3mm Titanium Rod

Titanium is not hardened by quenching like steel. For CP titanium, "hardness" comes from cold work (drawing). For Ti-6Al-4V, you can order it in the solution treated and aged (STA) condition, which provides the highest strength. However, STA material is more brittle and difficult to form or machine at this small diameter. For most 3mm rod applications, the annealed or cold-drawn condition offers the best balance of properties and fabricability.

Use a high-speed abrasive cut-off wheel (e.g., on a Dremel tool) with a light feed pressure. Alternatively, a fine-tooth hacksaw (32 TPI) with a lubricant can work. For the cleanest, burr-free cut, a precision saw like a jewelry saw or a CNC lathe with a sharp parting tool is ideal. Always secure the rod close to the cut to minimize vibration and bending.

It is possible but not common for coil springs due to titanium's relatively low elastic modulus and high springback, which make winding and setting difficult. It is more suited for simple leaf or cantilever spring applications where its fatigue resistance and corrosion immunity are valuable. For coil springs, music wire or stainless steel are more typical choices.

For a 90-degree bend, Grade 2 CP titanium can typically be bent around a mandrel with a radius as small as 1-2 times the rod diameter (3-6mm) without cracking. Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) requires a much larger minimum bend radius, often 4-6 times the diameter (12-18mm), and may crack if bent too tightly, especially in the annealed condition. Heating can improve bendability for Grade 5.

Yes, but it requires skill due to the small size. Laser welding or precision micro-TIG (GTAW) with a very small tungsten electrode and high-purity argon shielding are the preferred methods. The heat input must be carefully controlled to avoid melting through or creating a large, brittle heat-affected zone. It is not recommended for beginners.