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 similar to 180-350 degrees C with fibres orientated at 0 degrees and 45 degrees 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 similar to 25% while increasing feed rate from 0.03 to 0.06 mm/tooth produced a reduction of similar to 18%. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.