Experimental investigation of tapping in CFRP with analysis of torque-tension resistance

Abstract

Currently, carbon fibre–reinforced polymer composites are used in many industrial applications because they can replace traditional materials such as wood, metal, and in some situations even the concrete. It can be supported that the aerospace and space industries were the first to use carbon fibre–reinforced polymer (CFRP) in their components. The high modulus of CRFP provides a structural strength allowing the replacement of traditional alloys such as aluminium and titanium. This study aims an experimental investigation of the cutting forces in tapping process using CFRP samples. The experiments were performed using a full factorial design varying coating, axial compensation, and cutting speed. The thread profile quality was verified, and the torque thread resistance was verified providing a better knowledge about the tapping process in CFRP. The thrust force results showed that the axial compensation combined with cutting speed and the uncoated tool had different effects, and the combination resulted in higher thrust force values. The resistance in the torque tests of the thread profiles varied between 8 and 10 N m, and the statistical analysis showed that the influence of the cutting speed of 15 m/min was 31.06% smaller than the cutting speed of 5 m/min. Furthermore, the torque with coated tool was 36.25% less than the uncoated tool. Moreover, the thread profile resistance was better when it used the higher speed and the floating axial compensation. Finally, based on the ISO metric thread basic profile, the thread profiles showed an important quality.