The application of Titanium alloys is always interesting if combined requirements of elevated temperature, high stress and low weight are asked and if the cost of the part is not the crucial factor. Titanium sheet is e.g. about 100 times more expansive than steel. Titanium can favourably be used as a heat shield material for many applications. The design of heat shields is usually based on a self-stiffening geometry with some beads to avoid deflections and distortions when the heat flux hits the surface. Titanium heat shields made with SPF can be designed much more rigid as it would be posible with alternative processes. The SPF process allows complex shape and doesn´t restrict the designer. The parts don´t show residual stresses. From the process point of view the availibilty of Titanium material with low-temperature SPF and DB properties is mandatory for high quantity and low-cost production. The presses and the forming dies must show high functionality, easy and rapid part handling, etc. Design and material choice have to reflect the requirements during service, especially to avoid surface damage, warping and distortions of the parts during forming, handling and cooling. The choice and the application of the stop-off product and the cleaning procedure of the dies gets most important with extended production runs. The paper will highlight the mentioned aspects related to the a.m. heat shields and also to parent SPF production parts.
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