What manufacturing processes does VMT use for Grade 1 titanium?
CNC machining is our primary process for Grade 1 titanium, using 5-axis milling and turning for both prototypes and production. We also offer titanium investment casting for complex geometries and rapid prototyping for early stage design validation before committing to production tooling.
What surface treatment works best for Grade 1 titanium parts?
It depends on the application. Passivation suits medical and food grade equipment, anodizing works well for color coded parts, and electropolishing gives the smoothest finish. Our titanium cnc machining parts supplier team can recommend the right option once we see your drawing and end use.
Why choose Grade 1 titanium instead of Grade 5?
Grade 1 costs less and machines faster than Grade 5, with comparable or better corrosion resistance. It’s the right choice for customized cnc machining titanium parts that don’t carry structural load and don’t need Grade 5’s higher strength and rigidity.
What are the limitations of Grade 1 titanium?
Grade 1 has the lowest strength among commonly machined titanium grades, so it isn’t suited for structural or high load parts. Its high ductility also makes thin walled features more prone to distortion without careful fixturing and cutting control.
Do you offer a free DFM review before quoting?
Yes, every drawing goes through a free DFM review as part of our titanium cnc machining prototyping process, so manufacturability issues are caught early. This helps avoid cost surprises and delays once your project moves into production.
Do you offer assembly services for Grade 1 titanium parts?
We primarily focus on cnc milling titanium components, but we can support basic assembly for multi part orders on request. For more complex assembly requirements, it’s best to walk through your project with us directly during quoting.
Can I sign an NDA before sending my drawing?
Yes, we’re glad to sign an NDA before reviewing your drawing. Every design is handled confidentially and shared only with the engineers directly involved in your project, whether or not an NDA is in place.
What’s the difference between Grade 1 and Grade 2 titanium?
Grade 2 has higher strength and slightly lower ductility than Grade 1 due to its higher allowable oxygen and iron content. Grade 1 suits deep drawn or heavily formed parts, while titanium in cnc machining projects using Grade 2 favor general brackets and pressure bearing parts.
