Study And Analysis Of GFRP Machining Using Alumina Based Cutting Tools

Abstract

Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) Composite materials is a feasible alternative to conventional materials because of its first class properties such as higher fatigue limit, high stiffness to weight ratio, excellent design flexibility, and high strength to weight ratio [1]. Irrespective to all such properties, machining of glass fibre composite is still a major problem. To analyse the machining of GFRP, an attempt is made by using two different alumina cutting tool; namely a Ti[C, N] mixed alumina cutting tool (CC650) and a SiC whiskers alumina cutting tool (CC670). The performance of cutting tools was evaluated at different cutting speeds, at constant feed rate and depth of cut by measuring the surface roughness and flank wear. An attempt is also carried out to analyse the wear mechanism of cutting tool while machining of GFRP composite material.