Titanium CNC Machining
Light as aluminum, strong as steel — the high-performance material.
Titanium — The Extreme Material
Titanium combines the strength of steel with the lightness of aluminum at only 4.5 g/cm³ density. It is corrosion-resistant against virtually all media — from saltwater to aqua regia — and biocompatible for medical implants.
In machining, titanium is the most demanding common material. Its extremely low thermal conductivity of only 7 W/mK (50× worse than aluminum) concentrates all heat at the cutting edge. Combined with high chemical reactivity, titanium machining becomes the ultimate discipline.
Titanium Alloys in Practice
| Alloy | Strength | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Ti Grade 2 (cp-Titanium) | 345 MPa | Chemical, medical, corrosion protection |
| Ti6Al4V (Grade 5) | 895 MPa | Aerospace, motorsport, implants |
| Ti6Al4V ELI (Grade 23) | 860 MPa | Medical implants |
Cutting Data — How We Machine Titanium
Machining titanium requires extreme care:
- Cutting speed: 30–60 m/min (milling), 40–80 m/min (turning) — significantly slower than steel
- Tools: Solid carbide with TiAlN or AlCrN coating, as few flutes as possible (2–3)
- Coolant: High-pressure coolant (40–70 bar) is virtually mandatory. Heat must be actively pushed away from the cutting edge
- Feed: Sufficiently high to cut below the work-hardened layer
- Machine stability: Maximum rigidity in clamping and toolholders
Golden rule: Never continue machining titanium with a dull tool. Change tools sooner rather than later — a broken end mill can destroy a €500 titanium workpiece.
Application Areas
- Aerospace — Structural parts, turbine blades, landing gear components
- Medical Technology — Hip and knee implants, screws, plates (biocompatible)
- Motorsport — Bolts, connecting rods, valve springs (weight reduction)
- Chemical Industry — Reactor vessels, piping (corrosion protection)
Frequently asked Questions
Why is titanium so expensive to machine?
Three factors: 1) Raw material price (3–10× more expensive than steel). 2) Extremely slow cutting speeds → long machine run times. 3) High tool wear. A titanium part can cost 5–10× more than the same part in steel.
Can titanium be welded?
Yes, but only under shielding gas (argon) or in vacuum. Above 400°C, titanium reacts with oxygen and becomes brittle. The weld seam must cool completely under argon protection.
What is the difference between Grade 2 and Grade 5?
Grade 2 (pure titanium) has ~345 MPa tensile strength and best corrosion resistance. Grade 5 (Ti6Al4V) has ~895 MPa and is used wherever high strength at low weight is needed — the aerospace standard.
Related Topics
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