Abstract

A titanium alloy for forging and a pure titanium material for exhaust systems have been developed for the purpose of reducing the weight of a motorcycle frame and improving the engine performance. A feature of the material is the use of off-grade titanium sponge that includes many impurities for production of titanium ingot. Stable characteristics have been obtained by controlling oxygen equivalent after setting the volume of tolerable impurities by considering mechanical properties and productivity. In spite of low-cost, this material design provided the same design strength compared to the conventional material, and enabled production with existing equipment. Using this new material and changing the manufacturing and surface treatment process enabled us to provide titanium parts at a lower cost. This technology is a fundamental one for producing titanium raw material for motorcycles and automobile applications, and it is expected to apply to other titanium alloys.

References

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Author (organization or company)

• Yuji MARUI（Asaka R&D Center）
• Toyotaka KINOSHITA（Asaka R&D Center）
• Kyo TAKAHASHI（Asaka R&D Center）

Publication Information

Article of Honda R&D Technical Review Vol.14 No.1 (149 - 156)

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Citation Information