An overview of conventional and non-conventional techniques for machining of titanium alloys

Machining is one of the major contributors to the high cost of titanium-based components. This is as a result of severe tool wear and high volume of waste generated from the workpiece. Research efforts seeking to reduce the cost of titanium alloys have explored the possibility of either eliminating machining as a processing step or optimising parameters for machining titanium alloys. Since the former is still at the infant stage, this article provides a review on the common machining techniques that were used for processing titanium-based components. These techniques are classified into two major categories based on the type of contact between the titanium workpiece and the tool. The two categories were dubbed conventional and non-conventional machining techniques. Most of the parameters that are associated with these techniques and their corresponding machinability indicators were presented. The common machinability indicators that are covered in this review include surface roughness, cutting forces, tool wear rate, chip formation and material removal rate. However, surface roughness, tool wear rate and metal removal rate were emphasised. The critical or optimum combination of parameters for achieving improved machinability was also highlighted. Some recommendations on future research directions are made.