Titanium alloys like Ti-6Al-4V (sometimes called TC4, Ti64, or ASTM Grade 5) are widely used in aerospace for their strength, light weight, and resistance to extreme conditions. But machining titanium has traditionally come with a hidden risk: the potential for the titanium cutting fluids to cause corrosion or stress-fracture failures. With Halocarbon metalworking fluids, that risk is eliminated. Independent ASTM studies confirmed that Halocarbon fluids do not cause corrosion or cracking in titanium alloys, giving manufacturers confidence that they can machine titanium without compromising material integrity.

Why Corrosion Resistance Matters in Titanium Machining?

In aerospace and other critical applications titanium components must meet the strictest performance standards. Even minor corrosion can lead to weakened parts, premature failures, or costly rework. Cutting fluids that interact negatively with titanium can accelerate these risks, especially under stress or environmental exposure. At the heart of the issue is titanium corrosion resistance — manufacturers need proof that their chosen fluid will not compromise alloy integrity.

Ensuring corrosion resistance is therefore just as critical as extending tool life or improving surface finish.  In this study, Halocarbon tested two grades of titanium:  AMS 4911 (Ti64) and AMS 4919 (a more corrosion-susceptible titanium alloy).  These samples showed no signs of general or localized corrosion when exposed to the Halocarbon MWF.  Likewise, these samples showed no signs of stress corrosion cracking induced by exposure to the Halocarbon MWF.

Key Takeaways:

• Titanium parts are used in critical aerospace, energy, and medical device applications where reliability is essential.
• Corrosion or cracking can compromise safety and drive up costs.
• Fluids must protect the alloy while still enabling efficient machining.

ASTM F483: Immersion Corrosion Testing

ASTM F483  is an industry-standard test used to evaluate the corrosive effect of fluids on metal alloys under full immersion. Titanium coupons are completely submerged in the candidate fluid for a defined period, simulating continuous exposure conditions. After exposure, the coupons are cleaned, weighed, and inspected for surface changes. The key measurement is mass loss (grams), which directly indicates whether the fluid causes metal removal or degradation. A passing result means negligible weight loss and no visible corrosion.  

Halocarbon tested two different metalworking fluids (MWF 2 and MWF 100) against two different titanium alloy samples (AMS 4911 and AMS 4919).  The results of these studies demonstrate that Halocarbon MWFs do not cause corrosion in titanium alloys.

ASTM F483 Corrosion Testing on Titanium Alloy AMS 4911 (Titanium 6Al-4V)

ASTM F483 Corrosion Testing on Titanium Alloy AMS 4919 (Titanium 6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo)

Key Takeaways:

• Titanium samples exposed to Halocarbon MWFs showed no mass loss (negligible mass gain, presumably due to residual fluid)
• Visual inspection confirmed no pitting or surface damage for Halocarbon fluids
• The viscosity (proportional to chain length of polymeric fluid) of the Halocarbon MWFs does not affect the corrosion of titanium alloys
• Halocarbon MWFs do not cause corrosion in Titanium AMS 4911 or Titanium AMS 4919

ASTM F945: Stress Corrosion Cracking Test

ASTM F945 is designed to assess whether fluids promote stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in titanium alloys under applied mechanical stress. Titanium specimens are notched or pre-stressed, then exposed to the fluid under controlled conditions for a specified time. After exposure, the samples are examined visually and microscopically for evidence of cracking, crazing, or discoloration. A passing result means the fluid does not induce stress corrosion cracking or surface attack.

Halocarbon tested two different metalworking fluids (MWF 2 and MWF 100) against two different titanium alloy samples (AMS 4911 and AMS 4919).  The results of these studies demonstrate that Halocarbon MWFs do not show evidence of inducing stress corrosion cracking in titanium alloys. 

ASTM F945 Stress-Corrosion Testing on Titanium Alloy AMS 4911 (Titanium 6Al-4V)

ASTM F945 Stress-Corrosion Testing on Titanium Alloy AMS 4919 (Titanium 6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo)

Key takeaways:

• Titanium samples tested with Halocarbon MWFs exhibited no cracking, crazing, or discoloration
• Results confirm Halocarbon fluids are compatible with stressed titanium alloys

What This Means for Aerospace Manufacturers 

For aerospace manufacturers machining titanium or titanium alloys, Halocarbon fluids have been shown to pass both ASTM F483 and ASTM F495 standard tests. With this proven compatibility, engineers and machinists can use Halocarbon MWFs to meet their machining needs.  As shown in other articles, the full advantage of Halocarbon MWFs can be realized by both engineers and machinists – allowing them to focus on productivity gains like tool life, surface finish, and cycle time—knowing their fluid is protecting the part as well as the tool.

Conclusion

Halocarbon metalworking fluids provide aerospace manufacturers with both machining performance and unmatched corrosion protection. By passing ASTM F483 and ASTM F945 with no signs of pitting, cracking, or discoloration, Halocarbon fluids prove they can deliver corrosion-free titanium machining. That’s why they’re the trusted choice for aerospace machining operations where reliability cannot be compromised. 

Harness the Halocarbon Advantage in Titanium Machining

Halocarbon MWFs aren’t just another machining fluid—they’re a proven performance enhancer across the toughest alloys.