Titanium
Titanium 6Al-4V Speeds and Feeds
Poor thermal conductivity concentrates heat at the cutting edge. Keep SFM low and chip load steady.
Milling Titanium 6Al-4V
Power is a rough estimate using the material unit power factor. Verify against your spindle rating.
Spindle speed
- RPM
Feed rate
- IPM
Material removal rate
- in3/min
Approx. spindle power
- HP
Editorial estimate only
These are conservative starting points, not a guarantee. Verify against manufacturer tooling data and your machine manual. Confirm spindle power, workholding and coolant before cutting.
Drilling Titanium 6Al-4V
Spindle speed
- RPM
Feed rate
- IPM
Editorial estimate only
These are conservative starting points, not a guarantee. Verify against manufacturer tooling data and your machine manual. Confirm spindle power, workholding and coolant before cutting.
Titanium 6Al-4V reference values
Editorial estimates for illustration. Start on the low end and adjust to your tooling and machine.
| Operation | Surface speed | Chip load / feed | Unit power (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milling | 30-80 SFM (9-24 m/min) | 0.0005-0.001 in/tooth (0.013-0.025 mm/tooth) | 1.5 HP per in3/min |
| Drilling | 20-40 SFM (6-12 m/min) | 0.002-0.004 in/rev (0.051-0.102 mm/rev) |
Frequently asked questions
What surface speed should I use for Titanium 6Al-4V?
A conservative milling range is 30-80 SFM (9-24 m/min). Coated carbide can run higher; HSS should stay on the low end.
What chip load should I use for Titanium 6Al-4V?
A typical milling chip load is 0.0005-0.001 in/tooth (0.013-0.025 mm/tooth). Use the low end for small or fragile cutters and increase only as your setup allows.
Are these values safe to cut with?
These are starting points, not a guarantee. Always verify against your tooling manufacturer data and machine manual, and confirm spindle power, workholding and coolant before cutting.