Difficult to Machine Materials: Machining of Composite Materials

Machining of composite materials is difficult to carry out due to the anisotropic and non-homogeneous structure of composites and to the high abrasiveness of their reinforcing constituents. This typically results in damage being introduced into the workpiece and in very rapid wear development in the cutting tool. Conventional machining processes such as turning, drilling or milling can be applied to composite materials, provided proper tool design and operating conditions are adopted. An overview of the various issues involved in the conventional machining of the main types of composite materials is presented in this paper.