CNC Milling Titanium Alloy：Cutting Volume Calculation
Titanium alloys are a versatile group of metals and are becoming increasingly popular for many different applications. They are well known for their strength, lightness and corrosion resistance which makes them perfect for many different types of applications, including aerospace components and medical implants. However, the strength, lightness and corrosion resistance of titanium alloys can make the process of cutting and machining them a difficult and time consuming process if the right cutting tools, speeds and feeds are not selected.
In this article, well discuss how CNC milling titanium alloy components can be accurately cut using the proper cutting tool, feeds and speeds. Well also discuss how to calculate the cutting volume of your material to ensure you use the right amount and direction of cut.
The first step to cutting titanium alloy components accurately is to determine the cutting speed for the material. This is determined by looking at the cutting tools hardness and the alloys hardness. Harder alloys require faster cutting speeds, and softer materials can be cut with slower cutting speeds. Once the cutting speed is determined, the cutting force that will be used on the part needs to be calculated. This is usually done with a strain gauge or other measuring device to measure the strain on the material and allows the correct cutting force to be applied.
Once the strain gauge is installed and the cutting force is determined, the cutting depth needs to be calculated to ensure the part is machined accurately. The depth of cut should be determined by the materials strength and the cutting force. If the cutting force is too large, the material can be damaged, whereas if the cutting force is too small, the cut can be inaccurate and time consuming to redo.
Once the cutting force and cutting speed have been determined, and the cutting depth calculated, the cutting volume needs to be calculated. The cutting volume is the amount of material that must be moved out of the way to make the cut. This is calculated by taking the materials density and multiplying it by the cutting depth and width of the cut. The cutting volume should always be kept to a minimum so that the part is machined accurately.
Finally, the direction of the cut should be determined. The direction of the cut needs to be determined by the materials strength and the cutting force. This allows the cutting tool to move in the correct direction to cut the material accurately.
Using the correct cutting tools, speeds and force for CNC milling titanium alloy components can save time and money in production. By understanding the importance of calculating the cutting volume, direction and cutting speed and force, machinists can accurately and quickly cut titanium alloy components with minimal scrap and waste.
