MACHINABILITY OF CARBON-FIBER EPOXY COMPOSITE-MATERIALS IN TURNING

Abstract

Carbon fiber-epoxy composite materials are widely used in the structures of aircraft, robots and other machines because of their high specific strength, high specific modulus and high damping capacity. In order for carbon fiber-epoxy composite materials to be used in aircraft structures or in machine elements, accurate surfaces for bearing mounting or adhesive joints must be provided, which requires precise machining. In this paper, the machinability of high-strength carbon fiber-epoxy composite materials in turning has been investigated experimentally. The chip formation mechanisms and the Taylor tool-wear constants have been determined and the surface roughness has been measured with respect to cutting speeds and feeds.