Titanium alloys are renowned for their exceptional properties, such as high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. However, these same properties present unique challenges when it comes to CNC machining.

l Hardness and Abrasion: Titanium alloys are incredibly hard, which can lead to rapid tool wear and breakage. The abrasive nature of the material can erode cutting edges, reducing tool life and compromising machining accuracy.

l Heat Generation: The machining process of titanium alloys generates a significant amount of heat due to the material's strength and the friction created between the tool and workpiece. This heat can impact tool life, leading to tool burn-off and reducing its effectiveness. It can also cause thermal distortion of the workpiece, resulting in dimensional inaccuracies and surface imperfections.

l Chemical Reactivity: Titanium alloys are chemically reactive, particularly with oxygen and nitrogen. This reactivity can lead to surface contamination and tool damage. Oxidation can form a tough oxide layer on the workpiece surface, hindering cutting and potentially causing tool dulling. Nitrogen can penetrate the material, altering its properties and affecting its machinability.