Titanium alloys were once the only choice for parts that withstand high dynamic loads and high operating temperatures in the aerospace industry. Now, titanium alloys have become 

mainstream materials and are widely used in many fields such as jewelry, sports equipment, surgical tools, racing car components, and other high-performance products.

What are the characteristics of titanium alloys?

Titanium alloys are known for their high melting point, high strength, and low density, which makes them a particularly difficult material to machine. This is mainly due to the following 

reasons:

Low thermal conductivity - Their low thermal conductivity increases the temperature of the tool cutting edge, causing rapid wear of the cutting tool and may cause plastic deformation of the 

cutting edge.

Chemical reactivity - Because of certain specific elements, their higher reactivity causes chemical reactions with the cutting tool, and pitting wear is a typical problem.

Strain hardening - Another challenge when machining titanium alloys is that they will work harden, forming a hardened surface during machining, which can cause notch wear at the cutting 

depth.

Hot hardness - Finally, the low elastic modulus and high strength of titanium alloys at high temperatures further reduce their machinability.

Tips for machining titanium alloys

Due to the extremely low thermal conductivity of the material, the use of high-pressure coolant is recommended.

Cutting speeds depend on the strategy, but are generally relatively low, ranging from 50 m/min (conventional strategies) to 150 m/min (high-speed or advanced roughing strategies).

Due to the plasticity and high chemical reactivity of the material, the use of positive geometries with strong cutting edges is highly recommended. PVD coatings of AlTiN and AlCrN are both 

suitable for titanium alloy machining and have been successful in this field.

Use the largest possible corner radius, as this tool feature will spread the cutting forces and heat generated during cutting over a larger portion of the cutting range, reducing wear and 

increasing tool life.

When milling on older equipment, keep the cutting width to no more than 30% of the tool diameter to control heat generation and tool wear.

When roughing in milling applications, when high metal removal rates are required, high-torque machines are generally recommended.

Ensure that high temperatures (over 600°C) are not generated in the cutting area, as this will cause an "alpha shell" on the material surface and may result in a shortened part life. High-speed 

cutting strategies are preferred only when high-pressure coolant is used.

When machining on new equipment, use advanced dynamic turning and dynamic milling strategies to minimize heat generation and tool wear.