Study of the surface defects and dust generated during trimming of CFRP: Influence of tool geometry, machining parameters and cutting speed range

The influence of the machining parameters on the dust size and temperature generated during trimming of CFRP has not yet been fully understood. This paper investigates the influence of tool geometry and cutting conditions on surface defects and the dust generated during trimming. It was observed that these defects predominantly occurred due to cutting conditions and tool geometry. The defects seemed to increase with an increase in feed speed or decrease of cutting speed in case of burr tool. However, the effects of the cutting parameters were completely different considering the 4 flute end mill. The dust generated during trimming is found to be dependent on tool geometry, cutting conditions and the range of cutting speed. The dust adherence on to the machined surfaces was observed during high speed trimming and this can be attributed to high cutting temperatures around the glass transition temperature.