In metal processing, cutting titanium is a common thing. Titanium has special characteristics, and cutting requires a method. Let me tell you about it below.
How to cut titanium?
1. Mechanical cutting method
- Sawing
Using a saw to cut titanium is a common method. Like a band saw, its saw blade has sharp teeth, which can slowly saw the titanium metal by continuous operation. When operating, you must control the sawing speed. It should not be too fast, otherwise the saw blade will easily wear and may also cause the titanium metal to overheat and deform. Generally speaking, the feed per tooth is more suitable at 0.05-0.2mm, and the sawing speed is about 20-60m/min. For titanium metal sheets or bars that are not too thick, such as less than 10mm, sawing is very useful.
- Turning
Turning titanium on a lathe involves rotating the titanium workpiece, and the tool cuts it. Turning can accurately control the size and cut a smooth surface. When turning, you need to choose a special tool, such as a carbide tool, with a rake angle of 5° - 10° and a back angle of 3° - 8°. The cutting speed should not be too high, 50 - 100m/min, and the feed rate is 0.1 - 0.3mm/r. Turning is suitable for processing titanium shaft parts, and can cut different outer diameters and lengths as required.
2. Thermal cutting method
- Plasma cutting
Plasma cutting uses a high-temperature plasma arc to melt and blow away titanium metal to achieve cutting. It has a fast cutting speed and can cut thicker titanium metal, 20mm or even thicker. When cutting, the plasma arc current and voltage should be adjusted, generally 100 - 300A, voltage 100 - 200V. However, after plasma cutting, the edge of the cut may have a heat-affected zone, which requires subsequent processing and grinding.
- Laser cutting
Laser cutting uses a high-energy-density laser beam to irradiate titanium metal, causing it to melt and vaporize instantly. This method has high cutting accuracy, narrow incision, and small heat-affected zone. It is particularly effective for cutting thin titanium plates, such as those below 3mm. The laser power must be selected according to the thickness of the titanium metal. For cutting 1 mm-thick plates, the power of 300-500W is enough. However, laser cutting equipment is expensive, and the operating cost is not low.
There are many ways to cut titanium metal. The most suitable method must be selected based on the thickness, shape, precision requirements, and cost of the titanium metal.
