5 Key Factors When Choosing a Titanium Manufacturing Partner

Choosing the right titanium manufacturing partner is critical. Titanium is a difficult metal to forge, machine, and weld. With global supply chains becoming increasingly complex, it’s crucial to evaluate potential partners carefully to ensure material integrity and machining precision.

1. Quality Assurance and Traceability

The most important factor is a manufacturer’s commitment to quality. Look for ISO 9001 and AS9100 certifications. More importantly, ensure they provide complete Mill Test Certificates (MTC EN10204 3.1) for every batch of titanium, guaranteeing the chemical composition and mechanical properties.

2. Specialized Machining Capabilities

Titanium requires specialized cutting tools, rigid machine setups, and specific cooling techniques to prevent work hardening and surface damage. Verify that your partner has modern 5-axis CNC machines and experience specifically with titanium alloys like Gr5 (Ti-6Al-4V).

3. Vertically Integrated Supply Chain

Partners who have direct access to titanium sponge and integrated melting/forging facilities can offer more stable pricing and shorter lead times compared to brokers who simply buy and resell standard mill products.

4. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

Ensure your partner performs comprehensive NDT on their raw materials and finished parts. This includes Ultrasonic Testing (UT) for internal defects and Eddy Current testing for surface integrity.

5. Track Record in Your Industry

A reliable manufacturer should understand the specific requirements of your industry, whether it’s the tight tolerances of aerospace or the strict biocompatibility requirements of medical implants.

At TIM - Titanium Materials, our titanium manufacturing facilities meet all these criteria and more. Contact us to discuss how we can support your titanium sourcing needs.