Why Choose Pure Titanium for CNC Parts?
Titanium Grade 2 (TA2) is the most commonly used commercially pure titanium. It offers an exceptional combination of corrosion resistance, formability, and moderate strength.
If you need parts that can withstand harsh chemical environments or saltwater exposure, Grade 2 titanium might be your best choice.
What is Titanium Grade 2?
Grade 2 is an unalloyed (commercially pure) titanium with the following characteristics:
- Excellent corrosion resistance (best among commercial metals)
- Good formability and weldability
- Moderate strength (suitable for many applications)
- Biocompatible (FDA approved for medical use)
- Low density: 45% lighter than steel
Chemical Composition
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Titanium (Ti) | Balance |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.30% max |
| Oxygen (O) | 0.25% max |
| Carbon (C) | 0.10% max |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.03% max |
| Hydrogen (H) | 0.015% max |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 345 MPa (50 ksi) |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | 275 MPa (40 ksi) |
| Elongation at Break | 20% |
| Brinell Hardness | 120 HB |
| Density | 4.51 g/cm3 |
| Melting Point | 1668 C (3034 F) |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 105 GPa |
Corrosion Resistance: The Superpower
Grade 2 titanium oxide layer provides exceptional corrosion resistance:
- Seawater and marine environments (unlimited service life)
- Chlorine and chlorides (chemical processing)
- Most acids except hydrofluoric acid (HF)
- Alkaline solutions
- Body fluids (biocompatible for implants)
Real-world example: Grade 2 titanium heat exchangers can last 20+ years in seawater cooling systems!
CNC Machining Titanium: Critical Guidelines
Titanium is challenging to machine due to:
- Low thermal conductivity (heat stays at cutting edge)
- Work hardening tendency
- Chemical reactivity with tool materials at high temperatures
Recommended Cutting Parameters:
| Operation | Spindle Speed | Feed Rate | Depth of Cut |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roughing | 800-1500 RPM | 0.1-0.2 mm/tooth | 1-2 mm |
| Finishing | 1200-2000 RPM | 0.05-0.1 mm/tooth | 0.2-0.5 mm |
Critical Rules:
- Keep tools sharp (replace frequently – every 15-20 min)
- Use abundant coolant (flood or high-pressure through-tool)
- Maintain constant feed (never dwell or stop while engaged)
- Use rigid setup (minimize vibration and deflection)
- Use low cutting speeds (prevent work hardening)
Tool Selection:
- Solid carbide with TiAlN or AlTiN coating
- Low helix angle (35-40 degrees) for strength
- Large core diameter for rigidity
- Polished flutes for better chip evacuation
Common Applications
Grade 2 titanium is used in:
- Marine: propeller shafts, seawater valves, boat fittings
- Medical: surgical instruments, implants, dental components
- Chemical: heat exchangers, reactor vessels, piping
- Aerospace: hydraulic tubing, firewalls, engine components
- Industrial: pickling baskets, plating bars, anode baskets
- Architecture: coastal building facades, monuments
Welding Grade 2 Titanium
Grade 2 has excellent weldability:
- TIG (GTAW) – Most common method
- MIG (GMAW) – For thicker sections
- Electron beam – For precision work
- Laser beam welding – For automation
Important: Must use inert gas shielding (argon) to prevent contamination!
Surface Finishing Options
- Anodizing: creates colored oxide layer (Type II decorative, Type III hard)
- Passivation: enhances natural oxide layer
- Bead blasting: uniform matte finish
- Polishing: mirror finish possible
- Pickling: removes scale, improves corrosion resistance
Cost Considerations
Titanium is more expensive than aluminum or steel:
- Approximately 5-10x the cost of aluminum
- Approximately 2-3x the cost of stainless steel
But for corrosive environments, the total cost of ownership is often lower due to extended service life and reduced maintenance.
JR CNC – Your Titanium Machining Partner
Titanium machining requires specialized knowledge and equipment. Our capabilities:
- ✓ Grade 2, Grade 5 (Ti6Al4V), and other grades
- ✓ Optimized cutting parameters for titanium
- ✓ Premium carbide tooling (fresh edges)
- ✓ High-pressure coolant systems
- ✓ Quality inspection and documentation
- ✓ Competitive pricing
Ready to machine titanium? Contact us for a quote!
Source: ASTM B265, AMS 4925, ASM Handbook Volume 2
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