Experimental study in high efficiency milling of hydrogenated Ti6Al4V alloy

Milling tests were undertaken to analyze and compare the machinability of hydrogenated titanium alloy Ti6Al4V. Uncoated WC-Co tool inserts were used in the study. The feed and the depth of milling were maintained constant, and only the milling speed was varied because it is the most affecting parameter. Results showed that cutting force and tool life were greatly influenced by the contents of hydrogen. Tool life decreased at first and then increased gradually with the increase of hydrogen content, and the maximum magnitude decrease of tool life is about 0.2%H, meanwhile, the maximum tool life is about 0.5%H. However, with the increase of cutting speed, the favorable effect of hydrogen on the titanium alloy machinability would be weakened even disappear, therefore, 50-100m/min would be a suitable choice of cutting speed.