Improved tool geometry to enhance surface quality and integrity in trimming of CFRP composite materials

Experimental trimming tests on unidirectional carbon fibre reinforced polymer composites using a conventional tool and a newly developed V-shaped tool were performed to verify the effect on cut quality and surface integrity. Depth of cut and cutting speed were fixed, whereas the fiber orientation angle TH with respect to the cutting direction was varied in the range 0°-180°. Three parameters were selected to evaluate the cut surface: the depth of the splits at the cut specimen sides, the depth of the splits generated in the internal material volume, and the cut surface roughness, Ra. These parameters revealed a significant improvement when using the V-shaped tool.