Machining Printed Ti

[Rstewart]

In the near future I've been tasked with machining about a dozen Printed 6al4v Ti parts.   I would compare the parts similar to an AR Lower receiver in shape with some thin features.  Machining time isn't part of the quote but good parts are lol.   I will get one or two practice parts to try out.   Unfortunately these will be done on a Haas Mini Mill  at least it's in good shape...

Programming in MC 2017

I'm guessing Harvey Tool is gonna be my go to.  Most tools are going to be < 3/8" 

[nickbe10]

37 minutes ago, Rstewart said:

Unfortunately these will be done on a Haas Mini Mill  

My commiserations....having said that the size and shape should help you out. Harvey would probably be a good choice although I have never run their tools much in Ti, but plenty of other hard metals. I have used a lot of Helical with Ti, another possible choice.

High feed toolpaths will probably be fine as problems with these and Ti don't normally rear their heads until you get up to 12". Keep your chip load as high as you dare. Do the thin areas allow the part to flex in certain directions or do you have a fairly stable "box" in there?

I would start with 2 ops but be prepared to go to 4, perhaps with a "picture frame" or "tab" strategy either way.

Printed Ti......keep us posted on how it goes....!!

[Zoffen]

If possible can you have the parts printed with some features to hold on and locate off of....? Maybe mill them off in a later op.

 

Hopefully you have some say how they are printed in regards to supports structures to remove, etc.

 

Good luck!

 

[Rstewart]

Yeah I'm having some extra material printed on the bottom side to have a flat surface to rest upon.

Tabs aren't really going to be my friend as I believe I can hold it in soft jaws for the first two op's.

I'll look at Helical tools as well.

[crazy^millman]

I find printed material cut better that castings or forged parts. They are normally more stable and consistent in their material hardness and not have hard spots that castings of forgings seem to have.

[Colin Gilchrist]

Check out this article, and make sure you apply the 8:1 rule for finishing Ribs/Walls, and you should be fine...

https://www.mmsonline.com/articles/how-to-machine-aircraft-titanium-the-8-to-1-rule-for-finishing-walls-and-ribs