When cutting hard-resistant alloys such as Ti-6Al-4V on big machines with over 1,000 Nm of torque, the strategy is pretty simple. Open a hole with a fast-feed cutter or a large-sized drill and then use a porcupine cutter to cut the main pocket.
But what about other-sized machines? Here, the limited allowed cutting force and thrust of axis feed put a stop to the strategies we can use. However, an FF-Ti strategy can help maximise the performance on these machines.
Basics
For FF-Ti machining the basics to be followed are:
Reduce cutting force through shallow radial depth of cut
Cutting speed over 100/min
Long-flute end mill
Use holder through coolant
Spiral and circular tool path
Advantages of FF-Ti Machining
When we are talking about the profitability of a titanium cutting process, there are two main factors that need to be balanced: tool cost and cycle time.
The benefits we get with our FF-Ti strategy are as follows:
Improvement of average M.R.R. with the spiral and trochoidal path
Constant tool engagement angle for stable tool life
Longer tool life through using Makino’s recommended coolant
Maximum utilisation of smaller-sized machine such as the Makino a1nx series
