Many machine shops hesitate to work with this cutting-edge material because of the difficulties of titanium machining. However, due to its exceptional qualities, many manufacturers are opting to use titanium to produce high-quality parts. Fortunately, skilled CNC machinists and tool manufacturers have developed useful tips on machine titanium.
Fasten Parts Securely
Anything you can do to lessen vibration will make machining titanium easier because titanium is already prone to creating tool chatter. To prevent deflection in the workpiece, fasten parts securely. Additionally, utilize top-notch CNC machines with extremely rigid tooling arrangements. To minimize tool deflection, you may even consider adopting shorter cutting tools.
Choose the Right Cutting Tool
Due to the rising demand for titanium, tool makers are developing novel strategies to increase titanium’s machinability. Cutting tools with coatings made of titanium carbo-nitride (TiCN) or heat-resistant titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) can last longer.
Overall, machinists should pick titanium-specific tools of superior quality and regularly inspect and replace worn-out equipment. Also, consider using a tool with a smaller diameter and more cutting edges to help ensure the workpiece removal rate remains steady while limiting heat buildup.
Consider Cutting Parameters
Temperature control must be used carefully when machining titanium. Applying steady, high-pressure coolant directed at the cut region is one of the most straightforward ways to keep the workpiece and tooling cool. The chips won’t stick to your machining tools if you blast them out of the cut region.
Additionally, when working with titanium, it’s crucial to consider your feed rates, spindle speeds, and chip loads. This entails limiting the stress placed on tools and equipment and avoiding staying too long in one place. An alternate cutting strategy, such as increasing axial cut depth while decreasing radial engagement, may also be worth investigating to increase cutting effectiveness and lower machining temperatures.
Prevent Overheating By Using High-Pressure Cooling System
Titanium finishing demands a very tiny percentage of the tool’s radius to be in touch, a super-sharp, very little feed per tooth. But, it will lead to heat is difficult to remove from the work area. If left, it will eventually ruin our cutting tools, and heat effects will make maintaining tolerances challenging. Therefore, when cutting titanium, use the best coolant setup possible.
An effective aid is a high-pressure cooling system. A spindle could also be essential, depending on the application. Increasing coolant concentration may also prove beneficial when working with titanium.
