Influence of cutting temperature on carbon fiber-reinforced plastic composites in high-speed machining

Abstract

Carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites have been widely used in many industries, including aerospace, automobiles, medical devices, and building materials, because of their good material properties, such as weight, rigidity, strength, and wear resistance. We experimentally evaluated the high-speed machining characteristics of CFRP composites. First, dry-cutting experiments were performed to test prepared CFRP specimens. Above a certain cutting speed, the epoxy matrix melted owing to the heat caused by the friction between the tool and specimen. Next, high-speed cutting experiments were performed at a low temperature (approximately -20 °C). Many sensors were used to investigate the characteristics of the high-speed cutting process, and the results were analyzed.