The Influence of Cutting Conditions on Machinability Aspects of PEEK Composites Using PCD Tools

The development of advanced materials has been crucial in various industries, particularly in aerospace and automotive. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a novel polymer material with excellent material properties, making it an attractive choice for applications that require high-performance indices. In this article, we will explore the influence of cutting conditions on machinability aspects of PEEK composites using polycrystalline diamond (PCD) tools.

The lapping process is a crucial step in the machining of PEEK composites, and it has been found that the surface roughness of PEEK material can be improved by fiber reinforcement. During the lapping process, the material removal methods mainly included ductile deformation or desquamation of reinforcing fibers and ductile removal of the PEEK matrix. The results showed that the hardness and elastic modulus of PEEK could be improved with fiber mass fraction.

The tensile strength of short carbon-fiber-reinforced PEEK (CF/PEEK) was found to be higher compared to that of short glass-fiber-reinforced PEEK (GF/PEEK). Furthermore, the effects of fiber type and mass fraction on the tensile strength, hardness, and elastic modulus of materials were discussed using tensile tests and nanoindentation experiments.

The machinability of PEEK composites was investigated using lapping experiments with abrasive papers of different mesh sizes. The results showed that the material removal rates of fiber-reinforced materials were lower than those of pure PEEK due to the higher hardness of fibers. However, the hardness and strength of PEEK can be further improved by introducing fiber reinforcements to meet the high-performance index of the aerospace industry.

In conclusion, the influence of cutting conditions on machinability aspects of PEEK composites using PCD tools is a crucial area of research in materials science. The results of this study highlight the importance of considering material properties when machining PEEK composites and demonstrate the potential for improving the hardness and strength of these materials through fiber reinforcement.

Peek material hardness