Edge Trimming of CFRP with Diamond Interlocking Tools

In the present work we studied the edge trimming process of CFRP with a diamond interlocking “burr” tool. Measurements of tool wear, surface roughness, spindle power and delamination depth were performed for different combinations of spindle speed and feed rate and were subsequently used to characterize machining quality. It was found that direct wear measurement for this type of cutting tool is not conclusive and thus not suitable for assessing tool life and machining quality. Instead, indirect indicators of tool wear were found more suitable for this purpose. Using these indirect methods an equation for tool life was defined and parameters for optimum machining quality were determined.