Common Uses of Machining Titanium
Machining titanium requires coated carbide tools that will resist the stickiness of the alloy and break up the long chips. The tool coating also helps to manage the heat produced with machining. Keeping radial engagement low is important to counteract the effects of heat generation and work hardening tendency.
Titanium is used in a wide variety of applications because of its versatility and strength. It has a very high strength-to-weight ratio, about half the weight of copper and only slightly more than half that of stainless steel. It is much less dense and has a high level of heat and corrosion resistance. It even has several properties of biomedical compatibility that make it ideal for medical use. Titanium and titanium alloys are used in applications such as aerospace engineering, military and biomedical fields to improve strength and various properties.
Titanium Varieties
Titanium comes in many varieties, including nearly 40 ASTM grades, as well as several other alloys. grades 1 through 4 are considered commercially pure titanium, with varying requirements for ultimate tensile strength. grade 5 (Ti6Al4V or Ti 6-4) is the most common combination, alloyed with 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium. Although titanium and its alloys are often grouped together, there are some key differences between them that must be noted before determining the ideal processing method.
Why Titanium is So Difficult to Machine
The properties that make titanium such a beneficial and high-performance metal are also the same properties that make it difficult to machine. Just like with aluminum and aluminum alloys, up to 90% of the material may require milling and turning to produce the final part.
Titanium alloys have a low Young's modulus, which can cause springback and chatter during machining. This can result in poor surface quality in the finished product.
Due to the high work-hardening tendencies of titanium and the viscous nature of the alloy, long, continuous chips can form during turning and drilling, which can entangle the tool and affect functionality. This virtually eliminates the possibility of automated titanium machining.
Despite these setbacks, there are technologies that can make titanium machining easier.
Common Uses For Machining Titanium
Military: Titanium is commonly found in missiles and artillery. It can also provide coverage for submarines and ground vehicles with its excellent ballistic protection.
Marine: Titanium also performs well in the sea. Its corrosion resistance makes it well suited to combat the forces of seawater. Various shipbuilding components, such as propellers and ballast, it also reduces weight.
Medical: Titanium even has a place in the human body. It is commonly used in implanted devices such as hip and knee joints, bone plates and pacemakers. It also facilitates osseointegration, or the connection between bones and other objects.
Dentistry: Titanium is also frequently used in dentistry for reasons similar to those of medical applications. Dental implants, as well as bridges and crowns, are some common uses.
Sports: Some consumer products that use titanium include sports equipment. Most people benefit from the metal's lightweight properties.
Jewelry: Jewelry is also using titanium, primarily because of its weight and its attractive color. Watches, eyeglass frames and wedding rings are popular accessories that use it
For more help with processing titanium, contact SanwoMetal with experienced engineers for a customized titanium solution.
