CNC Machining Titanium Parts — Grade 2 to Grade 23 ELI
Ti-6Al-4V, CP titanium, and implant-grade Grade 23 ELI machined to ±0.005mm with full material traceability. Titanium machining is specialist work — it demands dedicated tooling programs, strict coolant protocols, and engineers who understand how heat accumulation destroys tools and tolerances. Baosheng does it right, from 1 prototype piece.
- Grade 2, 4, 5 & 23 ELI
- Full material traceability
- ISO 9001 & ISO 13485
- Quote in 2 hours
// Machining specs — Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5)
Machinability index：30–40 (vs Al 6061 = 80)
Tightest tolerance：± 0.005 mm
Surface finish Ra：0.4 μm standard
Coolant：High-pressure only
Tooling：PVD-coated carbide · dedicated
// Grades in stock
Grade 2 CP (ASTM B348)：In stock
Grade 4 CP (ASTM F67)：In stock
Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V (AMS 4928)：In stock
Grade 23 ELI (AMS 4930)：In stock
Grade 9 Ti-3Al-2.5V：48hr sourcing
// Certifications & traceability
Mill certificate：EN 10204 3.1 standard
Biocompatibility：ISO 10993 docs available
CMM inspection：100% critical dimensions
±0.005mm
Standard Ti tolerance
4grades
In stock from 1 piece
Ra 0.4μm
Standard surface finish
100%
Material traceability
Certifications
ISO 9001:2015 ISO 13485 Medical Full material traceability CMM inspection report Mill certificate included Quote in 2 hours
The 4 Properties That Make Titanium Difficult to Machine
Any shop can claim they “machine titanium.” Very few have the dedicated tooling programs, coolant protocols, and engineer experience to do it consistently and cost-effectively. Understanding these four properties separates the suppliers who can from those who can’t.
Low thermal conductivity — heat stays in the tool
Titanium conducts heat at only 7 W/m·K — compared to 160 for aluminum and 50 for steel. During cutting, approximately 80% of the generated heat flows into the tool and chip rather than the workpiece. Tool tips reach temperatures above 600°C in seconds.
What this means in practice: Tool life on titanium is typically 3–5× shorter than stainless steel machining. Without high-pressure coolant directed precisely at the cutting edge, tools fail catastrophically rather than wearing predictably. Dry cutting titanium is not permitted — ever.
Work hardening — surface hardens as you cut it
Titanium work-hardens rapidly under the cutting tool. If the tool dwells on the surface — even briefly — the newly cut surface becomes harder than the substrate, causing the next pass to cut an already-hardened layer.
What this means in practice: Titanium machining requires sharp tools, light finishing passes, and continuous cutting motion with no dwelling. Interrupted cuts and tool rub are the primary causes of surface integrity failure. Our engineers program aggressive entry/exit strategies to avoid these failure modes.
Chemical reactivity — titanium attacks cutting tools
At elevated temperatures, titanium chemically reacts with tungsten carbide and cobalt binder in cutting tools. This “welding” or diffusion wear mechanism causes rapid tool edge degradation that is independent of mechanical wear — it’s a chemical dissolution of the tool material itself.
What this means in practice: Uncoated carbide tools fail within minutes on titanium. Only PVD-coated submicron carbide grades (TiAlN or AlTiN coatings specifically) provide acceptable tool life. Using the wrong tooling grade is the most common root cause of titanium machining failures at suppliers without dedicated tooling programs.
Spring-back — elastic recovery distorts dimensions
Titanium has a high elastic modulus relative to its yield strength — it springs back significantly after the cutting tool passes. The dimension measured under cutting force is not the same as the dimension after spring-back. This makes finishing passes particularly critical.
What this means in practice: Final finishing passes on titanium must account for spring-back — typically 0.010–0.025mm depending on part stiffness. Light final passes with sharp tools and careful depth of cut selection are essential. Our DFM review specifically checks for thin-wall geometries where spring-back will make tight tolerances difficult to hold.
Our titanium machining approach — not guesswork
Dedicated PVD-coated carbide tooling programs per grade. High-pressure through-spindle coolant. Conservative feeds with aggressive entry strategies. First-off inspection before batch continues. No dry cutting. No improvisation.
CNC Machining Titanium Grades — Which Grade for Your Application?
Specifying the wrong titanium grade is as costly as the machining itself. Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V is the most machined titanium alloy in the world — but it is not always the right choice. Here’s how to select correctly.
Grade 2 CP
Commercially Pure · ASTM B348 · most biocompatible
- Tensile strength：345 MPa
- Yield strength：275 MPa
- Machinability：Moderate (better than Gr 5)
- Vanadium content：None (vanadium-free)
Applications: general industrial fittings, heat exchanger tubing, chemical process components, some non-structural medical
Good choice when corrosion resistance is the priority and high strength is not required. Vanadium-free makes it preferred for some implant studies, but Grade 23 ELI is the implant gold standard.
Grade 4 CP
Commercially Pure · ASTM F67 · dental & medical
- Tensile strength：550 MPa
- Yield strength：483 MPa
- Machinability：Moderate
- Osseointegration：Excellent
Applications: dental implants, abutments, bone screws, hearing implant housings — wherever osseointegration rate matters and vanadium must be avoided
The highest-strength CP grade. Preferred for dental implants because vanadium-free status eliminates any ion-leaching concerns studied in long-term implant research. ASTM F67 mandates implant-specific chemistry controls.
Grade 5
Ti-6Al-4V · AMS 4928 · aerospace standard
- Tensile strength：950 MPa
- Yield strength：880 MPa
- Machinability：Difficult (index 30–40)
- Service temp.：Up to 315 °C
Applications: aerospace structural frames, turbine components, landing gear parts, implants (non-implant use), high-performance motorsport, marine
Contains vanadium — NOT the preferred grade for permanent load-bearing implants where Grade 23 ELI is specified by most regulatory pathways. Grade 5 is acceptable for short-contact-time medical applications.
Grade 23 ELI
Ti-6Al-4V ELI · AMS 4930 · ISO 5832-3
- Tensile strength：860 MPa
- Yield strength：795 MPa
- Machinability：Difficult (similar to Gr 5)
- Interstitial content：Extra-low O₂, N₂, C, Fe
Applications: orthopaedic implants, bone screws, spinal cages, trauma plates, dental fixtures, cardiovascular — anywhere long-term human implantation is required
ELI = Extra-Low Interstitial. Reduced oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and iron content improves fracture toughness in cyclic loading — critical for implants. ISO 5832-3 mandates the tighter chemistry controls. We stock this grade and provide the original Victrex/mill lot certificate with every order.
Grade 9
Ti-3Al-2.5V · aerospace tubing
- Tensile strength：620 MPa
- Formability：Better than Grade 5
- Machinability：Moderate (better than Gr 5)
- Use：Hydraulic tubing, bicycle
Applications: aerospace hydraulic lines, bicycle frames, sporting goods — the “mild” titanium alloy that balances strength and formability
Less commonly stocked than Grade 5. Sourcing typically requires 48 hours. Confirm availability before requesting quote.
Grade 12
Ti-0.3Mo-0.8Ni · corrosion-critical
- Tensile strength：483 MPa
- Corrosion resistance：Superior to Grade 2
- Machinability：Moderate
- Key strength：Seawater / chloride resistance
Applications: marine hardware, offshore equipment, chemical processing — where chloride-enhanced corrosion resistance matters above Grade 2 level
Specialist sourcing required — allow 48–72 hours. Confirm application chemistry against Grade 2 before specifying Grade 12.
Titanium Grade Comparison — Engineering Properties
| Property | Grade 2 CP | Grade 4 CP | Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) | Grade 23 ELI | Aluminum 6061 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 345 MPa | 550 MPa | 950 MPa | 860 MPa | 310 MPa |
| Density | 4.51 g/cm³ | 4.51 g/cm³ | 4.43 g/cm³ | 4.43 g/cm³ | 2.70 g/cm³ |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | High | High | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Machinability index | ~60 | ~50 | 30–40 | 30–40 | 80 |
| Relative machining cost | Medium | Medium-high | High | High | Baseline |
| Corrosion resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Very good | Very good | Good (with anodize) |
| MRI compatibility | Conditional ✓ | Conditional ✓ | Conditional ✓ | Conditional ✓ | ✓ Non-magnetic |
| Biocompatibility (implant) | Good | Excellent | Good (not preferred implant) | Excellent — ISO 5832-3 | Not implantable |
| AMS / ASTM specification | B348 | F67 | AMS 4928 | AMS 4930 / ISO 5832-3 | QQ-A-225 |
Specify your application requirements — we’ll confirm the right grade and availability in the DFM review.
How We Machine Titanium — Without Destroying Tools or Dimensions
These are the six machining protocols we apply to every titanium order. Each one is driven by the four physical properties described above — not by trial and error.
01 — TOOLING
PVD-coated submicron carbide — non-negotiable
Only PVD-coated submicron carbide with TiAlN or AlTiN coating provides acceptable tool life on titanium. Uncoated carbide fails in minutes. HSS fails in seconds. We maintain dedicated titanium tooling programs — these tools never touch stainless or steel in between titanium runs to prevent cross-contamination of cutting geometry.
Tool change protocol:Every titanium order starts with fresh or freshly measured tools. We do not run titanium with partially worn tools — wear progression is less predictable than on steel.
02 — COOLANT
High-pressure through-spindle coolant — always on
High-pressure coolant (70–100 bar) directed through the spindle and directly at the cutting edge removes heat before it transfers into the tool. Flood coolant is insufficient — the jet must reach the cutting zone, not the workpiece surface. Mist coolant is not acceptable for titanium at any cut depth.
Dry cutting protocol:Zero tolerance. If coolant delivery fails mid-cut, the operation stops immediately. Parts machined without coolant are scrapped regardless of visual inspection result.
03 — CUTTING PARAMETERS
Low cutting speed, aggressive feed — counterintuitive but correct
Titanium machining is surface-speed limited by heat generation — typically 30–60 m/min (vs. 300–500 m/min for aluminum). However, chip thinning at low feeds causes work hardening. The correct strategy is lower surface speed with higher feed rate — keeping the chip thick enough to carry heat away from the workpiece.
Typical Ti-6Al-4V parameters:Vc 40–55 m/min · fz 0.06–0.12 mm/tooth · ap 0.3–1.5mm (finishing) · ae 25–50% tool dia.
04 — CHIP MANAGEMENT
Continuous chip evacuation — titanium fires are real
Titanium chips are highly flammable at elevated temperatures. Chip accumulation in the cutting zone causes secondary cutting, heat concentration, and fire risk. All titanium machining operations use chip conveyors, air blast, and/or coolant flush to keep the cutting area clear. Fine titanium swarf is the highest fire risk — particularly in grinding and secondary deburring operations.
Safety protocol:Class D fire extinguishers stationed at every titanium machining center. No titanium swarf permitted in shared chip bins with steel or stainless chips.
05 — SURFACE INTEGRITY
Sharp tools, light finishing passes — no re-cutting
Surface integrity on titanium (residual stress, white layer, microstructural damage) affects fatigue life in service — critical for aerospace and implant applications. Light finishing passes with fresh tools, followed by surface roughness measurement, ensure the surface is in compressive residual stress, not tensile. Dwelling or re-cutting the same surface creates tensile residual stress that reduces fatigue life.
Aerospace / implant requirement:No tool dwelling. CNC programs reviewed for any dwell code (G04) or feed-hold in cutting zones. Ra verified with profilometer, not estimated.
06 — WORKHOLDING
Rigid fixturing — titanium spring-back demands control
Titanium spring-back of 0.010–0.025mm on finishing passes makes workholding rigidity essential. Vibration during cutting causes chatter marks, work hardening, and dimension scatter. We design fixtures specifically for titanium — minimal overhang, maximum support near the cut, and dampened clamping for thin-wall features.
Thin-wall titanium:Wall thickness below 1.5mm requires DFM review before quoting. Our engineer assesses deflection risk and may recommend redesign or special fixturing — both options are costed in the quote.
Titanium vs Other Metals — Machining & Properties
| Property / factor | Ti-6Al-4V | Aluminum 6061 | SS 316L | Inconel 718 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density (g/cm³) | 4.43 | 2.70 | 7.99 | 8.19 |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 950 | 310 | 485 | 1,375 |
| Specific strength (MPa·cm³/g) | 214 — best of metals | 115 | 61 | 168 |
| Thermal conductivity (W/m·K) | 7 — low, causes heat issues | 160 | 16 | 11 |
| Machinability index | 30–40 | 80 | 45 | 18 |
| Relative cycle time vs Al | 3–4× | 1× (baseline) | 2× | 5–7× |
| Relative material cost | High (4–6× Al) | Baseline | Medium (2× Al) | Very high (10–15× Al) |
| Biocompatibility | Excellent (ISO 10993) | Not implantable | Good (316L) | Not for implant |
| MRI compatibility | Conditional ✓ | ✓ Non-magnetic | Grade-dependent | ✗ Ferromagnetic risk |
| Max service temperature | 315 °C | 120 °C | 870 °C | 700 °C |
Where CNC Machined Titanium Parts Are Used
Titanium’s combination of high specific strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility makes it indispensable in four industries. Each has specific grade and documentation requirements.
// Aerospace & Defense
Aerospace Structural Components
Primary structural frames, bulkheads, landing gear components, hydraulic fittings, and fasteners. Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V (AMS 4928) dominates. Full material traceability and CMM inspection mandatory. AMS 2770 heat treatment documentation often required.
- Grade: Ti-6Al-4V (AMS 4928)
- Tol.: ±0.025mm typical · ±0.005mm critical
- Docs: Mill cert · CMM report · AMS certs
// Medical & Surgical
Implants & Surgical Devices
Bone screws, spinal cages, trauma plates, hip stems, dental implants. Grade 23 ELI (AMS 4930, ISO 5832-3) is mandatory for long-term load-bearing implants. Grade 4 CP for dental implants where vanadium-free osseointegration properties matter. Full ISO 13485 and DHR documentation.
- Grade: Gr 23 ELI / Gr 4 CP
- Tol.: ±0.005–0.010mm
- Docs: ISO 13485 · DHR · ISO 10993
// Chemical & Marine
Corrosion-Critical Industrial Parts
Pump housings, heat exchanger components, valve bodies, and chemical process fittings where seawater or aggressive chemical exposure eliminates stainless as an option. Grade 2 CP for general corrosion resistance. Grade 12 where chloride-enhanced resistance beyond Grade 2 is needed.
- Grade: Gr 2 / Gr 12
- Tol.: ±0.010–0.050mm
- Docs: Mill cert · inspection report
Titanium Surface Finishes — What Works and Why
Titanium responds differently to finishing than aluminum or stainless. Several common processes have specific titanium-compatible variants. Specifying the wrong finish standard causes regulatory problems on medical parts and aesthetic failures on consumer parts.
As-Machined
Ra 0.4–0.8μm · included in base price
- Natural turned or milled surface — no post-processing
- Toolpath marks visible — acceptable for structural and internal parts
- Fastest lead time — no post-processing wait
- Works with all titanium grades
Use when: fit/function testing, structural components not on visible surfaces, surfaces that will be further processed (anodized, passivated).
Anodic Oxidation
Type II · ASTM F86 · +2 days · +$4–12/pc
- Colour codes implant sizes in OR — no paint required
- Improves corrosion resistance in physiological environment
- Colour determined by voltage — gold (20V), blue (80V), purple (95V)
- Dimensional change: +1–5μm per side — flag tight features
- Works on Grade 2, 4, 5, 23 — all titanium alloys
Use when: implant colour coding required per surgical kit, customer-facing titanium products needing colour without paint, improved corrosion performance.
SLA (Sandblast + Acid Etch)
Sa 1.0–2.0μm · ISO 14434 · +3–4 days
- Creates controlled micro-rough surface for bone cell attachment
- Process: Al₂O₃ bead blast → HCl/H₂SO₄ acid etch
- Applied to bone-contact surfaces only — not threads or precision fits
- Surface texture documented per ISO 14434
- Grade 4 CP and Grade 23 ELI implants primarily
Use when: dental implant body or orthopaedic bone-contact surfaces require enhanced osseointegration rate. Do NOT apply to articulating or thread-form surfaces.
Electropolishing
Ra ≤ 0.2μm · +2–3 days · +$6–15/pc
- Electrochemical process — removes surface layer uniformly
- Achieves Ra ≤ 0.2μm on external surfaces
- Improves corrosion resistance beyond as-machined
- Works on internal bores and complex geometries
- Removes surface contamination from machining process
Use when: fluid-contact surfaces require superior cleanliness, sealing surfaces need Ra ≤ 0.2μm, or implant surfaces need improved biocompatibility.
Bead Blasting
Ra 0.8–2.0μm uniform · +1 day · +$2–5/pc
- Satin-matte uniform texture — hides toolpath marks
- Glass bead or Al₂O₃ media — specify to avoid contamination
- Negligible dimensional change (<0.005mm)
- Often followed by anodic oxidation for colour + texture
- Works on all titanium grades
Use when: customer-facing titanium parts need consistent appearance, consumer product prototypes, pre-treatment before anodizing for uniform colour.
Shot Peening
Almen intensity controlled · +2–3 days
- Induces compressive residual stress to improve fatigue life
- Used on aerospace structural titanium components
- Almen intensity and coverage specified per engineering drawing
- Coverage verified by Almen strip — documented in report
- AMS 2430 / MIL-S-13165 specification compliance
Use when: aerospace structural parts in cyclic loading, fatigue-critical regions of any titanium component, or where drawing specifies AMS 2430 shot peening.
Titanium Sterilization Compatibility
| Finish / Grade | Steam autoclave (134°C) | Ethylene oxide (EO) | Gamma irradiation | E-beam | H₂O₂ plasma |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| As-machined Ti all grades | ✓ Excellent | ✓ Compatible | ✓ Compatible | ✓ Compatible | ✓ Compatible |
| Anodically oxidised Ti | ✓ Stable | ✓ Compatible | ✓ Compatible | ✓ Compatible | ✓ Compatible |
| SLA-treated Ti | ✓ Standard for dental | ✓ Compatible | ✓ Compatible | ✓ Compatible | ✓ Compatible |
| Electropolished Ti | ✓ Excellent | ✓ Compatible | ✓ Compatible | ✓ Compatible | ✓ Compatible |
CNC Machining Titanium Parts — What Drives the Cost
Titanium parts cost more than aluminum or stainless — for specific, defensible reasons. Here’s every cost driver, quantified and explained. And when titanium is the wrong choice, we’ll say so in the DFM report.
Cost Drivers for Titanium CNC Machining
Material cost — 4–6× aluminum baseline
Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V costs 4–6× more per kg than aluminum 6061 as raw material. Grade 23 ELI adds a further 25–40% premium over Grade 5 due to tighter interstitial content controls at the mill. This is the material premium alone — machining time is separately quoted.
- Highest baseline cost driver
Cycle time — 3–4× longer than aluminum
Titanium’s low machinability index (30–40) vs aluminum (80) means 3–4× more spindle time for the same geometry. Lower cutting speeds, lighter passes, and more frequent tool changes multiply cycle time directly. This is machine-hour cost — quoted transparently as a line item separate from material cost.
- Major per-piece cost driver
Tooling consumption — 3–5× more than stainless
Tool life on titanium is 3–5× shorter than on stainless steel machining, and stainless itself is 2× shorter than aluminum. PVD-coated carbide inserts and end mills are consumed significantly faster. For small-volume orders, tooling cost can exceed material cost. Our quoting includes actual tooling consumption per part, not an industry average.
- Significant at low volume
Inspection & documentation — mandatory for aerospace/medical
Aerospace and medical titanium orders require CMM inspection with actual vs. nominal documentation, mill certificate verification, and — for implants — ISO 10993 biocompatibility documentation. This quality overhead adds 30–60 minutes per lot, but makes the part certifiable. Skipping it creates regulatory risk that costs far more downstream.
- Non-negotiable for regulated industries
When not to use titanium — the honest answer
If your application does not require titanium’s specific combination of high specific strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility, there is almost certainly a cheaper alternative. For non-implant medical parts, 316L may serve equally well. For structural aerospace parts where weight is not critical, 7075 aluminum is 3× cheaper to machine. Our DFM review will flag this if we believe the grade is over-specified.
- DFM catches this before you pay for it
Indicative Titanium Machining Pricing
Prototype / 1–3 pieces — Ti-6Al-4V
From $120 / pc
Grade 5 · simple geometry · ±0.025mm · CMM report · mill cert · 5–8 day lead
Implant prototype — Grade 23 ELI (1–5 pcs)
From $280 / pc
Grade 23 ELI · ±0.010mm · CMM 100% · ISO 10993 docs · 7–10 day lead
Aerospace structural part (1–3 pcs)
From $180 / pc
Grade 5 AMS 4928 · 5-axis · ±0.025mm · CMM + mill cert · 7–10 day lead
Production run (50–500 pcs)
Volume pricing + Cpk ≥1.67
Dedicated tooling program · SPC monitoring · PPAP available · batch CMM
Free Titanium DFM — Every Quote
Engineer reviews your drawing for thin-wall spring-back risk, L/D ratio issues, tight tolerance feasibility on titanium, grade suitability for application, and whether a cheaper alternative material achieves the same function. Written report at no charge. Average DFM-driven cost saving: 15–25% on titanium orders.
Upload STEP · Quote in 2 hours · No obligation · NDA on request
Titanium CNC Machining Supplier Comparison
| Capability | Baosheng Industry ✓ | Platform | General CNC shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grades in stock | Gr 2, 4, 5, 23 ELI — from 1 piece | Supplier-dependent | Usually Grade 5 only |
| Dedicated Ti tooling program | Yes — PVD carbide, per grade | Supplier-dependent | Rare |
| High-pressure coolant | Through-spindle, mandatory | Supplier-dependent | Not always |
| Grade 23 ELI implant machining | In-house, ISO 13485 QMS | Few network suppliers | Rarely available |
| Mill certificate (EN 10204 3.1) | Included every order | Extra cost | On request only |
| ISO 10993 biocompatibility docs | Available for implant grades | Not standard | Not available |
| Free DFM — written report | Yes — grade suitability reviewed | Limited / algorithm | Verbal only |
| Quote turnaround | 2 hours — real engineer | Instant — algorithm | 1–3 days |
From Titanium Drawing to Finished Part — 5 Steps
1.Upload Drawing
STEP or 2D PDF. Specify grade (Grade 2, 4, 5, or 23 ELI), tolerance, quantity, and any certification requirements.
2.Ti-Specific DFM
Engineer checks grade suitability, thin-wall risks, spring-back feasibility, L/D ratio, and whether an alternative material might serve better.
3.Certified Quote
Material, tooling, cycle time, finishing, inspection, and documentation itemised separately. Mill cert availability confirmed at quote stage.
4.Machine & Inspect
Dedicated Ti tooling. High-pressure coolant. CMM verification against drawing. Non-conforming parts quarantined before any part ships.
5.Certified Shipment
CMM dimensional report + EN 10204 3.1 mill certificate enclosed. ISO 10993 docs attached for implant grades. Tracking at dispatch.
CNC Machining Titanium Parts — Questions Answered
What titanium grades do you machine?
We stock and machine Grade 2 CP (ASTM B348), Grade 4 CP (ASTM F67), Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V (AMS 4928), and Grade 23 ELI (AMS 4930 / ISO 5832-3) — all available from 1 prototype piece. Grade 9 Ti-3Al-2.5V and Grade 12 are available with 48-hour sourcing. All grades ship with EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates. Grade 23 ELI orders include ISO 5832-3 conformance documentation as standard.
What is the tightest tolerance for CNC machined titanium?
Our standard titanium tolerance is ±0.025mm for most features — this is what we quote without a specialist precision premium. Tight titanium tolerances of ±0.010mm are achievable on precision setups with CMM verification. ±0.005mm is our tightest achievable on titanium in controlled conditions — this requires climate-stabilised measurement and dedicated fixturing. Note: titanium’s spring-back (0.010–0.025mm elastic recovery) means tight tolerances on thin-wall features require specialist DFM review.
Why is Grade 23 ELI required for implants rather than Grade 5?
Grade 23 (Ti-6Al-4V ELI) has the same composition as Grade 5 but with reduced interstitial content — lower oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and iron maximums. This Extra-Low Interstitial specification improves fracture toughness under cyclic loading — critical for implants that experience millions of load cycles over their service life. ISO 5832-3 and ASTM F136 specify Grade 23 ELI as the preferred grade for long-term load-bearing implants. Grade 5 is acceptable for short-contact-time medical applications but not permanent implants in most regulatory pathways.
Why does CNC machining titanium cost more than aluminum?
Three separate cost premiums: (1) Material — Ti-6Al-4V is 4–6× more expensive per kg than Al 6061. (2) Cycle time — titanium’s machinability index of 30–40 vs 80 for aluminum means 3–4× longer spindle time for the same geometry. (3) Tooling consumption — PVD-coated carbide inserts wear 3–5× faster on titanium than stainless steel. These three factors are all quoted as separate line items so you can see exactly where the premium sits — not bundled into an opaque unit price.
Can titanium be anodized? What colours are available?
Yes — titanium anodising (anodic oxidation) is a standard finish per ASTM F86. Unlike aluminum anodizing with dyes, titanium colour is produced by interference of light through a thin oxide layer — colour is determined by voltage. Common colours: gold (~20V), rose/pink (~35V), blue (~80V), purple (~95V), green (~115V). The process adds 1–5μm per side dimensionally — flag tight-tolerance features before anodizing. All titanium grades respond to anodising; the colour uniformity depends on surface preparation (bead blast before anodise gives the most uniform result).
Do you provide mill certificates for titanium parts?
Yes — EN 10204 Type 3.1 mill certificates are included with every titanium order as standard. The certificate documents: alloy composition, mechanical properties, heat number, lot number, and the specification it conforms to (AMS 4928, AMS 4930, ASTM F67, etc.). For Grade 23 ELI implant orders, the certificate references ISO 5832-3 compliance. Type 3.2 certificates (issued with independent inspection authority signature) are available on request for the highest traceability requirements.
Why must titanium always be machined with coolant?
Titanium’s thermal conductivity is only 7 W/m·K — compared to 160 for aluminum and 50 for steel. During cutting, approximately 80% of the heat generated flows into the tool rather than the workpiece. Without high-pressure coolant directed at the cutting edge, tool tip temperatures exceed 600°C in seconds, causing rapid chemical wear, catastrophic edge failure, and — on accumulation of chips — a fire risk. Titanium chips are flammable. Dry machining titanium is not permitted under any circumstances. Flood coolant alone is insufficient — through-spindle high-pressure delivery is required.
How do you ensure surface integrity on critical titanium parts?
Surface integrity (residual stress state, microstructural damage, Ra) affects fatigue life in service. Our protocol: fresh or freshly measured tools for finishing passes, light depth of cut on final passes, no tool dwelling, continuous chip evacuation, Ra verified with profilometer after final pass. For aerospace and implant applications, CNC programs are reviewed by an engineer to eliminate any dwell code or feed-hold in cutting zones. Residual stress testing (X-ray diffraction) available for critical aerospace structural parts on request.
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CNC machining titanium done right. From 1 piece.
Upload your titanium drawing. Free DFM review checks grade selection, thin-wall risk, and tolerance feasibility. Certified quote with mill certificate confirmation in 2 hours.
✓ Grade 2, 4, 5 & 23 ELI in stock | ✓ Mill cert included | ✓ Free DFM review | ✓ ISO 9001 & ISO 13485 | ✓ Quote in 2 hours | ✓ NDA on request