MILLING TOOLS FOR CUTTING OF FIBER-REINFORCED PLASTIC

Abstract

Composites with thermoplastic matrix are used in a wide range of applications. Their production and application volume grows every year. The need for precision machining of a near-net-shape workpiece is a topical subject, which concerns many cutting tool developers. The main challenge lies in the combinations of the long tool life and perfectly machined surface of composite workpiece without the burrs or delamination. The fulfilment of these two options needs using of the specific cutting geometry and very stiff and solid material of the cutting tool which is resistant against the abrasion of the filament. This paper presents a case study for comparison of cutting tools for edge trimming operations. The burr size and the tool lifetime were evaluated for milling of two types of fibre reinforced thermoplastic composite materials: PPS/C and PEEK/C. The total machining costs were computed for specific cases.