Working with titanium alloys can definitely be a tricky business. This is one of the main reasons why those with experience are highly valued in this industry. Don’t have much experience? That is okay as long as you keep on studying and getting as many tips as possible. Consider some of these as a good way to start:
Keep your radial engagement as low as possible.
One of the challenges of the titanium alloy process would be the heat dissipation. The machining of titanium alloys means more heat goes into the tool throughout the process. Thus, the reason your radial engagement needs to be as low as possible is because it will increase the time that the titanium alloy is allowed to cool.
Have an increased flute quantity.
In most operations, the end mills usually will have only four to six flutes. When it comes to titanium alloys, this usually is too little because it doesn’t compensate for the lower feed per tooth. Ideally, with the machining of titanium alloys you generally need about ten flutes or so.
Glide in softly.
When working with titanium alloys, you want to make sure that you are in appropriately. This basically means that you should glide the apparatus slowly and softly in order to prevent an effect that would be similar to hitting the cutting edge with a hammer. Gliding in softly will avoid this.
Produce an end on the chamfer.
Of course, a jarring change in the forces can also occur at the end of the titanium alloy tool. However, you can prevent this by minting your chamber with a 45-degree chamfer at the end of the pass. This will help you avoid this jarring change and allow for a gradual decline instead.
Of course, these tips are just the beginning of working with titanium alloys. You also should keep the secondary relief in mind, alter the axial depth and limit it around the secondary features and choose a tool smaller than the pocket. Moreover, there is nothing wrong with asking someone who is more experienced for advice regarding working with these tricky titanium alloys.
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