Is It Possible to Drill Titanium? Here Are Techniques and Tools

We know that there are particularly resistant materials that often turn out to be difficult to treat. For example, we need to use specific bits for drilling very hard metals like titanium. Here, for example: how do we work with this marvel of nature? Can we make a precise hole with dimensions suited to our needs? The answer is obviously yes.

With the right precautions and ideal tools, we can drill titanium. But it must be remembered that this metal, once known by the name menacanite, is not so simple to handle. Not without reason it is defined as an element difficult to work with because of its resistance. But also because it is particularly precious given its characteristics. So it should not be wasted.

No distractions are allowed when you need to make a hole in a titanium plate. Do you want information on how to proceed and which tools to use? Let's start with a brief analysis of the metal we're about to put on our workshop bench.

What Is Titanium, Technical Characteristics

To understand how to drill titanium, we need to know it. This metal – atomic number 22 and symbol Ti, with a naturally very bright appearance – is present in nature and has fundamental characteristics: great resistance coupled with unique lightness. In fact, titanium is used in all sectors where it is necessary to reduce weight to the maximum without compromising resistance.

Furthermore, it has technical characteristics (a thin oxide barrier) that make it also suitable for naturally managing corrosion. That's why it's often used in the field of automotive and motorcycle racing, in the aerospace field, and wherever there is the need to reduce weight to the essentials without compromising the required safety.

What Tools Are Needed to Drill Titanium

First of all, you need to get a drill with rotary motion; the percussion one is only used for building materials. Since, in many cases, titanium machining is done for precision work on small pieces, it is advisable to use a good bench drill with a base to hold the block to be modified in place with the hole. Now you need to get the right bit for drilling titanium. Choose the options with:

• Tungsten carbide.
• Cobalt bits.
• HSS coated with titanium.

Bits made of tungsten carbide are perfect for working on hard metals like steel and titanium. They last a long time and are heat resistant, are used for professional work: if you often need to drill these supports, it's worth buying such a tool. Solutions in cobalt (HSS-Co) are still valid, ideal for a semi-professional and amateur context.

While HSS coated with titanium can be useful on these occasions but without pretensions in terms of durability and hole precision. In short, a good compromise between quality and price is a good HSS-Co bit like the ones you find in the Krino catalog. If you want to work like a professional, instead, it's worth using tungsten carbide bits for drilling titanium.

How to Drill Titanium, Procedure

To make a hole in a titanium plate, you don't need any special precautions if you've chosen a good bit. You must clamp the piece in a vise, being careful not to damage it due to excessive pressure, and with a center punch mark the hole point. Apply a coating of cutting oil to the area to be drilled to reduce friction and temperature. Start drilling at low speed: apply firm but not excessive pressure, monitor the situation to avoid overheating. To make a large hole in a titanium sheet?

If we're still talking about a titanium structure, you shouldn't enlarge with larger bits but use a cup mill. For example, the tungsten carbide teeth of this Krino cup mill are perfect for work like this.