Effects of Cutting Speed, Cutting Fluid, and Carbon Fiber Orientation on Cutting of CFRP during Turning

This study examined the influence of cutting speed, cutting fluid, and pre-impregnated carbon fiber orientation on tool wear and finished surface roughness during turning of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) pipes. In the dry cutting process, the tool wear decreased as the cutting speed was increased. An average cutting speed of 92 m/min or higher was found to be acceptable with respect to tool wear. The use of mineral oil resulted in a reduction of tool wear when compared with that in the case of dry cutting. The tool wear with water was lower than that with mineral oil. It was assumed that cooling by water was more effective than lubrication by mineral oil. The results clearly indicated that the tool wear and the finished surface roughness were affected by the carbon fiber orientation.