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PERFORMANCE TITANIUM GROUP

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AMS 4928W: What You Need to Know

In December 2017, SAE released an updated and much-needed version of AMS 4928. Before we dig into some major changes in AMS 4928W, let’s take a look at where AMS 4928V left off.

AMS 4928 is a specification for titanium bar, wire, forgings, flash-welded rings, and drawn shapes. AMS 4928 is specific to the 6AL-4V alloy.

AMS 4928V covered products up to 6” in diameter or least distance between parallel sides. However, it is commonly requested for products larger than 6” to be certified to AMS 4928. Since larger sizes were not specifically covered in the specification, AMS 4928V left it up to the purchaser and producer to determine what mechanical requirements could be satisfied for any products outside of the range identified in the specification. Usually manufacturers interpreted this as either (1) product manufactured in a size outside of the range of AMS 4928V would be manufactured to meet the properties of the largest size that is covered, or (2) since there are no specific requirements for products outside of the range of the specification, test results would be for information only, and not cause for rejection.

AMS 4928W recognizes that purchasers and end users are looking for assurances of what mechanical properties can be achieved in larger section sizes, by extending the coverage to 10” in diameter or least distance between parallel sides.  This allows titanium AMS 4928W products in this extended range to be certified without a “for information only” caveat; we now have firm requirements. For products larger than 10” diameter or least distance between parallel sides, the spec still does mandate the purchaser and producer to agree on the properties. [Read more…]

Understanding Specification MIL-T-9047 – Which Grade Do You Really Need?

MIL-T-9047 is a classic titanium specification covering aircraft quality Titanium and Titanium Alloy Bars (Rolled or Forged) and Reforging Stock.  It was cancelled in 2005 but it is so ingrained in the titanium industry, it seems it will never truly go away. This specification tends to be confusing to users, because it covers so many different types of titanium and different conditions. Rather than calling out an alloy, an old drawing may call out just a Type or a Composition.  We hope the following table will aid you in procuring the right type of titanium for your requirements.

The above table appears in the back of MIL-T-9047G (available for free download at http://quicksearch.dla.mil/qsSearch.aspx), but we like our version better. If you agree, you are welcome to email us at sales@performancetitanium.com and we will gladly share a copy.

Specification MIL-T-9047 was cancelled in February 2005. The last active revision was “G”. In the cancellation notice, future acquisition was directed to SAE AMS-T-9047, which is also now cancelled. If your contract requires use of the superseding specification, refer to this discussion for help.

Since the MIL-T-9047 specification has been used for decades, often times a drawing will call out an old Composition such as MIL-T-9047 Comp 6. Using the table above, we can determine that Comp. 6 is related to the alloy 6Al-4V, and the drawing is pulling from an older revision of the specification, either Revision D or F. It is unusual to procure material whose certifications will still use these older revisions, types and compositions. The certs will most likely display this alloy as 6AL-4V, MIL-T-9047G (the most recent revision of the cancelled specification).  Check with your Sales Rep if you have questions or reach us at Sales@performancetitanium.com.

Understanding MIL/AMS-T-9047 Supersession

In the early 1990’s, US Secretary of Defense, William J. Perry, was at the forefront of military specification reform. Perry encouraged the military to use Non-Government Standards and do away with outdated military specifications, asserting that doing so would reduce government oversight and lower costs.

This reform had a significant effect on one of the most common specifications used in titanium procurement: MIL-T-9047.  This specification covers aircraft quality, commercially pure and alloyed titanium rolled/forged bar, and reforging stock products.

In February 2005, MIL-T-9047G Amendment 2 was cancelled, and superseded by SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) AMS-T-9047.  AMS-T-9047 was a word-for-word translation of MIL-T-9047G AM.2, with minor editorial and format changes. AMS-T-9047 covered 16 grades of titanium, and multiple conditions, like its predecessor MIL-T-9047 did. SAE noted that the specification was too complex and would be better utilized if each spec and condition was broken out into its own AMS spec. In May 2006, AMS-T-9047A was cancelled and superseded by various specifications.

Many contracts still call out MIL-T-9047 and AMS-T-9047, and they continue to be certified by manufacturers.  If your contract requires use of the superseding specification, refer to the table below pointing to the Superseding Specifications for several material designations within AMS-T-9047.

If you would like help determining which grade or specification you need, give us a call at 888-772-8984 or email sales@performancetitanium.com and we can help.

FAQ: Exporting Titanium Products from the United States

We get a lot of questions about exporting titanium products such as titanium bar, sheet, and plates from the United States to a foreign country.  It’s no simple process, and it’s easy to slip into a violation of U.S. export control regulations.  Today, we’re doing a Q&A with Emmalie Armstrong from Export Solutions, Inc., to help educate us on the “do’s and dont’s” of exporting titanium.

PTG:  What’s the reason for the Export Administration Regulations (EAR)?
Emmalie Armstrong:  The EAR regulates the export of dual-use items.  These regulations are implemented by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) under the U.S. Department of Commerce.  The regulations exist for three main reasons: national security, as an element of foreign policy and also to control the spread of nuclear proliferation and weapons of mass destruction.  By having these regulations in place, the risk of diverting certain items to locations that are not in the best interest of the United States is minimized, and U.S. technology is protected.

PTG:  Any time a titanium product is exported from the U.S., it’s important for the “USPPI” (U.S. Principal Party in Interest) to gather information about the purchaser, the final end user of the titanium, and the end use application of the titanium.  Can you tell us why?
Emmalie Armstrong:  U.S. export regulations are far-reaching. Once a controlled item leaves the United States, the responsibility doesn’t end there. The controls follow that item around the globe. Knowing the end-user is a key part of export compliance. As the exporter (or USPPI), you are responsible to know the item’s ultimate destination and end-use to ensure that the shipment is complying with export regulations, and that the item is not destined for a prohibited location or end-use.

PTG:  OK, so once the USPPI has obtained the names and addresses of all of the parties related to the transaction, including the consignee, the end user, the freight forwarder, and any brokers, that information must be checked against the U.S. Government’s Restricted Parties Lists.  How does Export Solutions do this?
Emmalie Armstrong:  There are lots of tools to accomplish this.  The U.S. government publishes lists of countries, companies, and individuals throughout the world who are not allowed to participate in the export of restricted items, and in some cases, any items at all.  These entities are collectively referred to as “restricted parties.” Companies need to be aware of who they do business with in order to avoid violations.  At Export Solutions, we use a restricted party screening tool.  There are many vendors on the market who provide these tools.  However, the lists can also be found free of charge at:  http://2016.export.gov/ecr/eg_main_023148.asp. The key is to make sure that your item is not destined to an entity, person, or country that is restricted.  Using a tool reduces the amount of time spent searching through the multiple lists that exist throughout different agencies. [Read more…]

PERFORMANCE TITANIUM GROUP: A CUT ABOVE THE REST