Optimization of cutting conditions in slotting of multidirectional CFRP laminate

For metallic or composite materials, the judicious choice of cutting conditions depends on several factors that may be of such objectives (time, cost of production, material removal rate, etc.) or constraints (cutting force, temperature in the machining area, consumed power, etc.). The quality of the results depends on the optimization method and the efficiency of the algorithm involved. In this paper, graphical and particle swarm optimization (PSO) methods are proposed. They aim to determine the optimal cutting conditions (cutting speed and feed per tooth) in slotting of multidirectional carbon fiber reinforced plastic laminate (CFRP), referenced G803/914, with three knurled tools having different geometries. The experiences that led to the measures of roughness, temperature, cutting efforts, and consumed power are made in the same working conditions with cutting speed ranging from 80 to 200 m/min and feed per tooth from 0.008 to 0.060 mm/rev/tooth. The results illustrate that for the graphical method, the optimum cutting speed depends on the performance “maximum total removal rate” and is the same for all the studied knurled tools while optimum feed per tooth depends on the “roughness” performance: its value depends on the tool geometry. For the PSO technique, optimum cutting speed and feed per tooth values are variable and depend on the tool geometry.