Evaluation of carbon fiber reinforced polymer – CFRP – machining by applying industrial robots

Abstract Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) is widely used in high-tech industries because of its interesting characteristics and properties. This material presents good strength stiffness, relatively low density, high damping ability, dimensional stability, corrosion resistance. However, the machinability composite materials complex matrix/fiber interface, being a challenging machining material. The CFRP milling process still necessary to meet tolerances, manufacture difficult-to-mold features like pockets or complexes advance surfaces, finish edges laminated composites, drill holes for assembly components. Besides, demand low-cost, reconfigurable manufacturing systems industry demonstrates that application industrial robots (IRs) becomes an alternative providing automation flexibility. Therefore, objective this work evaluate performance payload IR KUKA KR60 HA experiment CFRP, which indicates potential as process. Furthermore, influence cutting tool geometry well parameters behavior with IRs evaluated.