'Couple sweet Ducs.

[CYCLE_MONKEY]

http://www.cycleworld.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=999
Why aren't more makers using Ti frames? Ducati would be a perfect first candidtate for pro"Duc"tion (arr arr) use, since they make trellis frames exclusively anyways.



http://www.cycleworld.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=1016

[lovinCO]

Very cool. I wonder if it's a cost thing or if ti is too brittle. It might not flex enough. :dunno:

[CYCLE_MONKEY]

Very cool. I wonder if it's a cost thing or if ti is too brittle. It might not flex enough. :dunno:
There isn't an issue of being brittle that I know of, but it IS an expensive material and it is harder to weld and machine. Because most of it comes from Soviet or former Soviet areas I seem to recall it being on a "list" that made it difficult to get (for security reasons), but I don't think that's the case now.

Honestly, I LOVE the stuff.
http://www.keytometals.com/Article20.htm
http://www.matweb.com/reference/titanium.aspx
The following considerations may be made in relation to the machining of titanium alloys:
- The poor thermal properties of titanium alloys lead to segmented and serrated-like chips.
- The high temperatures in the tool/chip contact area and the high chemical reactivity of titanium with almost all tool materials are the main reasons for rapid tool wear. This commences at the rake face as crater wear, but it is in very close proximity to the tool edge, thereby accelerating flank wear.
- The low elasticity modulus causes part deformations and vibrations during the milling of thin parts.
http://www.scitopics.com/getobject?documentid=10845&objectid=419

Fig. Cutting length at different cutting speeds when milling Ti-6Al-4V annealed (Æ 20 mm endmill K10, z 3, fz 0,15 mm; ae 5 mm, ap 3 mm)
The current use of micrograin carbide tools dates back to the 1950s, and now the K10 grade is used as reference. Cutting speed ranges from 80 to 300 m/min, and a moderate chip section is applied ( fz 0.05-0.15 mm/z, a p 2-4 mm, a e ¼ diameter). Tool life with respect to cutting speed is shown in Figure. Emulsion coolant must be used at all times.

And for the non-technical that like and believe in the "Wiki" data:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanium_alloy

That concludes the "Materials 101" lesson for today....:)