The Machining Characteristics of Aged Titanium Alloy 13V-11Cr-3A1

Fabricating studies have been conducted on high-strength titanium alloy 13V-11Cr-3A1 in solution treated and aged condition--workpiece hardness was 45 Rc. The aged alloy was found to be less sensitive to strain hardening during machining than the solution treated form. This material is quite abrasive to cutting tools, when turning this alloy, use of a large side cutting edge angle is advantageous. A 5% aqueous solution of barium hydroxide was far superior to other turning fluids tested. The relationships between the cutting forces and the parameters feedrate and depth of cut have been established; a similar equation has been derived for unit horsepower. For drilling and tapping, a highly chlorinated cutting oil was the best fluid tested. A grinding method which minimizes residual stresses and distortion has been developed. Rough and finish grinding conditions are recommended which result in grinding ratios of 10–20 respectively.