The solidification structures and segregation of the VARcast ingots of alpha + beta titanium alloys were investigated by using a new etching technique and CMA analysis.Main results were summarized as follows:(1 ) The fine structures of the solidification were revealed by immersing the specimens in an advanced hydrofluoric acid etchant.( 2) The metallographic structures consist of the chilled layer, the columnar grain structure in its inner zone and the equi-axis grain structure in the central zone. To prevent segregation, the authors proposed a melting method in which faster solidification is maintai ned by maki ng the edge d iameter of the consumableelectrodes smal ler, as the hot-toppi ng of VAR.

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