Machining of carbon fibre reinforced plastics

The implementation of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs) in the aeronautical industry has increased dramatically in recent years due to their favourable combination of low weight and high strength as well as the adaptability of their material properties. In order to economically and reproducibly machine these materials with high part qualities, improvements in machining strategies must be made. The focus of this paper lies on innovative technologies for the machining of CFRPs whereby CVD diamond coated tools and milling tools for the improvement of milling processes have been designed. Furthermore, water jet cutting, CO2 jet cutting and grinding of CFRPs has been investigated. The quality of the machined workpieces is also an issue which requires addressing, particularly in relation to the fraying of machined edges. An innovative quantitative method for the evaluation of the workpiece quality of CFRP is presented.