Ti-6Al-4V is strong and light but holds heat at the cutting edge because it conducts heat poorly. Run low surface speeds, keep a steady feed, and flood the cut; managed well it machines reliably.
Key properties
| Property | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.160 lb/in³ (4.43 g/cm³) |
| Hardness | ~36 HRC |
| Tensile strength | ~138,000 psi (950 MPa) |
| Machinability | Poor |
| Composition | Ti with 6% Al, 4% V |
Cutting speeds
| Operation | HSS (SFM) | Carbide (SFM) |
|---|---|---|
| Milling | 30 – 50 | 100 – 200 |
| Turning | 40 – 60 | 150 – 250 |
| Drilling | 20 – 40 | 60 – 120 |
Convert to RPM: RPM = (SFM × 3.82) / cutter diameter. Use the Feeds & Speeds calculators.
Tooling and tips
- Low SFM, sharp AlTiN carbide, heavy flood coolant, and a very rigid setup.
- Maintain a real chip load — rubbing work-hardens the surface fast.
- Fine titanium chips are flammable; manage chip buildup and keep coolant flowing.
See Cutting Speeds for Titanium and the full Feeds and Speeds Chart.