What Is CNC Turning for Titanium? - Complete Guide
Complete guide to CNC turning of titanium alloys. Process capabilities, tolerances, surface finishes, lead times, cost ranges, and applications for cylindrical titanium components.
Quick Answer
What is CNC turning for titanium?
CNC turning is a machining process where titanium stock rotates against stationary cutting tools to produce cylindrical components. It is the preferred process for shafts, bushings, fittings, fasteners, and other round titanium parts requiring concentricity and tight diametral tolerances.
Capability
CNC turning provides efficient production of cylindrical titanium components. Key capabilities include:
- Single-setup machining 鈥?turning, facing, boring, threading, and grooving in one operation
- Live tooling 鈥?milling, drilling, and tapping on rotated axes (for mill-turn centres)
- Bar feed capability 鈥?automated production from bar stock up to 100 mm diameter
- Multi-axis turning 鈥?subspindle for back-side operations, Y-axis for off-centre features
- Minimum feature size 鈥?0.5 mm (turning), 0.3 mm (grooving)
- Maximum workpiece weight 鈥?up to 500 kg
Tolerance
| Standard | Precision |
|---|---|
| 卤0.005 mm (diametral) | 卤0.002 mm (diametral) |
| ISO 2768-f | ISO 2768-m |
| Concentricity: 卤0.010 mm | Concentricity: 卤0.005 mm |
Tolerances verified through in-process gauging and post-process CMM inspection. Thermal compensation applied for long shafts.
Surface Finish
| Standard | Precision |
|---|---|
| 0.4 碌m Ra | 0.2 碌m Ra |
| 16 碌in Ra | 8 碌in Ra |
Achieved through optimised cutting parameters, wiper insert geometry, and dedicated finishing passes with small depth of cut.
Lead Time
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prototype (1鈥?0 pcs) | 3鈥? business days |
| Low-volume (10鈥?00 pcs) | 1鈥? weeks |
| Production (100鈥?000+ pcs) | 3鈥? weeks |
| Express service | Available on request |
Cost Range
| Complexity | Typical Range (per part) |
|---|---|
| Simple (single OD/ID turning) | $30鈥?150 |
| Moderate (threads, grooves, multi-dia.) | $150鈥?500 |
| Complex (mill-turn, tight tol.) | $500鈥?2,000+ |
| NRE (programming + setup) | $200鈥?800 |
Cost factors: material grade, diameter and length, quantity, tolerance requirements, surface finish specification, and number of operations (turning only vs mill-turn).
Recommended Materials
- Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) 鈥?Aerospace fasteners, fittings, shafts
- Grade 23 (Ti-6Al-4V ELI) 鈥?Medical implant screws, dental abutments
- Grade 9 (Ti-3Al-2.5V) 鈥?Tube fittings, hydraulic components
- Grade 2 (CP Ti) 鈥?Pipe fittings, marine hardware, bushings
Applications
- Aerospace bolts, fasteners, and hydraulic fittings
- Medical bone screws, dental implant abutments, and surgical instrument handles
- Semiconductor gas delivery system components and fittings
- Automotive valves, shafts, and exhaust components
- Marine propeller shafts and seawater system fittings
- Industrial bushings, sleeves, and connector components
- Hydraulic and pneumatic system components