Engraving a titanium ring

[3sixty]

Is the above possible? I've been told by a high street jeweller that its not possible to put an off centre line on a plain titanium ring as "the engraver says that nothing can cut titanium". I like the band in matt finish but seems a little plain, hence the off centre line. If it can be done, anyone recommend somewhere in north west area? Cheers.

[Uncle Fester]

My late father used to build jet engines. They used to cut titanium to make components of the engines.

He used to make lightweight replacement parts for my cars and bikes form off cuts he had acquired.

I have no idea how they cut it, but it is feasible.

It’s probably that the jeweller just doesn’t have the necessary tooling and won’t buy it.

[catso]

3sixty said:

"the engraver says that nothing can cut titanium".

Then how do they make the ring?

Of course it can be cut, jeweller may not have the right kit but it can be done.

[Matt172]

not north west, but this place looks like they might be able to help

http://www.fatcowdesigns.co.uk/index.php/News/Tung...

[Twincharged]

I'd imagine laser engraving would be the way to go, or a fancy diamond tip drill.

[mybrainhurts]

I had a pair of specs with a titanium frame. When it snapped, the optician said it's impossible to repair.

Is titanium really suitable for a ring..?

[Tom_C76]

mybrainhurts said:

I had a pair of specs with a titanium frame. When it snapped, the optician said it's impossible to repair.

Is titanium really suitable for a ring..?

My assistant has a titanium wedding ring, so I guess it is... You just can't weld it.

[OllieWinchester]

I can't think of any circumstances where it would be either useful or advisable to weld a ring on someones hand.

[Tunku]

Tom_C76 said:

mybrainhurts said:

I had a pair of specs with a titanium frame. When it snapped, the optician said it's impossible to repair.

Is titanium really suitable for a ring..?

My assistant has a titanium wedding ring, so I guess it is... You just can't weld it.

In this day and age, titanium is soft enough to cut. So there.

[ian in lancs]

Of course it can be machined, cast, formed etc. It work hardens so damages normal tools. Just need the right tools/equiment.

[C8PPO]

I collected my TITANIUM wedding ring today from a small jeweller who engraved it on site. He didn't raise any issues about it being titanium, didn't charge more (in fact less) and AFAIK he used exactly the same for my titanium ring and the future MrsC's white gold ring.

So yes, it can be engraved without fuss.

[3sixty]

Thanks for the replies guys. I thought it could be done, just wasn't entirely sure. I'll ring round a few jewellers and see if any can cut

[darth_pies]

mybrainhurts said:

I had a pair of specs with a titanium frame. When it snapped, the optician said it's impossible to repair.

Is titanium really suitable for a ring..?

You guys have never watched The Abyss then??

http://www.titaniumrings.com/AbyssDVD.html

[chunkymonkey71]

I always found that High School compasses could engrave anything...!

"monkey was here 1992" and stuff like that...

[shalmaneser]

Can't cut titanium?!?!?!



decent tool steel is a shedload harder.

[mattley]

Uncle Fester said:

It’s probably that the jeweller just doesn’t have the necessary tooling and won’t buy it.

Yes, this.

A friend of mine designs and makes jewelry, I asked her about some titanium stuff and she was happy to do the design but would have had to get someone else in to do the actual work.

[jkennyd]

Titanium comes in over 20 different grades depending on use. I would imagine a ring would be a pretty weak alloy and as for not engraving it that is a lot of pish

[Simpo Two]

Titanium scores a puny 6 on the Mohs scale of hardness:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohs_scale_of_mineral...


Hence knocked into a cocked hat by these everyday materials:

7 to 8 Hardened steel
7.5 Tungsten
8.5 to 9 Tungsten carbide
9 to 9.5 Carborundum
10 Diamond

[Turbo5]

I work in aerospace manufacture (I used to work on the shop floor) and I can honestly say, yes it can be engraved, all aeroparts are part marked and it can be welded.

[Fatboy]

Simpo Two said:

Titanium scores a puny 6 on the Mohs scale of hardness:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohs_scale_of_mineral...


Hence knocked into a cocked hat by these everyday materials:

7 to 8 Hardened steel
7.5 Tungsten
8.5 to 9 Tungsten carbide
9 to 9.5 Carborundum
10 Diamond

It's a lot harder than Gold or silver though, which is what a lot of jeweller's tooling is set up for, hence some may struggle with titanium.

And welding titanium properly is a real art - I love seeing the work guys at work do on titanium parts, the heat blooms etc look very cool indeed. Shame they paint the end result.