Titanium Machining: Challenges and Best Practices

Titanium is highly machinable when you respect its quirks — and troublesome when you treat it like steel.

Why Titanium Is Challenging

• Low thermal conductivity concentrates heat at the cutting edge
• Work-hardens if the tool dwells or rubs
• Chemically reactive with tooling at high temperature
• Low modulus means it flexes — chatter risk

Best Practices

• Use sharp, coated carbide tools; replace before they dull
• Lower cutting speeds, higher feed to avoid dwelling
• Flood coolant generously and aim it at the cutting zone
• Maximise rigidity: short tools, solid workholding
• Climb mill where possible; avoid interrupted dwell

Grade Notes

CP grades (1-4) cut more easily than Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5/23), which is harder and more abrasive.

We CNC-machine titanium parts and assemblies to drawing — turning, milling, 5-axis, Wire EDM and finishing.