Titanium Turning

The low thermal conductivity of these materials does not allow the heat generated during machining to dissipate from the tool edge.

The high work-hardening tendency of titanium alloys can also contribute to the high cutting forces and temperatures that may lead to depth-of-cut notching.

Alpha-Beta (α-ß) Alloys

These alloys feature both a α and ß phase and contain both α and ß stabilizers.The simplest and most popular alloy in this group is Ti6Al4V, which is primarily used in the aerospace industry. Alloys in this category are easily formable and exhibit high room-temperature strength and moderate high-temperature strength. The properties of these alloys can be altered through heat treatment. 

Beta (ß) Alloys

Beta (ß) Alloys Beta (ß) alloys contain transition metals, such as V, Nb, Ta, and Mo, that stabilize the ß-phase. Examples of commercial ß alloys include Ti11.5Mo6Zr4.5Sn, Ti15V3Cr3Al3Sn, and Ti5553. Beta alloys are readily heat-treatable, generally weldable, and have high strength. Excellent formability can be expected in the solution treated condition. However, ß alloys are prone to ductile-brittle transition and thus are unsuitable for cryogenic applications. Beta alloys have a good combination or properties for sheet, heavy sections, fasteners, and spring applications. 

High-chemical reactivity of titanium alloys causes the chip to weld to the tool, leading to cratering and premature tool failure.

In addition, the chip-tool contact area is relatively small, resulting in large stress concentration due to these higher cutting forces and temperatures resulting in premature failure of the cutting tool.

The machining of flight critical components (engine rotatives) at never seen before production rates requires reliable, high precision tooling for semi-finishing and finishing turning operations.

Process security to avoid any damage to the part requires advanced chip breaker technologies.

• Tool stiffness/stability
• Heat management
• Coolant flow
• Grade toughness
• Heat resistant coating
• Chemically resistant coating
• Low cutting force micro edge geometry
• High metal removal rates