Substituting the Selection of Milling Regimes for Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Plastics to Provide Their High Strength Properties

Two key factors influencing the surface quality and strength characteristics of epoxy-matrix carbon fiber-reinforced plastics during milling, namely, feed rate (from 100 to 400 mm/min) and spindle speed (from 5000 to 20000 rpm) were studied. The results of temperature measurements in the cutting zone under the studied conditions were presented. Criteria that qualitatively characterize the mechanical and thermal stresses during milling and provide the explanation and prediction of changes in the strength properties of carbon fiber-reinforced composites were proposed. Optimal regimes minimizing the negative impact on the material and preserving its strength properties were determined. It was shown that the best results are achieved with a combination of moderate feed rates and spindle speeds.