Effects of tool parameters on cutting force in orthogonal machining of T700/LT03A unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminates

In the present work, orthogonal cutting tests were conducted on unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminates to get the basis for the design of unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced polymer special cutting tools. Uncoated and diamond-coated carbide cutting tools were investigated in the experiments. Rake angle, clearance angle and rounded edge radius were evaluated in terms of cutting forces under cutting speed range of 100-300m/min. Experimental results showed that diamond-coated tools were more suitable for cutting 700/LT03A unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced polymer compared with uncoated carbide tools under high-speed cutting conditions. The optimal tool angles were 25 degrees of rake angle and 15 degrees of clearance angle for cutting T700/LT03A unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced polymer by reducing the cutting forces. Also, the optimal cutting edge radius r was selected as 15 mu m with the cutting depth a(c)=20 mu m.