Investigations on efficient machining of titanium alloys with cryogenic cooling

Due to their specific properties titanium alloys have a wide field of application in the modern aviation industry and increasingly in the automotive industry. These lightweight materials exhibit an advantageous strength-to-density ratio and excellent corrosion resistance. However, titanium alloys are difficult to machine. Their low thermal conductivity and high strength cause increased thermo-mechanical loads on the cutting tool. Decreased tool life and consequently, low material removal rates result in extended processing times and increased manufacturing cost. One of the most important parameters is an optimal cooling strategy to achieve high efficiency and process reliability. Thus, the fundamentals are introduced in order to apply cryogenic media to cool the cutting zone. Systematic investigations describe the influence of cryogenic cooling with carbon dioxide (CO2) and liquid nitrogen (LN2) on machining various titanium alloys. Based on the studies the potentials of cryogenic cooling in machining these materials will be derived.