Lighter, greener and strong: developing light metals for application in the aerospace industry

Abstract

This presentation starts of by discussing the drivers of the international titanium industry, followed by drivers of the South African titanium industry. The Titanium Centre of Competence is then analysed. The conclusion is reached that the Titanium Centre of Competence has successfully aligned titanium related R&D across the country and focused these strongly on needs of the aerospace industry. The Investment Casting process for Titanium castings has also been successfully developed and packaged and the commercialisation effort has started. Adding to this, the patented CSIR Rheocasting technology for semi-solid metal casting of high strength aluminium alloys is also ready for commercialisation and offers interesting opportunities for aerospace application