Titanium: Son of the Earth - Part 2 [Best of 2016]

Titanium machining tips: Understanding how cutting tools, feeds and speeds, and tool paths can tame the difficult-to-cut metal.


Part 2 of a 3-part series on the history of titanium.

Anyone who’s stood in front of a lathe or machining center for any length of time knows titanium is a real bear to cut. It has several properties that make it an excellent choice for aerospace and medical components, but these same attributes may cause rapid wear for tools and nervous breakdowns for machine operators. Fortunately, the right mix of application knowledge and tooling can tackle even the gnarliest titanium. Success is largely a matter of selecting the right tools, using appropriate feeds and speeds, and generating toolpaths that protect the tool’s cutting edge and prevent shock to the workpiece, machine tool, and cutter. Here are some tips to set you on the right path:

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