The effect of cutting temperature in milling of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites

Temperature is a key factor that affects the quality of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) cutting. Degradation of resin will occur within the machined surface or surface layer with the temperature rise. In this research, the temperature rise under the condition of line heat source in high-speed movement was analyzed, and it was found that the thermal conductivity in different fiber orientation is a key factor for the rise of cutting temperature. Based on the analysis of the thermal conductivity in different fiber orientation, the relationship between cutting temperature and fiber orientation was evaluated. Verification experiments were designed to capture the signal of cutting temperature using the tool-workpiece thermocouple technique. The influence of cutting temperature on machining quality was also studied with scanning electron microscope (SEM). Degradation of resin is occurred within the machined surface or surface layer when the cutting temperature exceeds the glass-transition temperature (Tg).