Titanium alloy and its composites: machinability review

Titanium-based alloys and their associated composites are increasingly favored as the go-to materials in demanding applications across a wide range of sectors, including aerospace, automotive, and military industries. Their unique attributes, such as an elevated strength-to-weight ratio, impressive rigidity, and outstanding resilience to elevated temperatures, make them suitable for components operating under extreme conditions. Despite these advantages, machining these materials poses notable obstacles, largely due to the presence of hard reinforcement phases. These phases can accelerate tool degradation, produce suboptimal surface quality, and elevate overall machining expenses. This comprehensive review offers an in-depth examination of the machinability properties of Titanium alloys and their composites, evaluating both traditional and innovative machining techniques. The analysis focuses on the influence of different reinforcement materials—like silicon carbide (SiC) and aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃)—on various machining outcomes, including tool durability, cutting forces, and surface condition. Moreover, the study assesses how machining parameters, such as cutting velocity, rate of feed, penetration depth, impact these factors. In addition, it probes the microstructural alterations and chip formation linked to distinct machining settings, offering valuable guidance for refining cutting processes. The review also emphasizes a broad spectrum of industrial applications while discussing new trends and future directions for research in machining and further utilization.