THE METALWORKING Fluids Insider blog maintained by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers has an article with tips on machining titanium.
The article, originally written by Bill Kruysman of Milacron, provides a background on titanium, as well as tips and tricks to improve tool life and efficiency when machining the metal.
Titanium is a low-mass high strength metal which is 30% stronger than steel but 50% lighter. It is used extensively in the aerospace industry and is used in high-temperature parts. It can also be alloyed with other metals to result in improved properties.
Due to its properties, titanium is seen as being difficult to machine. The widespread adoption of the metal has increased the industry’s knowledge about it, and if proper procedure is used, titanium can be fabricated using techniques similar to those used for 316 stainless steel.
For example, titanium is a poor conductor of heat, resulting in heat concentrating on the cutting edge and tool face and destroying the tool. It also tends to alloy or react with other materials. The cutting tools experience galling, welding and smearing, shortening their lives.
To improve tool life, the author recommends using low cutting speeds, maintaining high feed rates, and using generous amounts of cutting fluid. High-speed steel tools are best suited for machining titanium.
Water-based fluids are recommended for working with titanium, because chloride ions and sodium ions cause stress cracking in titanium allows. Other options include synthetics, soluble oils, and semisynthetics.

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