Soft-Touch™ Wet Milling Strategy
Target Material: Ti-6Al-4V ELI (Grade 23)
The Thermodynamics of Titanium
Unlike Aluminum or Copper, Titanium is a poor thermal conductor. It does not dissipate heat into the chip; instead, heat accumulates at the tool tip.
Without high-volume coolant, this creates a "Work Hardening" zone, instantly dulling carbide burs and risking Class D pyrophoric ignition.
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY (W/m·K)
*Heat cannot escape. Coolant is mandatory.
The Soft-Touch™ Operational Rules
Ramped Entry
Reduce Feed Rate (F) by 40% during the initial 0.2s of material contact. This prevents shock-loading the brittle carbide cutting edge.
Climb Milling Only
Always utilize Down-Milling (Climb). This ensures the thickest part of the chip is formed at entry, pushing heat away from the tool body.
Flood Lubricity
Coolant must be high-pressure and directed precisely at the flute contact point. Mist is insufficient for heat evacuation in Grade 23.
Reference Parameter Matrix (Wet)
| OPERATION | TOOL Ø (mm) | RPM (n) | FEED (vf) | ap (mm) | ae (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roughing | 2.0 / 3.0 | 18,000 - 22,000 | 1,200 - 1,500 | 0.30 | 40% Ø |
| Pre-Finishing | 1.0 / 1.5 | 24,000 - 28,000 | 1,000 - 1,200 | 0.15 | 25% Ø |
| Margin Detail | 0.3 / 0.6 | 35,000 - 45,000 | 450 - 600 | 0.05 | 10% Ø |
LIABILITY ADVISORY: The values above are calculated for ValidTi® PRO Series Titanium using high-rigidity CNC platforms. Actual parameters must be validated against spindle torque curves and coolant pressure. ValidTi assumes no liability for tool breakage resulting from deviations in machine maintenance or strategy implementation.
Coolant Chemistry & Concentration
Titanium milling requires high lubricity to prevent chip welding (Galling). Standard water is insufficient.
- RECOMMENDED: Semi-synthetic or synthetic emulsion.
- CONCENTRATION: 8% - 10% (Verify via refractometer).
- AVOID: Low-oil vegetable-based coolants (Poor thermal lift).
Experiencing Premature Bur Breakage?
Cross-reference your symptoms with our Forensic Matrix