Micro-EDM of Carbon Fibre-Reinforced Plastics

Due to the inhomogeneous material structure, micromachining of fibre reinforced plastics places high requirements on machining processes. Using the hole drilling machining of carbon fibre reinforced plastics as an example, experiments on electro discharge machinability were carried out by means of solid carbide electrodes. Basing on the variation of technological process parameters, the tests were conducted with regard to both workpiece-related and tool-related parameters.The results accentuate the complexity of the influencing parameters affecting surface quality and thermal damage of the mater ial as well as tool wear. However, evidence of a low damage production of small drill holes could be provided.