Custom Titanium CNC Machining Made Easy

Titanium’s high strength-to-weight ratio, low thermal conductivity, and work-hardening tendency make it notoriously difficult to machine.

Key Challenges:

• Heat buildup causing tool wear.
• Chip evacuation issues leading to recutting.
• Galling and adhesion on cutting tools.

Here is the Solutions:

• Use carbide tools with TiAlN/TiCN coatings (e.g., Kennametal KCU10).
• Optimize coolant flow (high-pressure through-tool systems).
• Reduce cutting speeds (< 60 m/min for roughing).

Pro Tip: Grade 2 is easiest for complex geometries; Grade 5 requires rigid setups.

Design Optimization:

• Avoid thin walls (<1.5mm) to minimize vibration.
• Use standard tolerances (IT8-IT10) unless critical.

Tooling Strategy:

• High-efficiency milling (HEM) with trochoidal toolpaths.
• Tool recycling programs (e.g., Sandvik Coromant PrimeTurning™).

Material Savings:

• Near-net-shape preforms (forgings or wire-arc additive parts).

Tool Recommendations:

• End mills: 4-6 flutes, 30° helix angle (e.g., Iscar HELIDO series).
• Inserts: Positive rake geometry, sharp edges.

Cutting Parameters:

• Speed: 20–60 m/min (varies by grade).
• Feed: 0.1–0.2 mm/tooth.
• DOC: 0.5–2× tool diameter.

Critical Note: Always prioritize chip control over speed.

Titanium chips are flammable under high heat. Mitigate risks with:

Coolant: Water-soluble fluids (5–10% concentration).

Chip Management:

• High-pressure coolant (>1,000 psi) to break chips.
• Avoid dry machining for prolonged operations.

Shop Safety:

• Class D fire extinguishers on-site.
• Regular chip bin emptying.

Titanium vs. Aluminum vs. Steel: Which is Better for CNC?

Titanium: High-performance aerospace/medical parts.

Aluminum: Rapid prototyping & lightweight structures.

Roughing: Use variable-helix end mills to reduce harmonics.

Finishing:

• 0.1–0.3mm radial engagement.
• 10–15% stepover.
• Mist coolant for minimal thermal shock.

Post-Processing:

• Vibratory finishing (ceramic media).
• Electropolishing for Ra <0.4μm.

Dry machining is possible but not recommended due to:

• Rapid tool wear (3–5× faster).

• Increased fire risk.
  Exceptions:

• Micro-machining with cryogenic cooling (liquid nitrogen).

• Short-run prototyping with ceramic tools.

Titanium is most used for three industries:

• Aerospace: Turbine blades, landing gear (Ti-6Al-4V).

• Medical: Spinal implants, surgical instruments (Grade 23).

• Automotive: Valve springs, exhaust systems (Grade 9).

Top Suppliers:

• VSMPO-AVISMA (Russia, aerospace-grade).
• ATI Metals (USA, AMS-certified stock).
• Baoji Titanium (China, cost-effective Grade 2/5). –

Certifications:

ASTM B348 (bars), AMS 4928 (sheet).

• • Mill test reports (MTRs) for traceability.