Titanium Machining Services
Rapid prototyping and full-scale production
ISO accredited & QC checks
All in-house processes
Used in over 50 countries
FREE Instant quotations
What We Support | Details |
Titanium Grades Machined | Grade 2, Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V), Grade 23, and other engineering titanium alloys |
Parts We Commonly Machine | Aerospace brackets, medical components, fasteners, manifolds, housings, and fixture parts |
Machining Capability | 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC milling and turning |
Typical Part Size Range | Small precision parts to large structural titanium components |
Tolerance Range | Tight tolerance machining for mating and critical features |
Surface Finish Control | Surface finishing for sealing faces, contact areas, and visible surfaces |
Thin-Wall Machining | Controlled cutting strategy for lightweight titanium structures |
Deep Feature Machining | Machining support for deep pockets, cavities, and long-reach features |
Heat Control During Cutting | Managed feed rate and tool engagement to reduce heat concentration |
Tool Wear Control | Toolpath planning adjusted for titanium cutting conditions |
Prototype and Production | One-off prototypes to repeat production batches |
Design Review Support | CAD and DFM review before machining starts |
Inspection Process | Dimensional and feature inspection before shipment |
Industries Served | Aerospace, medical, energy, motorsport, and industrial equipment |
Finishing Options | Bead blasting, polishing, anodizing, passivation, and coating support |
Manufacturing Standards | ISO 9001-compliant production process |
Titanium Grades We Machine
At Sochain Precision, we deploy a variety of Ti Grades into CNC machining. These grades are selected considering the part strength, corrosion resistance, weight features, and functional needs of our valuable customers. Different grades react differently to the same cutting parameters.
For example, some grades generate much more heat at the point of the cutting tool, and some put additional pressure on the tool as it reaches its maximum depth.
Titanium Grade 2
Titanium Grade 2 has good corrosion-resistance, light weight, and relatively moderate cost. Moreover, it forms minimal chips compared to alloyed Ti Grades and is therefore preferred for many chemical equipment and parts used under hostile conditions like seawater.
Titanium Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V)
Grade 5 is the most common Ti Alloy in use nowadays. This grade is typically used for aerospace, motorsports, and structural components where high strength/low weight is desired. To control the temperature generated by the process (and avoid burning/tempering), feed rate and engagement are carefully controlled.
Titanium Grade 23 (Ti-6Al-4V ELI)
Grade 23 is an ELI (Extra Low Interstitials) version of titanium grade 5. The ELI Version contains fewer impurities than does Grade 5. Therefore, it is used primarily for medical implants and surgical applications where surface condition and material cleanliness are of concern.
Beta Titanium Alloys
Beta Ti Grades provide excellent flexibility and strength. However, these grades are challenging to machine compared to Alpha + Beta Ti Grades and may require Lower Engagement when performing Finishing Passes.
Typical parts made from this grade include:
- Aerospace Fasteners
- Springs
- High Load Structural Components
- Performance Assemblies
Titanium Material Properties Comparison
Material | Density (g/cm³) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Hardness (HB) | Corrosion Resistance | Machining Note | Typical Use |
Grade 2 Titanium | ~4.51 | 345–550 | ~145 | Very High | Easier cutting, lower tool load | Chemical and marine parts |
Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V | ~4.43 | 895–930 | ~330 | High | Heat builds quickly during cutting | Aerospace and structural parts |
Grade 23 Ti-6Al-4V ELI | ~4.43 | 860–900 | ~300 | High | Controlled finishing required | Medical components |
Beta Titanium Alloy | ~4.80 | 950–1200 | ~350 | High | Higher cutting resistance | Springs and high-load parts |
Machining Techniques Used for Titanium Parts
At Sochain Precision, our engineers plan titanium machining based on feature depth, wall thickness, and cutter access.
Titanium retains heat near the cut zone, which means that the cutting pass and how closely each pass engages the tool have to be managed well during machining.
High-Feed Roughing
Our engineers prefer high-feed roughing as an initial removal method for all extraneous titanium material from blocks and plates.
The material is removed by making various small engagement passes instead of one large engagement pass. This results in less heat concentrated on the cutting edge throughout long machining operations. Typically, we utilize this method for aerospace brackets, fixture plates, and structural parts with deep pockets and cavities.
5-Axis Machining
Through our 5-axis CNC machines, we successfully machine titanium parts with angled surfaces, curved profiles, and multi-face geometries. These machines allow us to minimize repetitive repositions and improve cutter accessibility to intricate features.
We employ 5-axis CNC machining for medical parts, aerospace components, manifolds, and lightweight support structures.
Thin-Wall Finishing
Based on our experience, thin-wall titanium sections are a bit challenging to machine. This requires careful control over the material removal rate per pass. Therefore, our machinists developed thin-wall finishing techniques to cut material from these areas in stages, utilizing lighter cutting engagement.
This technique is often utilized for rib sections, lightweight housings, and thin aerospace features.
Deep Pocket Machining
Longer cutting tools and step-down passes are required when machining deep cavities. Although tool reach increases as vibration does in the machining operation. Therefore, our team adjusts feed rate and engagement based upon pocket depth and feature shape.
Typical applications for deep cavity features include mold parts, structural blocks, and internal titanium components.
Design Tips for Titanium CNC Machining
Our design team first reviews your engineering drawing or CAD files before the machining commences. We provide free DFM review and suggest small design adjustments(i applicable), which often help you optimize your design and save on unnecessary expense during production runs and long machining cycles.
Use Larger Internal Radii
Intricate internal corners often require small cutters. They remove relatively less material during each pass and increase the machining cycle time. Whereas larger corner radii improve cutter access and minimize extra passes.
Avoid Deep Narrow Slots
Deep, narrow slots hold heat around the cutter and make chip evacuation harder. So, our team recommends slightly wider slots where possible to improve machining access.
Keep Wall Thickness More Consistent
Large wall thickness changes increase extra finishing work during titanium machining. So, it is always recommended to keep consistent wall sections to help reduce repeated finishing passes across the part.
Reduce Very Deep Cavities
Very deep cavities increase long-reach tool use and slower cutting conditions. Our engineers often suggest opening certain areas to improve cutter movement and machining access.
Apply Tight Tolerances Only on Critical Areas
The tighter the tolerance, the more time for machining will be needed. Our team recommends applying tighter tolerances only on assembly surfaces and fitting areas.
Use Near-Final Titanium Stock
Large stock removal adds more roughing time and increases tool wear. Thus, our machinists prefer stock sizes closer to the final part dimensions to reduce unnecessary cutting.
Surface Finishing and Post-Processing Options for Titanium Parts
Surface treatments are used on titanium parts to enhance their corrosion resistance, surface contact, meet assembly conditions, and meet appearance requirements. At Sochain Precision, we support different finishing techniques for aerospace, industrial, medical, and structural titanium components.
Bead Blasting
Bead blasting is usually applied right after the part comes out of the machining process. It is used to remove all surface defects from machining, which allows titanium parts to have a uniform matte finish. This is typically utilized on visible surfaces as well as machined housing.
We employ bead blasting for custom aerospace covers, brackets, and external titanium components.
Mechanical Polishing
Mechanical polishing provides a high polish on titanium and eliminates cutter marks. It is mainly used for contact areas, medical parts, and components requiring an aesthetic appearance from the outside. We normally use mechanical polishing before coating and marking operations.
Powder Coating
Powder coating provides a protective outer layer to titanium parts. These coated parts are used in heavy industries and outdoor environments. Powder coating enhances surface coverage and protects against corrosion for exposed exterior surfaces.
We apply powder coating to equipment covers, frames, and structural support parts.
Painting
Industrial paint finishes are used when there is a need for color identification or additional environmental protection for titanium parts. It is important to prepare the surface before painting so that the paint finish has excellent Adhesion.
These finishes are commonly used on industrial assemblies and external equipment components.
PVD Coating
Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating applies a very thin, hard outer layer to titanium parts. It is primarily used to increase wear resistance and reduce surface marking due to contact movement.
PVD coatings are commonly applied to steel parts used in medical tools, aerospace fittings, and performance components
DLC Coating
Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating is used on titanium parts with repeated sliding contact. This coating reduces surface friction and helps lower wear on moving contact areas.
Our engineers commonly specify DLC coating for pins, sliding parts, and contact assemblies.
Electropolishing
Electropolishing removes a thin surface layer from titanium parts and improves surface smoothness. This process is often used on medical and clean-environment components.
Our team uses electropolishing on surgical parts, fluid-contact components, and fine-machined surfaces.
Laser Marking
Laser marking is used for part numbers, batch tracking, and identification codes. The marking process keeps feature dimensions unchanged and is usually completed after finishing operations.
This process is commonly used on aerospace parts, medical tools, and production assemblies.
Need Titanium CNC Machined Parts?
At Sochain Precision, our engineers handle titanium machining from prototype to production. We support aerospace, medical, and industrial projects where geometry, tolerance, and material control need consistent execution.
Before machining starts, our team reviews your CAD model. We check tool access, feature depth, wall thickness, and setup direction. This helps define the machining plan before cutting begins.
We run 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC machines for titanium parts with complex surfaces and multi-face features. For deep pockets and thin sections, we apply staged cutting to keep geometry stable during machining.
Our team also manages edge finishing, dimensional inspection, and surface preparation before delivery. Parts are shipped ready for assembly without extra processing steps.
Share your CAD file with Sochain Precision to get a quote. Our engineers will review your design and provide feedback on the machining approach, cost, and lead time.
FAQs
We commonly machine Grade 2, Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V), and Grade 23 titanium. These cover most aerospace, medical, and industrial requirements.
Yes, we have very strict limits on all of our important geometries (such as how closely two surfaces will fit together) that we call "critical" features. Non-critical or "non-functional" geometries do not need to be limited so tightly; this allows us to keep manufacturing costs down and reduce the amount of time it takes to make a machined part.
Yes, based upon part design, we select appropriate airflow and/or cooling options to help keep temperatures in the area where the cut is being made consistent, thus maintaining consistent tool engagement.
Yes, when working with thin-walls, we utilize staged cutting techniques using light finishing cuts. These staging methods allow us to keep the shape of the component from distorting due to the removal of material.
Yes, in addition to making one-off prototype parts, we also make many parts in repeating production runs. The tool path's efficiency will vary based on the number of parts that need to be made and the level of detail within each part.
You can upload your CAD file directly. Our engineers review the design, check manufacturability, and provide pricing with lead time details.
Start Manufacturing Your Custom Parts Now!
Understanding Your Goals, Delivering Your Solutions – We’re Committed to Making CNC Machining Simple and Stress-Free!