CNC Machining with Titanium Explained

With its silvery color and impressive properties, titanium deserves its reputation as a “space-age metal.” While space exploration and aerospace engineering have undoubtedly leveraged its strengths, the applications of titanium stretch beyond the skies. Want to make the most of titanium for your next CNC machining project? This article highlights some of the most important things you need to know before working with titanium. Since the material can be expensive, it’s best to get everything right to prevent re-dos.

Why Titanium? The Key Benefits of CNC Machined Titanium Parts

Titanium’s appeal lies in a set of characteristics that make it incredibly unique. Strength and Lightweight: Titanium boasts an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. This means that while titanium parts can boast the tensile strength that rivals certain steels, they do so at about half the weight. For industries where every gram counts, this is a game-changer. Corrosion Resistance: Dive into the deepest parts of the ocean, and you’ll find submarines and marine equipment built with titanium. Why? Its outstanding ability to resist corrosion from seawater. Biocompatibility: Titanium’s biocompatibility has given hope to countless individuals in the form of medical implants and prosthetics. Resilience in Heat: Jet engines and rocket components deal with extreme temperatures. Titanium’s high melting point makes it perfect for this task. Cost Considerations: Titanium is undoubtedly pricey. However, based on its longevity, durability, and the fact that it might outlast alternatives, it promises cost savings in many long-term applications.

Popular Titanium Alloys for CNC Machining

Titanium alloys are especially useful in aerospace. Titanium is versatile, and its various alloys are a testament to that. By introducing different elements, metallurgists have tailored titanium to fit specific needs. Titanium Grade 5 (Ti6Al4V): This alloy is a jack-of-all-trades, striking a balance between strength and ductility. Thanks to its versatility, it’s ideal for CNC machining. Titanium Grade 2: Purity is Grade 2’s hallmark. While it might not boast the strength of some other alloys, its remarkable corrosion resistance and weldability make it a popular choice. Titanium Grade 7 and Grade 23: With enhanced corrosion resistance and purity, they cater to niche needs, whether resisting acids or constructing medical implants.

Challenges of CNC Machining Titanium

Every metal has its quirks, and titanium is no exception. Machining titanium requires a blend of expertise and patience. Fortunately, our experienced team of experts and fully-vetted supply chain ensures the highest quality for your CNC machined titanium parts. Here are some of the things we take care of during titanium projects: Managing Heat: Titanium doesn’t dissipate heat swiftly, unlike metals like aluminum. This localized heat buildup can hasten tool wear. Combatting this Tackling Tool Wear: Titanium is robust. While that’s excellent for the end product, it does mean that tools can wear out faster. The solution? Tools made of durable carbide or those with coatings tailored for titanium machining. Contending with Flexibility: Titanium’s strength might suggest rigidity but can exhibit flexibility, leading to vibrations during machining. It’s essential to have robust work-holding systems and machinery to cope with this nuance.

Use Titanium for Your Next Project

The world of engineering and design is about pushing boundaries. Materials like titanium are essential to make that happen. Are you wondering what metal is suitable for your application? At MakerVerse, we understand the nuances of the full range of materials for CNC machining. Get started on our platform and let our team know what you want. We’re happy to work together to see your project through.