This guide explains material selection, drawing tolerances and surface-finish review for CNC-machined titanium parts. FILTURE supplies these parts in Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V only. Grade 2 is discussed as a material comparison, not as an offered machining grade. Suitability and documentation must be confirmed for the specific part and application.
Why Titanium Is Difficult to Machine
Heat management, tool wear and workpiece rigidity matter when machining titanium. Grade 2 and Grade 5 do not have the same thermal conductivity. Cutting parameters must be selected for the alloy, tool, geometry and coolant arrangement rather than copied from a generic speed table.
Grade 2 vs Grade 5: When to Use Which
Grade 2 is commercially pure titanium; Grade 5 is Ti-6Al-4V. Grade 5 generally offers higher strength, while material selection also depends on ductility, corrosion conditions and the specified product standard. This comparison is educational: FILTURE’s machined titanium parts are Grade 5 only, not commercially pure titanium. Industrial Grade 5 does not establish implant or aerospace qualification.
Specifications Comparison: Grade 2 vs Grade 5
Do not confuse minimum specified values with typical test results. TIMET’s TIMETAL 50A (Grade 2) data sheet lists a minimum 0.2% proof stress of 275 MPa and a typical value of 345 MPa; its typical room-temperature thermal conductivity is about 21.8 W/(m·K), not 6.7. These are reference data, not a certificate for a delivered part. Confirm the applicable product form, standard, condition and lot certificate for each order.
TIMET: TIMETAL 50A (Grade 2), PDF
Achievable Tolerances and Surface Finish
Specify critical dimensions, datums, thread classes and surface roughness on the drawing. Achievable tolerances depend on feature size, geometry, fixturing, material condition and inspection method. FILTURE must review the drawing before confirming a tolerance or roughness requirement; this article does not promise a universal ±0.005 mm machining capability.
Common CNC Machined Titanium Part Types
Flanges and Fittings
Titanium flanges to ASME B16.5 or custom dimensions are widely used in chemical reactors, offshore pipelines, and desalination plants. Grade 2 handles most corrosive-service flange applications. Grade 5 is used where high bolt loads or pressure ratings demand greater strength.
Valve Bodies and Stems
Machined from solid bar or forged blanks, titanium valve components serve in chlor-alkali plants, bleach production, and seawater cooling systems where stainless steel would suffer pitting or crevice corrosion.
Custom Connectors and Adapters
Instrumentation fittings, sensor housings, and custom threaded adapters are common low-volume titanium machining jobs. These parts often combine close-tolerance bores with standard thread forms (metric or NPT).
Filter and Sparger Components
Titanium end caps, collector tubes, and support rings for sintered metal filter assemblies. These parts interface with sintered porous media and require controlled surface finishes on sealing faces to ensure leak-free joints.
Post-Machining Surface Treatments
Specify the required cleanliness, surface roughness and any coating on the drawing. Cleaning, anodizing, plating and PVD are different processes and must not be treated as interchangeable. Treatment availability, thickness, dimensional allowance and compatibility with the service medium require order-specific confirmation; no silver, nickel or PVD coating capability is promised here.
What to Include on Your Drawing
A complete specification for CNC machined titanium parts should include:
- Material grade and applicable standard (e.g., “Ti Grade 5 per ASTM B348”)
- Dimensional tolerances on all critical features
- Surface finish requirements (Ra values on relevant surfaces)
- Thread standard and class (e.g., M12x1.75-6H)
- Post-machining treatment (passivation, electropolishing, anodizing)
- Inspection requirements (CMM report, material test certificate 3.1)
FILTURE supplies titanium fasteners and machined parts in Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V only. Send the drawing, quantity, service conditions and required inspection documents for review. Dimensions, tolerances, finishes and compliance requirements are confirmed in the quotation, not guaranteed by this general guide.
