Which type of cooling method is most effective when drilling titanium?

Oil-based lubrication is the most effective cooling method when drilling titanium due to its unique properties and challenges posed by this metal. Titanium has a high strength-to-weight ratio and is prone to work hardening, which means it becomes harder and more difficult to cut as it is machined. Additionally, titanium has a relatively low thermal conductivity, causing heat to build up rapidly in the cutting area during drilling.

Using oil-based lubrication helps mitigate these issues by reducing friction between the drill bit and the titanium material. This lubrication serves as both a coolant and a lubricant, helping to dissipate the heat generated during the drilling process and preventing the drill bit from overheating. Moreover, the oil forms a barrier that prevents the titanium from sticking to the drill bit, which is particularly important as titanium can gall, or seize up on the cutting tool.

While air cooling and dry drilling can provide some level of cooling, they are often insufficient for materials like titanium, where heat and lubrication are critical for maintaining tool life and achieving good surface finishes. Water cooling is generally less effective for titanium due to the potential for corrosion and chemical reactions that can occur when water contacts the metal, especially at high temperatures. Thus, oil-based lubrication stands out as the most reliable and effective method for drilling titanium