CNC Turned Grade 5 Titanium and Stainless Steel Shafts

Titanium is turned at low surface speed with sharp, positive-rake carbide and high-pressure coolant, because heat concentrates at the tool tip and wears it quickly. Constant feed prevents rubbing, which would work-harden and gall the surface. Long shafts are supported by tailstock or steady rest. Threads are single-point cut or rolled; rolled threads have better fatigue life, valuable on titanium bolts.

Ti-6Al-4V is about 45% lighter than steel with comparable strength, and it does not rust in seawater or sweat. Grade 2 is softer but more formable and slightly more corrosion-resistant. Stainless steel is cheaper and easier to machine, so it suits shafts where weight is less critical. Titanium can be anodized to colors such as blue, gold and purple without dyes, and stainless is passivated.

Journal diameters are measured with micrometers, runout with dial indicators, and threads with gauges. Material certificates trace each titanium bar lot. Every critical dimension is 100% inspected before shipment, and inspection reports are available on request. Typical uses include bicycle axles and bolts, racing suspension pins, marine shafts, instrument spindles and medical-device prototype shafts.