Milling of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics

Abstract

This work presents the main results of several tests carried out to define the best milling tools for routing carbon fiber reinforcement plastics, mainly in use for airframes. The new milling tools are shaped by multiple left-hand and right-hand helical edges, which form small pyramidal edges along the cutting length. Several carbide substrates and coatings were tested. After the analysis of tests and modifications on the tool prototypes, the final results allow the definition of routing endmills optimized for carbon fiber composites.