry and has an unbeatable range of manufacturing capabilities, product forms, and service offerings.

Defense

Technologies pioneered by RTI have made the defense industry more capable, deployable, and sustainable.

Energy

RTI International Metals is the sole company specializing in the energy market with in-house core competency in titanium and specialty metals.  Get the focus, the dedicated thinking, and the market-specific innovation you need.

Medical

Titanium is resistant to attack by body fluids, has high strength and is compatible with MRI and CT procedures which makes it a useful material for medical devices.

Performance Sports

Titanium has attractive characteristics, such as high strength-to-wight ratio and corrosion resistance, that are highly valuable in many different types of sports applications.

Contact RTI to see how this process can benefit your project.