Composite CNC Machining

Composite CNC Machining takes CNC machining to the next level.  Most shops are used to working with metals but when it comes to composites, it’s a whole new ball game.  Composite materials tend to have very different properties than that of metal. However, this is typically why they have been chosen to be the material of choice for a particular application.  However, machining them can be a particularly hard challenge, no pun intended, as they tend to be a very hard and brittle material that will eat at your tools in the matter of just a few drills.

So, how do we CNC machine composite materials?  Well, the short answer, very carefully with high-end tool bits.  The machine for drilling doesn’t actually have to be as robust as it does with metal.  However, the tool bits are definitely going to have to very robust as the composite material will grind them down very quickly.

Composite CNC Machining

Composite CNC Machining Practice

When working with metal, the cutting is significantly different than that of composites.  This is because the metal is simply sheared away as the tool is harder than the metal it is cutting.  However, in composites, material removal is more similar to that of chipping away the material. This is done while working to not delaminate it or causing damage.  Because of this, very sharp tooling is needed.

Sometimes Carbide tools will work for composite CNC Machining but most often, they need to be diamond tooling.  Often times the tooling is veined, which is engineered to allow for an easier and less costly replacement. Composites can wear a tool so rapidly even in just a couple of holes. And, this can cause the tool to become warped and doesn’t drill as it should.  

Composite Tooling

Composite materials are particularly hard.  Like metal, composite materials when machined create energy that turns into heat.  This heat has a harder time dissipating with the composites. The result of this is heat build up that that needs to be controlled.  The build-up can cause melting and other issues. Coolant isn’t always a solution as it can get in the way of the cutting apparatus. Most machining on composite materials is simple things such as holes or trims.  This kind of machines can cause the need for very complex fixtures.

Vibration can cause the parts to heat up as well.  This is why a highly engineered fixture is needed to help with controlling the amount of vibration a part sees during the machining operation.  Often times a 5 axis machine is needed to machine the contoured shapes of some of the composite components.

Engineering CNC Machining

Composite CNC Machining Tools

We offer customer composite CNC machining for all kinds of different parts.  Our Engineering staff is capable of making the correct fixtures to hold these parts in place while our machines do the work.  Understanding what it takes to work with composite materials is important. We work with various composites and have the knowledge, tooling, and staff to get that job complete without error.  

Many times the composite materials are bonded with various metal that needs a special process to machine or drill.  That’s where we come in. We can drill or the machine just about any composite material or metal component.  Contact us today for a free consultation on composite cnc machining.