Machining Titainium

[383 240z]

I found a chunk of Ti in my metals bin, I was thinking of machining it in to a ring for my wife. However before I do is there anything I should know about? Thing's like don't breath the dust, or don't heat it above certain temps? Keith

 

[rockwithjason]

i found this for you

http://americanmachinist.com/features/cool-tips-cutting-titanium

 

[rsanter]

Be sure you have a sharp bit set on center and be sure you calculate the correct speed and feed or you will not get the finish you want/need

Bob

 

[383 240z]

Rock. I found that posting before. Good read, I'm not holding out hope on this working, I'll give it a shot, worst thing that can happen is I destroy a few bits. Keith

 

[x133]

Be careful with Ti, the shavings and powder can catch on fire and requires a Class D Dry Powder fire extiguisher to put out.

 

[NASTYZEN]

Machines a lot like Stainless steel. Tends to gall. Never heard of Ti catching on fire,ever...

 

[mayday0017]

I was gonna say machines a lot like stainless as well.... Never heard of the fire thing either and I have been around 2 shops that drop a few tons of titanium shavings on the floor each year.

 

[Finnrodder]

I've been working in chemical industry around 15 yrs so far.We have a machineshop at work and guys machines titanium parts daily.I've never heard that titanium will catch fire when machining it either.I am an amateur with lathe,but i've done few small personal projects after working hrs with permission and never started fire either.
Last time when i was messing with titanium,i made these spring holding taps for my shrinker/stretcher:



Only reason for making them from titanium was that i couldnt find any stainless steel from the trashcan,but i found a small piece of titanium bar,so...
Its machines pretty much same way than steel and tig welding it its not hard either,it just requires shielding gas on the opposite side of the piece you are welding.

 

[E.Marquez]

Be careful with Ti, the shavings and powder can catch on fire and requires a Class D Dry Powder fire extiguisher to put out.

Unless he is machining Ti in an open flame area, or in a pure O2 environment, or submerged in chlorine.. I think he will be just fine, with the same combustion prevention as one would have for most any normal work area.


ie Ti chips, strings and the like neither self combust, nor catch fire when exposed to normal machining operations...

But hey,, what do I know..


(Notice the lack of flames?)

 

[rsanter]

Machining magnesium is what you have to worry about catching fire when machining

When you machine materials they 'work harden' as you are working or machining them. Stainless is worse than steel and TI is worse than stainless when working or mating the material

Bob

 

[Tim-Bob]

I machined a titanium handle for my brothers snap-on ratchet out of 6AL-4V. It work hardens, and you must use sharp tools.

Contrary to what others have said, yes it can burn. It requires significant heat, but once it starts you're in for some fun. The flame is very similar to magnesium.

 

[E.Marquez]

I machined a titanium handle for my brothers snap-on ratchet out of 6AL-4V. It work hardens, and you must use sharp tools.

Contrary to what others have said, yes it can burn. It requires significant heat, but once it starts you're in for some fun. The flame is very similar to magnesium.

Who posted it can not combust ?

I don't see that anywhere in this thread.

 

[38Chevy454]

Grinding Ti makes bright white sparks. I have never heard of any fire hazard, Ti is actually quite oxidation resistant and is used for a lot of hot area exposure. Not a machinist, so can't give much advice there. I am medtallurgist and there are so many varieties and heat treatments that specifics for Ti is like saying steel machining. The answer is depends on material and heat treatment to give specific guidelines.

 

[J Persons]

I once delivered a load of titanium pellets to a Ti plant in Henderson, NV. Part of the safety briefing I received was to not use a ball point pen while in the facility. They said it was due to a fire hazard. I asked what was the specific hazard, but the guard wouldn't tell me.

 

[x133]

Worth a quick browsing ... http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general-archive/titanium-fire-92546/

While I agree a small part like a ring is unlikely to catch fire with a proper machine shop set up (sharp tooling, adequate ventilation, clean work area, etc.), there is always the possibility. This being Garagejournal, a lathe in a garage may have a few fire hazards around it and no Class D extinguisher. I was just trying to alert the PO of the possibility so that he can take the appropriate precautions.