Abstract
Titanium alloys are being used increasingly in new generation aircraft, creating a market for high value components. It is argued that knowledge development is the key factor for South African machining suppliers to penetrate the global aerospace supply chains. This paper discusses current results of a collaborative project aiming at systematic research towards improved and more efficient utilisation of the High Speed Cutting (HSC), and particularly the High Performance Machining (HPM) technologies for selected titanium alloys. A process planning framework for milling of titanium alloys has been developed. Using as point of departure prominent tool demands, this framework combines a tool wear map approach and cost modelling that enables process planners as well as machine operators to act towards optimised machining. In this way the targeted cost minimisation and lead time shortening could be modelled and practically achieved.