Tool Temperature in Slotting of CFRP Composites

Following a brief review on the effects of process parameters on cutting temperatures and associated workpiece integrity when machining carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites, the paper details experimental work to assess tool temperature regimes and machinability when slot milling CFRP. This involved variation in workpiece lay-up, tool geometry, cutting environment and operating levels. Typically, cutting temperatures varied between ∼180-350°C with fibres orientated at 0° and 45° producing the highest temperatures and cutting forces. Worn tooling and dry cutting also produced less favourable results. Increasing cutting speed from 200 to 350 m/min caused a rise in temperature by an average of ∼25% while increasing feed rate from 0.03 to 0.06 mm/tooth produced a reduction of ∼18%.