CNC milling titanium presents several unique challenges that require specialized techniques and equipment:

 

Low Thermal Conductivity: Titanium is a poor conductor of heat, meaning it heats up rapidly during machining. This concentrated heat can lead to tool failure, workpiece distortion, and even the risk of fire.  

Work Hardening: As titanium is machined, it tends to become harder, increasing cutting forces and accelerating tool wear. This phenomenon, known as work hardening, makes machining more difficult as the process progresses.  

Chip Formation: Titanium produces long, continuous chips that can wrap around the cutting tool, reducing efficiency and potentially causing damage.  

Tool Wear: The combination of heat, work hardening, and chip formation leads to rapid tool wear, requiring frequent tool changes and increasing production costs.

Material Toughness: Titanium's inherent toughness makes it difficult to machine, requiring specialized cutting tools and parameters.