Developing tools for cutting composites
YG-1 Tool developed its line of D-Power diamond-coated carbide endmills for machining graphite and composite materials.
Machined parts made from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), a type of composite material, are used by a host of industries, including the automotive, power-generation and sporting-goods.
One industry, however, stands out, according to Dr. Abdelatif Atarsia, the Charlotte, N.C.-based composites global product manager for YG-1 Tool Co. Ltd., Vernon Hills, Ill. “When I say ‘composite,’ it’s mainly for the new generation of aircraft.”
Before joining the toolmaker a few years ago, he earned his Ph.D. studying composite materials and worked in the aerospace industry. Therefore, Atarsia understands the challenges of cutting CFRP. “We needed a different tool to machine composites,” he said.
According to Atarsia, the most-common part defect when machining CFRP is delamination. When drilling, for example, delamination occurs when the axial force exceeds a material-specific level.
YG-1 Tool developed its line of D-Power diamond-coated carbide endmills for machining graphite and composite materials. Image courtesy of YG-1 Tool.
Another significant problem when drilling, which is typically done dry, is resin burn, he said. “Drilling dry generates a bit of heat. If the tool is not well-designed, the heat will stay with the tool, the tool will make a lot of friction, and friction creates resin burning inside the hole.”
Moreover, there isn’t a single composition of composites, Atarsia emphasized. “It’s a layup of different layers, and each layer is put at a special angle.”
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