CNC Machining
Titanium
Titanium provides the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any metallic element. Highly resistant to corrosion and 100% biocompatible, it is the uncompromising choice for life-saving medical implants, high-performance aerospace fasteners, and elite motorsports components.
Core Mechanical Properties
Selecting between commercially pure (CP) titanium and alloyed titanium dictates the strength and machinability of your part. Below are the mechanical properties for the top three CNC machined grades.
| Titanium Grade | Yield Strength | Tensile Strength | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) | ~ 830 MPa | ~ 900 MPa | ~ 36 HRC |
| Grade 2 (Commercially Pure) | ~ 275 MPa | ~ 345 MPa | ~ 80 HRB |
| Grade 23 (Ti-6Al-4V ELI) | ~ 795 MPa | ~ 860 MPa | ~ 32 HRC |
International Grade Comparison
Use our cross-reference chart to match American standards (ASTM/UNS) with European (DIN/EN) and Chinese (GB) titanium material equivalents.
| ASTM / UNS (USA) | DIN / EN (Europe) | GB (China) | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 (R56400) | 3.7165 / Ti6Al4V | TC4 | The "workhorse" of titanium alloys. Accounts for 50% of total titanium usage worldwide. Exceptional strength, heat resistance, and weldability. |
| Grade 2 (R50400) | 3.7035 / Ti2 | TA2 | Commercially Pure (CP). Lower strength than Grade 5 but offers superior corrosion resistance, extreme ductility, and excellent formability. |
| Grade 23 (R56401) | 3.7165 (ELI) | TC4 ELI | Extra Low Interstitial (ELI). Extremely pure version of Grade 5 with superior damage tolerance and unmatched biocompatibility. The ultimate medical implant alloy. |
Hardcore Industrial Applications
From inside the human body to the vacuum of space, precision machined titanium components operate flawlessly where other metals fail.
Orthopedic Implants & Tools
Grade 23 titanium is completely non-toxic and non-allergenic. We machine intricate bone plates, spinal screws, and highly durable surgical instruments that fuse perfectly with human tissue.
Aerospace Fasteners & Structural Parts
Because it is 45% lighter than steel but equally as strong, Grade 5 titanium is the primary material for CNC turned aerospace fasteners, hydraulic fittings, and jet engine compressor blades.
High-Performance Motorsports
Reducing rotational mass is critical in racing. Precision milled titanium connecting rods, engine valves, and exhaust manifolds deliver explosive performance without sacrificing reliability.
Expert Machining Tips
Titanium has notoriously poor thermal conductivity, meaning cutting heat goes directly into the tool rather than the chips. Huade engineers apply stringent protocols to achieve tight tolerances:
- 1
High-Pressure, High-Volume Coolant
Heat is the enemy of titanium machining. We use ultra-high-pressure through-spindle coolant to forcefully blast heat away from the cutting zone, preventing the tool from burning up or welding to the material (galling).
- 2
Combating Springback (Low Modulus)
Titanium has a low modulus of elasticity, meaning it tends to flex or "spring back" away from the cutting tool. To maintain tight tolerances, we use exceptionally rigid setups and specific climbing milling techniques to control deflection.
- 3
Maintain Constant Feed Rates
Like Inconel, titanium will instantly work-harden if the tool rubs without cutting. We program continuous, positive feed rates and avoid dwelling in corners to ensure the tool always cuts beneath any hardened surface layer.
Top 3 Surface Treatments
Titanium naturally forms an instant, highly stable oxide film that prevents rust and corrosion. Therefore, treatments usually focus on aesthetics, wear resistance, or medical functionality.
1. As-Machined / Mechanical Polishing
Due to its natural immunity to corrosion, the vast majority of titanium parts are deployed exactly as they come off the CNC machine, or lightly polished to a brilliant, silver-gray luster.
2. Color Anodizing (Type II / III Titanium)
Unlike aluminum anodizing which uses dyes, titanium anodizing uses voltage to control the thickness of the oxide layer, which refracts light to create brilliant, permanent colors (Blue, Gold, Purple). This is heavily used for color-coding medical bone screws and tools.
3. DLC / PVD Coating
Titanium is prone to galling (surface tearing) when sliding against other metals. Applying Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) or Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coatings dramatically increases surface hardness and drastically reduces friction for high-wear engine or aerospace components.
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