The cold working characteristics of this alloy are similar to those found in austenitic stainless steels. In multiple forming operations, intermediate stress relieving is recommended to offset the alloy's tendency to work harden. Post-work annealing is recommended to reattain maximum performance characteristics.
Formability
This alloy can be hot or cold formed and will exhibit characteristics equivalent to those found in a 1/8 to 1/4 hard austenitic stainless steel.
Hot Workability
Hot forming will reduce both the springback and required forming forces, and will increase the overall ductility of the material.
Machinability
As a family, titanium and its alloys have developed a mystique as a nightmare to machine. This is simply not the case. Experienced operators have compared its characteristics to those found in 316 stainless steel. Recommended practice includes high coolant flow(to offset the material's low thermal conductivity), slow speeds and relatively high feed rates. Tooling should be tungsten carbide designations C1-C4 or cobalt type high speed tools.