Evaluation of cutting force and cutting temperature in milling carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites

The cutting temperature and cutting force are some of the main factors that influence the surface quality of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). However, few investigations have been done on cutting temperature because it is difficult to capture the dynamic response of the temperature measurement system. Degradation of resin will occur within the machined surface or surface layer as the temperature exceeds the glass-transition temperature of the resin matrix. In this research, the relationship between cutting parameters and cutting temperature, cutting force were developed by response surface methodology (RSM). The experiments were designed using the tool-workpiece thermocouple technique. Taking into consideration the effect of the glass-transition temperature, the influence of cutting force and cutting temperature on surface quality of CFRP was analyzed. Analysis results showed that Spindle speed is the key parameter which influenced the cutting temperature while feed rate is the key parameter which influenced the cutting force in milling of CFRP. When the cutting temperature exceeds the glass-transition temperature (T (g)), the matrix cannot provide enough support to the fibers, and the machining quality of composite material is poor.