Abstract
This paper presents a simple machining method for trimming of CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) with an end mill, which can realize significantly high machining efficiency and long tool life with good surface finish. It seems that the conventional problems in the trimming process, such as delamination of trimmed edges, machining efficiency and tool wear, are caused by applying conventional milling conditions for metals without considering strong anisotropic material property of CFRP. In the proposed method, lead and helix angles of the end mill are selected appropriately so that the milling force suppresses the delamination. In order to finish the upper and lower edges on this concept, the upper and lower surfaces are machined separately at different lead angles. It is confirmed experimentally that the delamination is suppressed and tool life is extended at appropriate lead/helix angles, even when the feed rate (machining efficiency) becomes more than ten times higher than the conventional rate.
