What is the primary factor to reduce while drilling titanium to prevent excess heat generation?

Improving lubrication is crucial when drilling titanium because titanium has a high thermal conductivity but also a strong tendency to work-harden. When drilling titanium, friction can generate excessive heat, which can lead to premature tool wear and affect the integrity of both the drill bit and the material being drilled.

Using appropriate lubrication helps to dissipate heat more effectively, reducing the chances of the material overheating and hardening in the area being cut. This lubrication can take the form of cutting fluids or specialized lubricants that aid in cooling and reducing friction between the drill bit and the titanium. Effective lubrication not only prolongs the life of the cutting tool but also ensures that the drill bit maintains its cutting efficiency, resulting in cleaner and more accurate holes.

In contrast, increasing RPM might lead to higher heat generation, while reducing feed rate may not be sufficient to manage the overall heat if lubrication is inadequate. Using dull bits would significantly increase friction and therefore heat generation, which is counterproductive. Thus, improving lubrication stands out as the primary factor to mitigate heat generation during the drilling process in titanium.