Abstract. The absolute K-ionization cross sections of Ti and Ni by electron impact (impact energy__< 50 keV) was measured detecting the X-rays emitted by thin solid film targets of known mass thickness with a flow proportional counter. The experimental method, especially the correction procedures and the measurements are described, the results compared with calculations in different theoretical approaches. For impact energies above
Eo/EK>I.5 (EK=K-shell ionization energy) a systematic deviation of about +20%occurs in comparison with the best agreeing calculations of M.R.H. Rudge and S.B. Schwartz. A fit to Drawin's empirical formula reveals that the measurements are approximated better than _+ 10 % within the range of comparison.