Super-plastic processing is a special method for shaping metals. Super-plastic processing of titanium is a very common process for making aircraft parts, allowing great efficiency in producing complex parts.
How does it work? The titanium sheet is placed between two plates, with the upper plate containing a plunger that diffuses argon gas. The material must be heated to the super-plastic processing state — for titanium that is 900°C. Simultaneously, while heating the sheet, the gas is injected and as a result the gas pressure pushes the sheet toward the lower plate which holds the desired shape.
The processing is done in a single operation and also saves welding, cutting and stress-relief steps. Of course it avoids the weakness effect in the weld zone known as HAZ. The significant advantage is savings in excess material compared to machining.
