Titanium machining
Titanium is a lightweight metal with a very high strength-to-weight ratio, renowned for its rare combination of properties: high mechanical strength, excellent corrosion resistance, good biocompatibility and high-temperature stability. Titanium alloys (such as Ti-6Al-4V, α, β or α-β alloys) are used in demanding industries (aeronautics, medical equipment and space). At MicroMécanique, we are accustomed to the challenges of working with titanium and its alloys, and we have machinery capable of producing precision parts, prototypes or small series.
Examples of products and possible applications
Here is what MicroMécanique could or can already achieve with titanium:
- Aeronautical and space components: supports, structural elements, lightweight parts and engine or turbine components.
- Medical implants (orthopaedics, dentistry), surgical instruments and biocompatible parts.
- Chemical and marine industry parts exposed to corrosive or aggressive environments.
- Components requiring a good strength-to-weight ratio: reduced weight, moving parts and precision mounting components.
- Prototypes, small series for luxury goods or watchmaking, where finish, appearance and resistance are key.
- Parts subjected to high temperatures or thermal shocks.
Properties of titanium and its alloys
Property | Description/Typical values |
Density | Around 4.5 g/cm³ for commonly used alloys (much lighter than steel or tungsten). |
Mechanical strength/yield strength | Depends on the alloy, for example Ti-6Al-4V has high tensile strength and offers an excellent compromise between strength and weight. |
Young’s tensile modulus | Around 110-120 GPa for pure titanium/alpha-beta alloys. |
Hardness | Depends on the alloy: some alloys can reach ~30-40 HRC depending on treatment. |
Thermal conductivity | Low: titanium is a poor heat conductor, which poses challenges during machining (the heat concentrates on the tool). |
Corrosion resistance | Very good: a passive layer of titanium oxide is formed, which protects against harsh conditions (seawater, weak acids, etc.). |
High-temperature resistance/thermal stability | Titanium alloys retain good mechanical properties at high temperatures, but there are limitations depending on the alloy. |
Biocompatibility | Very good for medical uses – pure titanium or specialty alloys are widely used for implants. |
Machining techniques required/used at MicroMécanique
Working with titanium and its alloys requires appropriate processes, tools and machines. MicroMécanique uses the following:
- Specialised CNC turning/milling: very sharp tools, appropriate angles and appropriate feed rates to avoid vibration and adhesion.
- 5-axis machining and high-speed machining for complex workpieces, curved surfaces and difficult geometries.
- Internal cooling and high lubrication: we use high-quality cutting fluids and in many cases internal or external cooling to efficiently remove heat.
- Moderate cutting speeds but appropriate feed rates and depths: we avoid excessive speeds and favour strategies that reduce heating.
- Coated carbide tools or special inserts: heat/wear-resistant coatings such as TiAlN to extend tool life.
- Vibration/buckling control on thin sections: high-quality fastenings, rigid machines and toolpaths designed to avoid vibrations.
- Surface treatments after machining: polishing, passivation (controlled oxidation) and possibly heat or other treatments depending on use (medical, aeronautics).
- Strict measurements and quality control: tight tolerances, surface finishes, precise geometry and traceability.
Would you like to work with titanium?
Discover their applications
Titanium and its alloys are particularly useful in the following areas:
- Aeronautics and space: structural components, engine parts, connectors, fastenings and critical lightweight parts.
- Medical equipment and implantology: implants (orthopaedics, dentistry), surgical instruments, prostheses and sterile equipment.
- Chemical, oil & gas and marine industries: parts exposed to corrosion, aggressive environments or moderate to high temperatures.
- Sports, luxury goods and watchmaking: high-end pieces, watches, jewellery, items requiring an aesthetic finish and high performance.
- Research & development and prototypes: to test new alloys and combine their performance; miniaturisation.
- Defence: parts requiring mechanical strength, reduced weight and resistance to the environment (e.g. exposed parts).