CNC Machining Titanium

Titanium is a unique material that can be used in many different ways. It’s super strong, very light, and doesn’t easily rust. These unique qualities of titanium and its mixtures make them great for creating rapid prototyping. Titanium properties include:

Higher Strength-to-Weight Ratio

One of titanium’s most notable attributes is its exceptionally lightweight nature. Titanium has the most elevated strength-to-weight ratio of any element. Its density, which is 4.5g/cm3, is relatively lower than steel, which is 7.8g/cm3, and the strength of titanium is 288kNm/kg. These properties describe why titanium is the reason for the jet engines’ drive-to-weight ratio improvement. In the aerospace industry, this property translates to reduced fuel consumption and improved overall aircraft performance. Lightweight materials are of paramount importance when designing and manufacturing aerospace titanium parts.

Corrosion Resistance

Titanium’s resistance to corrosion is another standout characteristic. It can withstand exposure to hydrochloric acids, dilute sulfuric and chloride solutions, and most natural acids without rusting or deteriorating. This exceptional corrosion resistance is invaluable in medical titanium applications, where the metal is often employed in implants and surgical instruments that come into contact with bodily fluids. Maintaining its integrity and hygiene is a critical factor for these applications.

Biocompatibility

Biocompatibility is a crucial property that sets titanium apart in medical applications. It doesn’t provoke adverse reactions within the human body, making it an ideal choice for implants and prosthetic devices. This biocompatibility ensures that the body readily accepts titanium without causing harmful side effects, a prerequisite for any material used in medical procedures.

Thermal Properties

Despite its numerous advantages, titanium does present specific machining challenges. Titanium has a low thermal conductivity at 21.9 W/(m-K), which can result in heat buildup during the machining process. This heat can, in turn, compromise the quality of the finished product. Furthermore, titanium is notorious for its reactivity with cutting tools, accelerating titanium tool wear and requiring frequent changes.

Mechanical and Electrical  Properties

Titanium is quite ductile and has a tensile strength; its lowest yield of strength is around 240-241 MPa in pure grade 1. Its hardness is between 70-74, and its splitting toughness of 66 MPa-m1/2. Titanium pure grade 11 Young’s modulus of elasticity is 116 GPA and a shear modulus of 44 GPA.

Titanium is known for its lower electrical conductivity, which is 3.1% IACS. This is a downside that makes it unusable for electrical conductivity. However, the combination of its mechanical and physical properties compensates for such a downside.

Element Properties

A table showing the different properties of titanium and their corresponding values

Benefits of CNC Machining Titanium

High Precision

Material Efficiency

Complex Geometries

Repeatability

Surface Finish

Tool Life Management

Cost-Effective for Small to Medium Production Runs

Environmental Friendliness

If you have any prototyping project please feel free to contact: enquiry@abcrapid.com.