Originally Posted by mod_o_matic  Thanks for the tips.
I have been told that you can machine heattreaded Ti with carbide, is that correct?
The axle is being replicated from a hardened steel version btw. I was taught not to use coolant with carbide cutters, is there a special case or something?
Thanks for the help! |
Depends. How hard will it be on the Rockwell C scale? You can always use ceramics if it is hard enough. However, giving its tendency to light up when hot, you'd better keep it flooded REAL good. We cut hardened steel dry, but I sure wouldn't try that on Titanium.
You should be able to cut the hardened material with carbide inserts, but the SFM will have to be cut. How much depends on how hard it will be.
Never heard that you shouldn't use coolant with carbide cutters. I work for the grandson of the man who started the company where I work. Guess you could say we have been doing it wrong for a long time then.
We don't machine that much Titanium so my experience is limited. Never have machined heat-treated Ti. I do know that I prefer machining some materials that have been heat-treated a bit versus the same material in is soft state.
EDIT: I don't think I would run it completely dry. I've seen fire on a lathe before. Not fun.
Can't recall the materials we have had it happen with. Yes it has happened more than once.
I know for a fact the last time it wasn't Ti that caught on fire.