Custom Titanium CNC Machining Made Easy

6-in-1-Titanium-Dab-Nail-Anodized-Leaf-Pattern

Why Choose Titanium?

Titanium isn’t just a metal—it’s a game-changer for industries where failure isn’t an option. From jet engines racing through the stratosphere to life-saving implants in the human body, titanium delivers unmatched performance. Here’s why innovators choose titanium.

How To Get Different Colors?

Titanium anodizing grows a thin oxide layer on the surface. Light bends and reflects through this layer, creating colors through light interference (like oil on water!). Higher voltage = thicker oxide layer = different colors.

Voltage-to-Color Cheat Sheet

Voltage RangeColor Palette
10–20VGold, Bronze, Champagne
25–50VPurple, Blue, Teal
50–80VGreen, Turquoise, Magenta
80–110VPink, Yellow, Electric Blue

Note: Exact hues vary with titanium grade, surface finish, and electrolyte (e.g., baking soda vs. sulfuric acid).

About Titanium​

Titanium​ Properties

Titanium is a lightweight, high-strength metal prized for its exceptional performance in demanding industries.

Lightweight: Density of ~4.5 g/cm³ (about 60% of steel).

High Strength: Tensile strength ranges from 200 MPa to over 1400 MPa (depending on alloy grade).

Corrosion Resistance: Forms a passive oxide layer, resisting rust and chemicals.

Heat Resistance: Melting point of ~1,668°C (3,034°F), stable in extreme temperatures.

Biocompatibility: Non-toxic and compatible with human tissue.

Grades of Titanium​

The Most Popular Materials​

We carry two grades of titanium for CNC machining:

Titanium Gr5 Ti-6Al-4V TC4

High strength-to-weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance, heat resistance (up to 400°C), and biocompatibility.

Applications: Aerospace components, medical implants, marine hardware, and high-performance automotive parts.

Titanium Grade 2 - TA2

Commercially pure titanium, has moderate strength, superior ductility, and exceptional corrosion resistance.

Applications: Chemical processing equipment, marine components, architectural structures, and heat exchangers.

Titanium Grade 1​ - TA1

It is the highest purity (99.5% Ti), the softest and most ductile titanium grade, and has excellent formability and corrosion resistance.

Applications: Jewelry, Cutery, Chemical tanks, desalination plants, cryogenic systems, and decorative architectural elements.

Titanium Application

  • Jewelry (ring, necklace)
  • Cutlery (spoon, spork, chopsticks)
  • Outdoor tools
  • Screw, fastener, bolts
  • Medical (dental implant screw)
  • Surgical tools
  • Aerospace area (propeller)
  • Tennis rackets
  • Goalie masks
  • Bicycle frames
  • And more…

Finishes and Post-Processing Options

We offer a wide range of surface finishes applicable to titanium. 

Titanium anodizing is an electrochemical process that creates vibrant, durable colors on titanium surfaces by controlling the oxide layer’s thickness via applied voltage. This non-toxic, eco-friendly treatment enhances both aesthetics and functionality.

Color Spectrum & Voltage Control

Voltage Range: Colors are determined by the voltage applied during anodizing (typically 10–110V):

  • Gold/Yellow: 10–20V
  • Purple/Violet: 20–30V
  • Royal Blue: 30–50V
  • Teal/Turquoise: 50–70V
  • Pink/Rose Gold: 70–90V
  • Green/Deep Blue: 90–110V
  • Custom Patterns: Masking or multi-voltage techniques create gradients, stripes, or logos.

 

sand blasting

Bead blasting is a surface finishing process used in CNC turning to clean, polish, or texturize a metal surface by blasting it with spherical media, typically glass beads. This process is commonly used to enhance the appearance and performance of CNC-turned parts.

Bead blasting effectively removes surface contaminants, such as dirt, scale, and oxidation, resulting in a clean and pristine surface.

In one word, bead blasting hides minor machining marks, improves tactile feel and aesthetic consistency.

tumbled finish is a surface treatment method used to smooth, deburr, and refine machined or fabricated parts by placing them in a rotating barrel (tumbler) filled with abrasive media. This process is ideal for achieving a uniform, matte texture while removing sharp edges and minor imperfections.

1. Process:

Parts are loaded into a tumbler with abrasive pellets, ceramic chips, or polishing compounds. The barrel rotates slowly (typically 10–50 RPM) for hours or days, depending on the desired finish. Friction between the parts and media gently wears down surfaces, edges, and burrs.

2. Surface Result:

Smooth, Satin-like Texture: Non-reflective, even appearance with softened edges.

Deburring: Removes micro-burrs left by machining or stamping.

PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is an advanced thin-film coating process used to apply ultra-durable, decorative, or functional layers to materials like metals, plastics, and ceramics. It involves vaporizing a solid material in a vacuum chamber and depositing it as a thin, uniform coating on the target substrate.

The coating material (e.g., titanium, chromium, zirconium) is vaporized via sputtering (ion bombardment) or thermal evaporation (high-temperature heating), vaporized atoms condense onto the substrate, forming a dense, adherent layer (typically 0.1–5 μm thick).

About Timascus

Timascus​ Properties

Timascus (Titanium Damascus) is a premium layered composite material crafted from alternating titanium alloys (e.g., Grade 2, Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V) through high-temperature diffusion bonding or forging. Renowned for its striking visual patterns and performance, it combines aesthetics with advanced engineering.

Timasucs is a beautiful material after burning.

What Timascus Looks Like?

Timascus Application

  • Jewelry (ring, necklace)
  • EDC Gear
  • Outdoor tools
  • Gifts
  • Medical (dental implant screw)
  • Surgical tools
  • And more…
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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).
GradePropertiesMachinabilityCommon Uses
Grade 2Pure Ti, ductileExcellentMedical implants, marine parts
Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V)High strengthModerateAerospace, automotive
Grade 23ELI (Extra Low Interstitials)PoorMedical devices

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?

MaterialStrengthWeightMachinabilityCost
Titanium★★★★★★★★★☆★★☆☆☆$$$$
Aluminum★★☆☆☆★★★★★★★★★★$$
Steel★★★★☆★★☆☆☆★★★☆☆$$$

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.

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