Melting and casting of titanium alloys

Over the past decades, a large number of researchers have been trying titanium alloys in an attempt to combine most of their advantages, such as high specific yield strength, good corrosion resistance, excellent fatigue property and biocompatibility by casting route. However, the wide use of titanium alloys casting has been limited, since it is considered as only a near net shape forming process in titanium alloys due to the catastrophic reactivity of molten states, the alpha-case formations and the casting defects. In order to maximize the unique property of titanium alloys casting which are comparable to wrought products and quite often superior, it is necessary to take a close examination of titanium alloys casting procedure. Therefore, the merits and demerits of various melting devices, pouring methods and mold materials will be addressed with regard to improving titanium alloys casting.