Novel Method of Cutting Glass Epoxy Laminated Composites by Using Lathe Fixture and Comparative Study of Mechanical Properties

Abstract

Experimental studies were carried out on the effect of cutting methods on mechanical properties of E- glass-epoxy laminated composites. Laminates with three fibre weight fractions, namely 0.30, 0.50, and 0.70 were prepared by vacuum bag method. Five cutting methods namely, Diamond cutter, Band saw 14TPI, Band saw 24TPI, Hack saw14TPI and Hack saw32TPI were selected to cut the laminates. Lathe fixture is fabricated and used in the cutting operation along with Diamond cutter. The above-mentioned cutting methods were used to cut Tensile, Compression and Interlaminar Shear strength test specimens as per ASTM standard. To nullify the effect of size variation of the specimen on the strength of the composites, an Accuracy Rating method is introduced and applied in the calculation of Real strength of the specimens. Tests were conducted using UTM and the results were used as base of index to assign grade points to these cutting methods. The mechanical results have been substantiated by the SEM-studies. The results show that, Diamond cutter method is better and hence can be used to cut the glass-epoxy laminated composites.