Advances in Tool Grinding and Development of End Mills for Machining of Fibre Reinforced Plastics

The extensive use of lightweight construction materials in the aerospace industry poses a great challenge for tool manufacturers. Materials like carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) are difficult to machine and therefore put high demands on cutting tools in terms of the cutting material as well as the macro- and microscopic design. In this paper two approaches for the improvement of CFRP milling processes are presented. One approach involves the optimization of the flute grinding process for cemented carbide milling tools by the use of innovative grinding wheel specifications and their influence on cutting-relevant tool features. The other approach deals with the development of ceramic end mills for CFRP machining. Investigations about the influence of different process- and tool-related parameters on the work result and process parameters are presented.