Processing Characteristics and Features of Titanium Alloys

The low thermal conductivity of titanium alloys directly results in poor heat dissipation. During thread machining, this leads to inadequate heat dispersion and cooling, causing significant deformation due to high post-machining springback. Additionally, the cutting tools experience severe edge wear, reducing their service life. The small deformation coefficient of titanium alloys further increases tool wear. Due to their high chemical reactivity, titanium alloys are prone to chemical reactions with other metals at elevated temperatures during machining, leading to adhesion between the workpiece and cutting tools or taps—a phenomenon known as "galling" or "tool sticking."

To enhance the strength of titanium, alloying elements are added to pure titanium to form titanium alloys. There are three main types: alpha (TA), beta (TB), and alpha-beta (TC) titanium alloys. Among them, alpha-beta (TC) alloys are dual-phase materials and are the most widely used, serving as a crucial raw material in the aerospace industry.

Titanium alloys exhibit excellent metallic properties, including high strength and relatively low density—yet their strength significantly exceeds that of many alloy steels. They possess superior heat resistance, with thermal strength hundreds of times greater than aluminum alloys, ensuring good thermal stability. Their performance remains excellent even under cryogenic conditions. They also demonstrate strong corrosion resistance, effectively resisting acids, alkalis, moisture, and chlorides. However, their high chemical reactivity allows them to react readily with oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and other elements present in the air. Furthermore, they have low thermal conductivity, with a thermal conductivity coefficient much lower than that of iron, aluminum, and other common metals.