VT machining provides CNC Lathe Machining Titanium for customers who need accurate, repeatable Titanium components. Because Titanium is high strength-to-weight, biocompatible, corrosion resistant, we adapt the process to suit — controlling the variables that matter for this alloy.
Starting Parameters for CNC Lathe Machining Titanium
| Cutting speed (carbide) | 40-90 m/min |
|---|---|
| Feed | 0.08-0.2 mm/rev |
| Spindle speed, Ø25 mm bar | 510-1150 rpm |
| Insert / tool class | ISO S — sharp PVD-coated carbide |
| Coolant | High-pressure flood emulsion (70 bar+ through-tool where possible) |
| Max turning diameter | Ø350 mm (chuck work) |
Shown for Grade 5 Titanium, the most common Titanium grade we see for CNC Lathe Machining. Starting values for Grade 5 Titanium, Annealed; optimised on the first article.
CNC Lathe Machining Capability for Titanium
- Live-tool capability
- Sub-spindle pickup
- OD/ID + cross features
- Diameter tolerance ±0.005 mm
Titanium material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Turning Titanium page.
How CNC Lathe Machining Titanium Works
The Titanium bar or billet rotates in the spindle while single-point tools shape outer diameters, bores, faces, grooves and threads. Constant surface speed control keeps cutting conditions stable from large to small diameters.
Programming is driven directly by your 3D model or print. Work-holding, tool selection and the cutting strategy are planned around the critical features and the material before the first chip is cut. First-off inspection confirms the process is centred before production continues.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Lathe Machining Titanium
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Outside diameter | ±0.05 mm | ±0.005 mm |
| Bore diameter | H9 | H6 |
| Length / shoulder position | ±0.10 mm | ±0.020 mm |
| Concentricity OD to ID | 0.05 mm TIR | 0.010 mm TIR |
| Roundness | 0.02 mm | 0.005 mm |
| Thread class | 6g / 2A | 4h / 3A |
| Surface finish, as turned | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 0.4 µm |
Standard is what a normal quotation assumes. Precision is available on nominated features and is priced separately, because it needs extra setups, in-process gauging and CMM verification. Call out only the features that need it — blanket-tightening a drawing is the single most common reason a quote comes back expensive.
CNC Lathe Machining Tolerances & Surface Finish
Turned Titanium holds diameter tolerances to about ±0.005 mm with concentricity within 0.01 mm and good roundness. Turned finishes of Ra 0.4–0.8 µm are achievable with finishing passes and sharp tooling.
Exact achievable figures depend on the alloy, the feature size and the part geometry. Tell us which dimensions are critical and we will advise feasibility up front.
Design Tips for CNC Lathe Machining Titanium
We are happy to suggest design tweaks that improve manufacturability. Consistent diameters, standard thread forms and avoiding extremely long, slender features help Titanium turned parts stay concentric and economical. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
Applications of CNC Lathe Machining Titanium
Customers order CNC Lathe Machining Titanium components for everything from instrumentation to structural and functional assemblies. Whether you need a single prototype or recurring production volume, the same process discipline applies.
Typical Titanium Parts for CNC Lathe Machining
Illustrative examples of CNC Lathe Machining Titanium parts and the callouts that usually drive the process plan. They show the kind of work that fits this process; they are not specific customer orders.
Nozzle body
- Material
- Titanium
- Size
- Ø12 × 46 mm
- Key callouts
- Ø0.6 mm orifice ±0.01 mm, internal taper 20°
- Batch
- 600 pcs
Orifice EDM-drilled after turning; a drill wanders at that diameter.
Bearing spacer
- Material
- Titanium
- Size
- Ø35 / Ø22 × 9 mm
- Key callouts
- Thickness ±0.005 mm, parallelism 0.005 mm
- Batch
- 4,000 pcs
Turned then double-disc ground — thickness this tight is not a lathe job.
Precision shaft
- Material
- Titanium
- Size
- Ø16 × 240 mm
- Key callouts
- OD h6, concentricity 0.01 mm TIR, keyway 5 H9
- Batch
- 1,000 pcs / year
Turned between centres so both journals share one datum.
No drawing yet? Build one in the browser.
Set the metal, dimensions and features, watch the 3D model update as you type, then switch to the 2D sheet to add dimensions and tolerances. Download it or send it straight to us with your RFQ.
What We Need to Quote CNC Lathe Machining Titanium
- GeometrySTEP or IGES for the 3D model, plus a PDF drawing if you have tolerance callouts. A dimensioned sketch is enough to start.
- MaterialThe exact Titanium grade and condition — temper, heat-treat state or hardness. If you are not sure, tell us the function and we will suggest one.
- QuantityPrototype count and the expected annual volume. Both change how the part is made and therefore what it costs.
- TolerancesWhich features are critical. Everything else runs to our standard tolerance, which is what keeps the price sensible.
- FinishSurface treatment, cosmetic requirements, and any faces that must be masked.
- DocumentsWhether you need a material certificate, dimensional report, FAIR or PPAP with the shipment.
Missing something from the list is not a problem — send what you have. We will come back with the specific questions rather than a generic form.
Other Metals for CNC Lathe Machining
Other Processes for Titanium
Send the drawing, the Titanium grade and the quantity. You get pricing, lead time and any DFM notes back — usually within one business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does CNC Lathe Machining Titanium require dedicated tooling?
Most Titanium turning work uses standard cutting tools and CNC programs; dedicated fixtures are made only when geometry or volume requires them.
Why is Titanium a good choice for CNC Lathe Machining?
Titanium is high strength-to-weight, biocompatible, corrosion resistant, which makes it well suited to CNC Lathe Machining. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Titanium turning part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.
What surface finish is achievable on Titanium with CNC Lathe Machining?
Surface finish on Titanium is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Lathe Machining Titanium?
CNC Lathe Machining prototypes for Titanium can be produced quickly and scaled to series production. Send your drawing and quantity and we will advise lead time and any minimum order.
What is CNC Lathe Machining Titanium and how is it done?
CNC Lathe Machining Titanium refers to cNC lathe machining produces precision rotational parts with combined turning, facing, drilling and threading. Applied to Titanium — high strength-to-weight, biocompatible, corrosion resistant — VT machining produces each part to your CAD drawing, selecting parameters from your tolerance, finish and quantity requirements.