Surface Grinding Titanium?

Peter Atwood

Peter Atwood

Joined
Oct 26, 2000
Messages
2,468
How about it folder makers? Can you surface grind titanium or do you just sand it flat by conventional means such as disc sander, flat glass plate, etc.? The reason I'm asking is I'm not sure if the surface grinder wheels can accomodate titanium or not or if they get caked up with grinding residue. I have always heard that grinding aluminum with a stone wheel is a no-no. Also, there is the nonmagnetic issue and I know surface grinders have a magnetic chuck.
 
Peter,
Surface grinding titanium is aggravating and slow but it can be done.
I use a Norton 5SG46-IVSP. The P means it is a pourous wheel and it doesn't clog up as bad as most. I also use this wheel to surface grind Stellite and Talonite.
You're right about the magnetic chuck. I bond the titanium or Stellite to a 3/4" steel plate with Locktite 410 toughened superglue. The plate has a series of 1/4" holes thru it so I can use a punch and pop them off.
The slow part is the actual grinding. You can't remove but a half thousandth or so at a pass. If you try for more it will bow the material up on each end. It helps to turn the material on a 45 degree to the wheel. I also pump alot of cutting fluid on it during the process.
If I have a lot to remove I will take most of it off on the mill.
About the only time I do this is for backspacers.
 
Chuck Bybee does have straight stuff. In fact everything he sells is first rate.

You can surface grind Ti. Holding it down to the table is the hardest part. Ive heard that 2 sided tape works or glue it down. There should be no problem with plugging the wheel. Ask Tom Mayo.
 
Stick it down with carpet tape. A surface grinder converted to belts works best-less heat, less distortion and faster cutting.
I'd recommend sticking with the flat platen on the belt sander, glass backed, of course, at a slow speed (maybe 500 FPM, Use a NEW, ceramic belt (977 or 707, 3M) in 220 grit for starters.
You can carpet tape ypour pieces to a piece of precision ground stock so you have something to hold onto.

RJ Martin
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top