When machining titanium alloy, the choice of cutting speed and feed rate has an important effect on machining quality. Cutting speed and feed should be reasonably selected according to processing requirements and workpiece material characteristics:

This article was written by engineers from the BOYI team. Fuquan Chen is a professional engineer and technical expert with 20 years of experience in rapid prototyping, mold manufacturing, and plastic injection molding.

Titanium alloys face a variety of challenges in the machining process, the following are the specific reasons and their impact:

Besides, proper SFM helps ensure the appropriate performance of CNC tools. As such, SFM ensures the smooth transitioning of operations and enhanced quality products. While raw materials have varying machinability ratings, SFM significantly determines a material’s machinability and the tools’ hardness. It ensures machinists use the appropriate tools for the workpiece material, minimizing wear and tear.

Titanium machining is a specialized machining process crucial for industries requiring high-performance materials. Understanding its properties, challenges, techniques, and applications is essential for optimizing manufacturing processes and achieving precise and efficient production of titanium components.

What isSurface Feet per Minute

Dynamic turning is an efficient machining method suitable for titanium alloys, which is characterized by constantly changing the feed speed and cutting depth of the cutting tool during the machining process to reduce tool wear and extend tool life. This method also helps to reduce the vibration and impact during cutting, thereby improving the quality and accuracy of the machined surface.

Millimeter per minute is a standard unit in international and metric-based systems. It aligns with global manufacturing practices and facilitates seamless integration with metric specifications. However, MM/min unit may require conversion before machinists in the U.S. can use it. It is also a less familiar SFM measuring unit to machinists accustomed to the imperial system.

Titanium is difficult to cut due to its high strength, hardness, and chemical reactivity. The material tends to work harden during cutting, causing tool wear and poor surface finish. Additionally, titanium’s low thermal conductivity results in high cutting temperatures, further increasing the challenges of machining.

How to calculate surface feet per minutefrom rpm

Machinists may fail to convert units correctly or confuse inches and feet when using the SFM formula. However, it would be best to use a machining software or calculator that can automatically convert the units to avoid human error. Also, it would help always to ensure diameters are indicated in inches and speeds are in revolutions per minute (RPM)

These formulas serve different purposes. Therefore, understanding and incorporating each in your CNC machining operation can offer extensive benefits, including:

Surface feet per minute toRPM

Taking recommended SFM values from tool manufacturers without evaluating the specific setup or material is a common mistake in SFM calculation. It would help to take manufacturers’ recommendations as a starting point and optimize SFM and RPM values/settings according to cutting conditions to ensure overall machining efficiency.

Carbide tools: Carbide tools are sintered from tungsten carbide powder and cobalt powder, with excellent hardness and wear resistance, suitable for high-speed cutting and heavy load processing.

When cutting, the deformation coefficient of titanium alloy is small (less than or equal to 1), and the friction of chips on the tool surface is large, which easily leads to faster tool wear.

Surface Feet per minuteChart

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These formulas help you determine SFM (Surface Feet per Minute) when you already know the spindle speed (RPM) but need to determine the surface speed (SFM).

TiN, TiAlN, and other Coatings are commonly used to enhance cutting tool performance by reducing friction and increasing resistance to heat. Coated CNC tools can withstand higher SFM, unlike uncoated tools.

During the processing of titanium alloys, it is essential to maintain a stable machining surface to ensure machining accuracy and quality. Key measures to achieve a stable machined surface include:

Furthermore, proper SFM settings help mitigate common issues like the deformation of the workpiece and tool skipping during machining processes. SFM calculation helps machinists prevent cutting tools from skipping across the workpiece, causing defects or damage to the cutting tool. Additionally, incorrect SFM calculation can cause excessive heat that may affect the workpiece. Therefore, proper SFM settings help ensure the workpiece retains its intended form and properties.

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It is easy to produce flutter and vibration during the processing of titanium alloy, which affects the processing quality and tool life. To control flutter and vibration, the following measures can be taken:

This article explains everything you need to know about SFM machining, its importance, and the standard units used in measuring SFM. Read on to the end to discover common mistakes in measuring SFM and how to avoid them. Let’s get to it!

To improve the efficiency of titanium machining, consider using high-speed cutting techniques, optimized cutting parameters, and specialized tools. It is also important to maintain a stable and clean machining environment to reduce tool wear and improve surface finish. Additionally, utilizing coolants and lubricants can help control cutting temperatures and improve the machining process.

In the modern machining industry, surface speed calculators are invaluable tools that help prevent human error and ensure desired outcomes. Machinists can input spindle speed (rpm) and cutter diameter (D) in these devices and software applications to determine the best SFM for machining operations. Typical SFM calculation tools and software include:

Secondary mitigation refers to reducing cutting forces by adjusting cutting parameters or taking other measures during the machining process. This can be achieved by reducing the cutting depth, increasing the cutting speed, using sharper tools, etc.

Incorrect SFM settings can have significant effects on tool life and the quality of machining. Understanding what happens if the SFM is too low or too high will help maintain an efficient and precise machining process:

Using the formula Vc = n × π × D / 12, you can determine the cutting head if the spindle speed (n) is 3000 RPM and Diameter (d) is 1.8 inches.

Titanium alloy, with its high strength, low density, and good corrosion resistance, has been widely used in fields such as aviation, automotive, biomedical, and petroleum industries. Among them, the use of titanium products in the aerospace industry is particularly significant. However, the processing difficulty of titanium alloys has also attracted attention due to their unique physical and chemical properties. This article will focus on a detailed analysis and application discussion of titanium machining, a key machining technology.

Once you know the desired surface speed/SFM for a specific tool or material, these formulas help decide the required spindle speed (RPM). Below is how to convert SFM to RPM:

When calculating SFM, it is wrong to use generic values that don’t account for the machined material since different machining materials require varying SFM due to parameters like thermal properties, hardness, and tensile strength. Experts advise using SFM values of the material being machined.

SFM (Surface Feet per Minute) is a critical parameter in CNC machining processes that determines cutting head speed/velocity relative to the raw material. SFM entails surface speed and the unit feet per minute. It matches the spindle speed (RPM) with the rotating component’s diameter to determine the optimal cutting condition.

Grooves are grooves on the surface of a tool used to hold cutting fluid. Increasing the number of grooves can increase the contact area between the cutting fluid and the tool, thereby speeding up the flow rate of the cutting fluid and improving the cooling effect.

The thermal conductivity of titanium alloy is low, resulting in high temperature during processing. High temperature not only affects the machining quality, but also may lead to tool wear and workpiece deformation. In order to reduce the temperature, the following measures can be taken:

Machinists can easily determine the best cutting speeds in machining operations by calculating  Surface Feet per minute (SFM). Doing so helps to ensure better tool life, efficient material removal, and superior workpiece surface finish. Below is an example of how to calculate SFM in CNC machining:

FPM is a common standard unit used in determining SFM. It easily conforms to other imperial measurements. Machine operators working with CNC machines in the U.S. know this measurement unit. However, the feed per minute unit requires conversion before it can be suitable for international use. Also, it is a less intuitive unit for those used to the metric system.

The cooling phenomenon of titanium alloy is more serious when it is processed. Due to the large chemical activity of titanium alloy, it is easy to absorb oxygen and nitrogen during high temperature cutting to produce hard skin. In addition, changes in plasticity can also lead to surface hardening.

RPMtoinchesper minuteCalculator

Titanium and its alloy is a kind of metal material with good mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, but its processing is difficult, and special processing methods and processes are required to ensure processing quality and efficiency. The following are several common processing methods for titanium:

SFM settings can vary significantly according to materials. The material’s hardness, machinability, and thermal properties would determine the best SFM value for machining operation. Below is a guide on how to adjust SFM for different materials:

Not accounting for tool wear can reduce the cutting performance and influence the SFM needed. Following the tool manufacturer’s guidelines on tool life and wear rates would be best. You should also inspect the cutting tool regularly for wear and adjust the SFM accordingly.

Titanium alloy machining is an advanced metal machining process, mainly used to process titanium alloy materials into parts or products of various shapes and sizes.

The processing of titanium alloys is significantly different from that of other materials (such as steel alloys and aluminum alloys), mainly in the following aspects:

Feet per minuteCalculator

In the process of titanium alloy processing, in order to obtain high-quality processing results, a series of skills and methods need to be used.

When machining difficult-to-cut materials, the following factors need to be considered to ensure efficient processing and workpiece quality:

Helical milling is a strategy of milling by using a spiral feed path. This method can reduce the impact and vibration during cutting, while reducing the lateral force of the tool, helping to improve processing efficiency and tool life. In titanium alloy processing, spiral milling is often used for deep hole processing and complex contour milling, which can effectively control the temperature and force during the processing, so as to ensure the processing quality.

A chamfer is a bevel or rounded corner at the edge of a workpiece. Ending with a chamfer can reduce the cutting force and stress concentration at the edge of the workpiece, improving the surface quality of the workpiece.

Like most metals, titanium comes in a wide variety. The following table describes the advantages, disadvantages and applications of various types of titanium:

The choice of CNC tools employed for machining operations often influences SFM calculation and application. Due to the variation in the capabilities and requirements of cutting tools, CNC tools often influence the optimal SFM for a specific operation. Here is how CNC tools Influence SFM in machining:

Coated tools: The tool surface coating can effectively reduce friction and heat, and extend tool life. Common coatings include:

In aircraft assembly, the machining of large diameter holes is always a difficult point. With helical milling technology, “one tool and multiple paths” can be conveniently realized by adjusting the eccentricity, thus significantly improving the machining efficiency and reducing the cost. For example, in the spiral hole milling process of 19.05mm(3/4 “) large diameter of titanium alloy.

Although closely related, SFM (Surface Feet per Minute) differs from RPM (Revolution per Minute) because they represent different things. SFM calculates the linear speed of the tool’s cutting edge relative to the workpiece, while RPM measures the spindle’s rotational speed. The cutter diameter determines the relationship between the SFM and RPM. Machinists can convert RPM to SFM using the formula:

The temperature of titanium alloy is higher when cutting, because the thermal conductivity of titanium alloy is small, the heat generated during processing is not easy to transfer. Under normal circumstances, the heat generated by titanium alloy processing is about twice that of stainless steel.

However, not many people really know the intricacies of this term. Understanding how SFM works is essential before using any machining process. Each CNC tool has its set speeds and feeds. Hence, adhering to them helps ensure a smooth machining process.

SurfaceSpeed Calculator

Titanium alloy is a material with excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, but because of its high hardness, low thermal conductivity and chemical activity, its processing is relatively complex. The following are commonly used processes and technologies in titanium alloy processing:

Setting the correct SFM in machining operations ensures optimal tool performance, reduced tool wear, and superior quality finished products. Since different materials and processes require varying cutting speeds, a comprehensive understanding of calculating the best Surface Feet per Minute for your project is essential to achieving desired outcomes.

Dynamic milling is the strategy of variable feed and cutting depth in the milling process to adapt to different workpiece profiles and reduce the impact and vibration during cutting. For materials such as titanium alloys, dynamic milling can significantly improve processing efficiency and tool life, while ensuring machined surface quality and dimensional accuracy.

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SFM is a critical variable that determines the outcomes of machining processes. It significantly impacts the cutting tool’s performance and the final product’s quality. However, SFM helps identify the ideal tool speed for various materials by deciding the appropriate (RPM) for machining cuts. Understanding the appropriate RPM helps machine operators achieve precise and efficient cuts during machining.

For high-quality milling machines for processing titanium alloys, the following are specific recommendations and considerations:

Feet per minute (FM) and millimeters per minute (MM/min) are two primary units product teams use to calculate SFM. Although these units express surface speed, their application is based on the region and the adopted standard measurement system.

When programming or setting machining parameters, it is necessary to limit the axial depth according to the characteristics of the workpiece and the machining requirements. This usually requires experience or experimentation to determine the appropriate axial depth range.

Titanium processing involves high temperatures, high cutting forces, and potentially hazardous debris. Therefore, it is crucial to wear protective equipment such as safety glasses, gloves, and aprons. Ensure that the machine is properly guarded, and follow all safety procedures and recommendations provided by the machine manufacturer. Additionally, maintain a clean and organized workspace to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

Tool manufacturers can design and produce tools with different number of grooves as needed. When selecting the tool, the appropriate number of grooves can be selected according to the processing requirements and the material characteristics of the workpiece.

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Surface feet per minute toinchesper minute

Downmilling is a milling strategy commonly used in titanium alloy machining, which is characterized by low cutting forces and vibration, helping to reduce heat and tool wear during cutting. Downmilling usually uses small radial and axial feeds to ensure the smoothness and accuracy of the machineed surface.

Axial depth refers to the depth of cutting tool on the workpiece. By changing the axial depth, the cutting force and cutting efficiency can be adjusted.

The principal agenda of SFM is to attain efficient material removal and ensure an extended tool life span. While low SFM can reduce heat generated by machining operations and preserve tool life, high SFM increases production rates but generates extreme heat, resulting in rapid tool wear.

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines have revolutionized the manufacturing industry by providing unprecedented accuracy, precision,…

It is wrong to use inaccurate data or rely on outdated information that doesn’t match the specific tool in use. Ensure the cutting tool data is verified and maintain an up-to-date database of your machine tools’ specifications. You can also document cutting data of successful previous operations.

Titanium alloy has high hardness and strong chemical activity, and has higher requirements for tool materials. In order to obtain good processing results, it is necessary to choose the appropriate tool:

In the process of machining with elongated characteristics, vibration and flutter are easy to occur due to the action of cutting force, resulting in a decline in processing quality. Limiting axial depth reduces cutting forces and reduces the likelihood of vibration and flutter.

You might make significant errors in SFM calculation, which may affect the outcomes of your project if you aren’t careful enough. Here are some of the common pitfalls machinists and engineers encounter when calculating SFM and how best to avoid them:

In titanium alloy processing, pecking and slope technology is an effective way to control cutting forces and chip accumulation:

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