Exploration of machining process of 3C titanium alloy structural parts

In the rapid development of intelligent consumer electronics products, titanium alloy has gradually become the new favorite of 3C (computer, communication, consumer electronics) terminal materials because of its high strength, corrosion resistance, light weight and excellent texture. From Apple, Samsung to Xiaomi, Huawei and other head manufacturers, have launched flagship products made of titanium alloy, leading a new trend in the consumer electronics industry. In this paper, we will discuss in depth the application and characteristics of the three main machining processes, CNC machining, 3D printing and MIM (metal powder injection molding), in the manufacturing of 3C titanium alloy structural parts.
CNC machining: the perfect combination of tradition and precision
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining is a widely used metal processing technology, which utilizes a computer program to control the machine tool for precise cutting or grinding. In the manufacture of titanium alloy structural parts, CNC machining is favored for its high precision, high efficiency and good workpiece surface quality. However, the high strength and low thermal conductivity of titanium alloys bring challenges to CNC machining, such as cutting difficulties, low machining efficiency and severe tool wear. Nevertheless, with the continuous progress of CNC machining technology and the improvement of yield rate, its cost is gradually reduced, which makes CNC machining is still the mainstream way of manufacturing titanium alloy structural parts.

3D printing: a breakthrough in customization and complexity
3D printing technology, also known as additive manufacturing technology, brings new possibilities for the manufacturing of titanium alloy structural parts. By printing layer by layer, 3D printing can easily realize the customized manufacturing of complex structures, and the utilization rate of raw materials is close to 100%. Compared with the traditional casting process, 3D printing does not need to go through the traditional manufacturing steps such as extrusion, forging, casting and secondary processing, which greatly shortens the production cycle and reduces costs. Especially in the folding screen phone and other high-end products, 3D printing technology has begun to gradually import titanium alloy structural components in the manufacturing, such as glory Magic V2 in the shaft cover will be used in the manufacture of 3D printing technology. However, it should be noted that in most cases, 3D printing still needs to be combined with CNC machining in order to meet the accuracy requirements of the final product.
MIM: A model of efficiency and near-net-shape molding
MIM (Metal Powder Injection Molding) is a highly efficient near-net-shape forming technology, which is achieved by mixing metal powder with a binder and then injecting it into a mold, followed by steps such as degreasing and sintering to obtain the final product.MIM processing has the advantages of high raw material utilization, high molding precision and high productivity, which makes it particularly suitable for rapid production of complex structures in large quantities. For example, the center frame of Xiaomi's 14 Ultra Titanium Special Edition is processed using the MIM process, followed by CNC machining and surface treatment at a later stage, resulting in a sturdy and beautiful titanium alloy structural part.
Summary and Outlook
In summary, CNC machining, 3D printing and MIM processes have their own characteristics in the manufacturing of 3C titanium alloy structural components, providing a variety of options for the precise manufacturing and lightweight design of titanium alloy structural components. However, the current cost of titanium alloy 3D printing and CNC machining is still high, which limits its wide application in consumer electronics. In the future, with the continuous progress of technology and further cost reduction, we have reason to believe that titanium alloy will be penetrated and applied in more models and categories, bringing consumers more high-quality and lightweight smart consumer electronics products.