End Mills for Machining CFRP

Iscar Tools has introduced the new EPX-F end mills with the IC02 solidcarbide grade for machining carbon fiber-reinforced polymer. It also can be supplied on request with diamond coating designated IC2018.

When machining composites such as CFRP there is no chip to speak of. Instead, the material removal mechanism is better described as shattering. This process produces considerable abrasion on the cutting edge that can lead to rapid wear. In composite machining, as well as any cutting tool application, tool geometry drives cutting performance. However, in composites, tool material also becomes a driver of performance.

Machining a part cleanly without fraying, delamination, or separating of the layers requires the part to be firmly secured against vibration.

This tool has a combination of right and left helix angles, reducing delamination and compressing the CFRP edges.

These tools are available in diameters from 6 to 10 mm with 6 flutes, and 12 mm dia. with 8 flutes.

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