Machining Technology for Composite Materials

Machining processes play an important role in the manufacture of a wide variety of components. While the processes required for metal components are well-established, they cannot always be applied to composite materials, which instead require new and innovative techniques. Machining technology for composite materials provides an extensive overview and analysis of both traditional and non-traditional methods of machining for different composite materials.The traditional methods of turning, drilling and grinding are discussed in part one, which also contains chapters analysing cutting forces, tool wear and surface quality. Part two covers non-traditional methods for machining composite materials, including electrical discharge and laser machining, among others. Finally, part three contains chapters that deal with special topics in machining processes for composite materials, such as cryogenic machining and processes for wood-based composites.With its renowned editor and distinguished team of international contributors, Machining technology for composite materials is an essential reference particularly for process designers and tool and production engineers in the field of composite manufacturing, but also for all those involved in the fabrication and assembly of composite structures, including the aerospace, marine, civil and leisure industry sectors. - Provides an extensive overview of machining methods for composite materials - Chapters analyse cutting forces, tool wear and surface quality - Cryogenic machining and processes for wood based composites are discussed

Contributor contact details Part I: Traditional methods for machining composite materials Chapter 1: Turning processes for metal matrix composites Abstract: 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Turning of metal matrix composites (MMCs) 1.3 Cutting tools for turning Al/SiC based MMCs 1.4 Cutting with rotary tools 1.5 Conclusions Chapter 2: Drilling processes for composites Abstract: 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Delamination analysis 2.3 Delamination analysis of special drills 2.4 Delamination analysis of compound drills 2.5 Delamination measurement and assessment 2.6 Influence of drilling parameters on drilling-induced delamination 2.7 Conclusions Chapter 3: Grinding processes for polymer matrix composites Abstract: 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Applications of grinding processes for composites 3.3 Problems associated with the grinding of composites 3.4 Various factors affecting the grinding of composites 3.5 Future trends 3.6 Sources of further information Chapter 4: Analysing cutting forces in machining processes for polymer-based composites Abstract: 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Orthogonal cutting of unidirectional composites 4.3 Drilling 4.4 Milling 4.5 Conclusions and recommended future research 4.6 Sources of further information 4.8 Appendix: List of symbols used Chapter 5: Tool wear in machining processes for composites Abstract: 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Tool materials 5.3 Tool wear 5.4 Tool wear in machining metal matrix composites 5.5 Tool wear in machining polymeric matrix composites 5.6 Tool life 5.7 Conclusions Chapter 6: Analyzing surface quality in machined composites Abstract: 6.1 Introduction 6.2 General concepts of an engineering surface 6.3 Surface quality in machining 6.4 Influence of cutting parameters on surface quality 6.5 Conclusions Part II: Non-traditional methods for machining composite materials Chapter 7: Ultrasonic vibration-assisted (UV-A) machining of composites Abstract: 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Ultrasonic vibration-assisted (UV-A) turning 7.3 UV-A drilling 7.4 UV-A grinding 7.5 Ultrasonic machining (USM) 7.6 Rotary ultrasonic machining (RUM) 7.7 UV-A laser-beam machining (LBM) 7.8 UV-A electrical discharge machining (EDM) 7.9 Conclusions Chapter 8: Electrical discharge machining of composites Abstract: 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Principles of electrical discharge machining (EDM) 8.3 Electrically conductive ceramic materials and composites 8.4 EDM of ceramic composites: understanding the process-material interaction 8.5 New generator technology for EDM 8.6 EDM strategies and applications 8.7 Conclusions 8.8 Acknowledgments Chapter 9: Electrochemical discharge machining of particulate reinforced metal matrix composites Abstract: 9.1 Introduction 9.2 The principles of electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM) 9.3 ECDM equipment 9.4 Parameters affecting material removal rate (MRR) 9.5 Parameters affecting surface roughness 9.6 Conclusions 9.7 Acknowledgement Chapter 10: Fundamentals of laser machining of composites Abstract: 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Fundamentals of laser machining 10.3 Laser machining of metal matrix composites (MMCs) 10.4 Laser machining of non-metallic composites 10.5 Conclusions Chapter 11: Laser machining of fibre-reinforced polymeric composite materials Abstract: 11.1 Introduction 11.2 Effect of laser and process gas 11.3 Effect of materials 11.4 Quality criteria 11.5 Conclusions Chapter 12: Laser-based repair for carbon fiber reinforced composites Abstract: 12.1 Introduction 12.2 Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) repair principles 12.3 UV laser-CFRP interaction 12.4 The laser-based repair process for CFRP 12.5 Conclusions Part III: Special topics in machining composite materials Chapter 13: High speed machining processes for fiber-reinforced composites Abstract: 13.1 Introduction 13.2 Overview of high speed drilling (HSD) of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) 13.3 Thermal aspects and cutting forces in HSD of FRPs 13.4 Tribological aspects in HSD of FRPs 13.5 Hole quality 13.6 Overview of high speed milling of FRPs 13.