Carbon fibermachining safety

Carbon fiber machining requires more flexibility than working with other materials. As a handmade composite, different solutions present themselves when cutting, milling, tooling, and drilling. As a handmade product, carbon fiber requires precision and expertise to successfully address the unique challenges which come with cutting and milling carbon fiber.

As practical applications of composite materials like carbon fiber substantially grow, manufacturing these materials is becoming more common.

Machining carbon fiber is becoming a more common practice in the aerospace and automotive industries. Also more popular than ever due to the material’s longevity, lightweight composition, and corrosion-resistant nature.

Carbon fibermachining service

Drilling speed is the biggest factor in dust generation. To avoid splintering or delaminating layers of material when machining, special drill bits can help eliminate any potential issues. Another solution for dust containment is the use of a waterjet carbon fiber cutting machine, as the particles end up trapped in the water.

Carbon fiberCNC service

If a quicker feed rate is needed, but the use of coolant is not allowed, controlling the tool path and tool can handle the heat. Minimizing fractures within the composite and abrasion tool, special tooling will be required.

Milling carbon fiberby hand

Higher spindle speeds and lower feed rates are required for proper milling. Adjusted feed rates minimize heat generation. Lower heat is desirable to avoid damaging the carbon fiber.

Machining carbon fiber with a drill is more challenging than milling carbon fiber. It generates conductive dust that can infiltrate and short out electronics. This dust is also a skin irritant, so a mask and gloves are best practice in carbon fiber machining.

Carbon fiberCNC machine

Milling carbon fiberwith cnc

When cutting carbon fiber, cutters come from carbide or polycrystalline diamond (PCD). PCD is more common and offers more wear resistance but comes at a higher cost.

Our materials hold up under the demands of any aeronautic or automotive project. Be sure to read more of our content for industry-specific knowledge.

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Diamond coatings on carbon fiber cutting machines allow for cost-effective precision and heat management. Waterjets are also a good option for cutting carbon fiber and the regulation of any heat generated.

If you know how to cut carbon fiber sheets, then you are aware of the various types and shapes of cutters, depending on what you are machining carbon fiber for.

Machining carbon fiber requires high-quality composite materials which will withstand industrial demands. SMI Composites has an unmatched commitment to quality.