About Grade 5|Ti-6Al-4V. The most common titanium alloy (90% of all titanium alloy production). 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium give a yield strength of 120+ KSI, more than double CP titanium. This is the aerospace titanium: airframe structural parts, engine components, landing gear, and fasteners. Also dominates medical implants (hip joints, bone screws). Machines harder than CP grades. Low speeds (40-80 SFM for turning), sharp uncoated carbide, aggressive feeds, and high-pressure flood coolant. Never stop the feed with the tool engaged. The heat builds instantly and destroys the insert. The most important machining rule: maintain chipload. Compare to
Grade 2 (much weaker, much cheaper, better formability) and
Grade 23 (ELI version, better fracture toughness).