What Is Face Milling? Process and Best Practices
Face milling is a cutting process in CNC machining used to remove material from the surface of a workpiece to...
Titanium CNC Machining Service
Opt for RapidDirect’s unparalleled engineering expertise for superior Titanium CNC components. Beat competition with our innovative solutions with quick prototypes and production parts.
Titanium in CNC Machining
Titanium is often the optimal choice for CNC machined parts in specialized applications. It boasts an impressive strength-to-weight ratio, being 40% lighter than steel. This makes titanium ideal for high-tech industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical technology, and energy. It is available in pure and alloyed forms, with pure titanium containing trace amounts (less than 1%) of iron and oxygen. Advanced alloys significantly enhance titanium’s overall strength. As an advanced material, titanium offers exceptional corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and strength-to-weight characteristics. These unique properties make it an ideal choice for addressing the engineering challenges faced by the medical, aerospace, energy, and chemical processing industries.
| Price: | $$$$$ |
| Lead Time: | < 10 days |
| Wall Thickness: | 0.75 mm |
| Tolerances: | ±0.005″ (±0.125mm) |
| Max Part Size: | 200 cm x 80 cm x 100 cm |
| Available Titanium at RapidDirect: | Titanium Alloy TA1, Alloy TA2, Alloy TC4/Ti-6Al 4V |
Titanium Alloy TA1
Grade 1 titanium, also known as commercially pure titanium, is a soft and ductile alloy composed of 99% titanium with trace amounts of other elements. It exhibits high corrosion resistance, making it a preferred choice in the medical and dental industries due to its excellent biocompatibility. It is among the softest and most ductile titanium alloys, facilitating ease in forming and welding processes.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 170 - 275 | 240 | 20 - 30 | 120 - 160 | 4.51 |
Titanium Alloy TA2
This grade is a pure (99%) form of unalloyed titanium, offering excellent corrosion resistance and easier machinability than other titanium alloys. TA2 balances strength and ductility, making it ideal for applications requiring moderate mechanical properties with excellent corrosion resistance. It is often used in pressure vessels, marine environments, and medical implants.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 275 - 380 | 240 - 260 | 20 - 28 | 160 - 200 | 4.51 |
Titanium Alloy TC4/Ti-6Al 4V
Titanium Grade 5, known as Ti 6Al-4V, is the most widely used titanium alloy. It primarily consists of aluminum and vanadium, with small amounts of nickel, palladium, and ruthenium to enhance its corrosion resistance beyond standard titanium. This alloy is significantly stronger than Grade 2 and maintains its corrosion-resistant properties across a broad temperature range. Grade 5 is commonly used in engine components and aircraft airframes due to its strength and durability.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 830 - 900 | 510 | 10 - 15 | 330 - 340 | 4.43 |
Surface Finishing Options for Titanium
Surface finishing enhances the durability and aesthetics of custom titanium parts, providing additional protection against corrosion and wear. At RapidDirect, we offer various surface finishing options tailored to your needs, ensuring your components achieve the desired look and functionality. They include polishing, anodizing, passivation, powder coating, bead blasting, and more. Each finish provides distinct advantages, ensuring you can choose the option that best meets your requirements.
As machined
Titanium parts can be left with a machined finish, showing tool marks and no additional treatment.
Polishing
Polishing can be used on titanium to achieve a smooth, reflective surface, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
Sand Blasting
Sandblasting is suitable for titanium, giving it a matte, textured finish.
Tumbling
Tumbling smooths out the surface of titanium, often leaving it with a matte finish.
Electropolish
Electropolishing can give titanium a bright, reflective finish and improve its corrosion resistance.
Alodine
Although primarily for aluminum, some Alodine treatments can be applied to titanium for corrosion protection.
Anodizing
Titanium can be anodized, producing vibrant colors and enhancing corrosion resistance, commonly used in medical and decorative applications.
Electroless Nickel
Electroless nickel plating can be applied to titanium for improved wear resistance and corrosion protection.
Painting
Titanium can be painted for additional protection and customization, although it is not commonly used due to titanium’s inherent corrosion resistance.
Powder Coating
Powder coating offers a durable and customizable finish for titanium, providing excellent protection against wear and corrosion.
Brushed Finish
Brushing titanium creates a fine, linear texture, often for decorative purposes.
Brushed Finish
Brushing creates a textured finish on bronze, often giving a matte, linear appearance, used for decorative purposes.
Pros and Cons of
Titanium CNC Machining
Titanium machining offers numerous benefits, making it a popular choice in industries that require robust and reliable components. However, it also presents specific challenges that must be addressed during machining.
Pros
- High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Titanium provides excellent strength while being significantly lighter than steel.
- Corrosion Resistance: Exceptional corrosion resistance, ideal for harsh environments.
- Biocompatibility: Titanium is ideal for medical industry applications due to its high biocompatibility and non-toxic characteristics.
- Durability: Titanium exhibits exceptional durability, making it well-suited for manufacturing CNC-machined titanium parts that endure harsh or extreme operating conditions.
- Low Thermal Expansion: Maintains stability under temperature changes.
- Non-magnetic: Titanium lacks magnetic properties and boasts excellent oxidation resistance, rendering it highly resistant to corrosive forces.
Cons
- High Chemical Reactivity: Reactions with gases can cause surface oxidation and embrittlement, weakening components and reducing corrosion resistance.
- Heat Buildup: Managing heat buildup is critical due to titanium’s low thermal conductivity, which can accelerate tool wear and affect cut surface quality.
- Higher Cutting Forces: High cutting forces required for titanium alloys can lead to increased tool wear, part defects, and vibrations, impacting overall product quality and surface finish.
- Residual and Hardening Stresses: Titanium alloys’ crystalline structure limits flexibility during machining, increasing cutting forces and the risk of residual stresses.
Applications of
CNC Machined Titanium Parts
CNC-machined titanium parts are exceptionally versatile and serve various industries. The precision and accuracy inherent in CNC machining processes enable the production of intricate and complex titanium components with tight tolerances. This ensures they meet the stringent requirements of critical applications across different sectors.
- Aerospace: Aircraft components, landing gear, and engine parts benefit from titanium’s strength and lightweight.
- Medical: Surgical implants and instruments leverage titanium’s biocompatibility.
- Automotive: Engine valves, connecting rods, and suspension components use titanium for its high strength-to-weight ratio.
- Marine: Propeller shafts and underwater fittings take advantage of titanium’s corrosion resistance.
- Sporting Goods: Bicycle frames and golf clubs benefit from titanium’s durability and lightweight nature.
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FAQs
The recommended cutting speed for titanium machining generally ranges from 40 to 70 meters per minute (130 to 230 feet per minute). It varies based on the alloy and machining conditions. Generally, Lower speeds are recommended to minimize heat buildup and tool wear, ensuring precise and effective machining.
Titanium can be CNC machined effectively, although it requires specific techniques and tools. Sharp carbide tools and appropriate cooling methods are essential to handle its low thermal conductivity and prevent tool wear. The cutting speed and RPM must also be adequate to ensure effective machining.
The RPM for titanium machining ranges from 1,500 to 3,000, but it’s crucial to adjust the speed based on the specific titanium alloy and machining operation. The RPM also depends on the cutting speed and tool diameter. Lower RPMs are often used to reduce heat and prolong tool life.
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