Sustainable and Resource Efficient Cutting of Titanium (SuRECuT)

The worldwide utilisation of titanium materials is increasing significantly, particularly in the aerospace industry where volume demand is estimated to outstrip production capability within the next decade based on current manufacturing process technology. The proposed research aims to initially understand the underlying science and fundamental mechanisms of a novel cooling technique. This knowledge will subsequently be exploited to develop an innovative cooling technique for cutting titanium to enable at least a 25% increase in productivity without the use of traditional water emulsion based cooling fluids. The process will be sufficiently robust and flexible to allow easy implementation in other technology intensive sectors (e.g. aeroengine, biomedical etc.), which is anticipated to consolidate and generate new business opportunities for the wider UK industry as well as maintain its position as a centre for high value manufacturing and innovation.