A review of the cutting of composite materials

Abstract

The increased use of composite materials has led to an increase in demand for facilities to machine them. There are significant differences between the machining of metals and alloys and that of composite materials, because composites are anisotropic, inhomogeneous and are mostly prepared in laminate form before undergoing the machining process. In most cases, traditional metal cutting tools and techniques are still being used. While the process of metal cutting has been well researched over the years, relatively little research has been carried out on the cutting of composite materials. This paper presents a brief review of research on the cutting of fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites and medium-density fibreboard (MDF). Most of the research published is concentrated on the chip formation process and cutting force prediction with unidirectional FRP materials. A review of some recent research on the prediction of cutting forces for MDF is also presented.