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. |
Application Fit Matrix
Titanium earns its place when low weight, high strength, corrosion resistance, and demanding aerospace or medical performance meet.
| Application | Recommended Material | Why This Material Works | Typical CNC Process | Finish / Risk Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Brackets & Fittings | Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V | High strength-to-weight ratio and fatigue resistance. | 5-axis milling, drilling, thread milling | Heat control matters; avoid thin unsupported ribs. |
| Medical Instruments & Implant Trials | Grade 5 or Grade 2 Titanium | Biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. | Milling, turning, polishing | Confirm implant-grade certification for regulated use. |
| Drone & Racing Components | Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V | Strong, lightweight, and tougher than aluminum. | Milling, turning, slotting | Galling risk in threads; consider inserts. |
| Chemical & Marine Fixtures | Grade 2 Titanium | Excellent corrosion resistance in many chloride environments. | Milling, drilling, tapping | Grade 2 is lower strength than Grade 5. |
| High-End Fasteners & Shafts | Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V | Strong, light, and corrosion-resistant hardware. | CNC turning, threading | Threads need careful inspection. |
Selection Rule
Match the grade to the part's real job first: strength, heat, wear, corrosion, insulation, transparency, or cosmetic finish.
DFM Reminder
Material choice changes tolerance risk, burr control, wall thickness, thread strategy, and finishing route.
Quote Tip
Share the operating environment, mating parts, finish expectations, and inspection requirements with the drawing.
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.
Start Your Manufacturing RFQ
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