New developments in drilling and contouring composites containing aramid fiber

Basic differences between the machining of metals and composites are examined, and the principal aspects of machining fiber reinforced composites are discussed. Differences in the failure modes for glass, carbon, and aramid fibers are shown to result in significantly different machining characteristics for composites containing these fibers. The effect of fiber orientation and weave and of the resin type on composite machining is discussed. Attention is also given to the performance and characteristics of cutting tool materials and shapes as well as detailed cutting procedures.