Process parameter influence on Electro-sinter-forging (ESF) of titanium discs

Electro-sinter-forging (ESF) is a sintering process based on the resistance heating principle, which makes it faster than conventional sintering. The process is investigated as a function of the main process parameters, namely compacting pressure, electrical current density and sintering time. The present work is focused on analysing the influence of these process parameters on the final density of a disc sample made from commercially pure titanium powder. Applying the design of experiments (DoE) approach, the electrical current was seen to be of largest influence. The maximum obtained density was 94% of the bulk density of pure titanium. Density measurements were carried out by measuring the mass and volume separately. The volume was estimated applying two methods, namely the Archimedes’ suspension method and 3D scanning to build and measure the volume mesh of the sample. The density calculations proved to be compatible.