Cutting process of composite materials: An experimental study

This paper focuses on experimental research of milling process of the epoxide-polymer matrix composite reinforced carbon fibers (EPMC carbon composite). An influence of two control parameters, namely feed and rotational speed, on cutting forces is investigated. The experiment is conducted on a CNC machine with feed rate ranging from 200 to 720 mm/min and rotational speed from 2000 to 8000 rpm. The experimental time series are analysed by means of the delay coordinates method in order to find stable cutting regions and to recognize the kind of behaviour. Using this information, a new model for the cutting forces is proposed that can be used to build a new regenerative vibration model for EPMC milling. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.