The Challenges of Cutting Titanium
Titanium cutting is difficult due to the reactive nature of the material. Because the material is sensitive to heat, it must be cut at a relatively low temperature to prevent warping, discoloration, and contamination. Water jets, band saws, laser cutting, and plasma cutting are all techniques that can be used to execute accurate and efficient cuts for titanium.
Band Saw Cutting
A special blade is required to cut titanium with a band saw. The blade must have carbide-tipped teeth, which stay sharper longer than steel-tipped alternatives. We also utilize coolants during the cutting process to help keep the integrity of the cut, cool the blade, prevent work-hardening, and clear chips. Depending on the thickness of the material, and the accuracy required, band saw cutting may be a cost-effective option for your project.
Plasma Cutting for Titanium
Titanium can also be cut using a plasma torch or plasma CNC machine. Plasma cutting is extremely versatile, and can be especially useful for hard-to-reach angles or parts that do easily not fit on a bench or on a CNC bed. At AP Precision, we execute this technique using special gases to help ensure a clean cut.
CNC Machine Cutting
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines can be programmed to safely and efficiently cut titanium plate, sheet, and bar stock. Depending upon the thickness and composition of the material, this may be a practical method for creating a high volume of detailed parts. Due to titanium’s unique nature, our machinists use special techniques, speeds, and angles to ensure a clean and damage-free cut. We also employ special coolant and make detailed re-calibrations to ensure quality during the machining process.
Manual Machine Cutting for Titanium
As engineers continue to use titanium in complex designs and prototypes, there is a growing need for detailed cutting on a manual machine. At AP Precision, our skilled machinists can process custom titanium and titanium alloy parts to almost any specification. Since titanium has low thermal conductivity, the speed and force of machining must be carefully set to avoid damage to both the part and the tool. In addition, we work to eliminate chatter through a carefully-planned speed and angle while creating custom parts.
Laser Cutting
Sheet titanium can also be processed with a laser cutter. An experienced metal fabricator must set up this project, as a special CO2 laser with Nitrogen or Oxygen assist may also be involved to help create a better finish.
Service for Different Industries
AP Precision was founded by the demand for highly-detailed parts in the robotics industry, but has now grown to service for a range of other businesses including aerospace, computing, electronics, medical, architecture, automotive, and more. Several of our customers are ISO 9001 compliant, so we have a dedicated quality control department to ensure we are operating in accordance with ISO Standards.
Customer Service & Reliability
Aside from our technical skills, customers return to us for our outstanding customer service and reliability. We are happy to answer any questions you have about a project, provide lead times, quotes, and more. Get in touch today to discuss your next project.