Simplify Machining Composite Materials with Specialized Tooling from Kennametal

February 15, 2024

Challenges in Machining Composite Materials

Composite materials, such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) and phenalic, consist of a combination of different substances that possess diverse chemical and physical characteristics. These materials find extensive use in various applications, prioritizing the reduction of weight and enhancement of strength.

When machining composites, cutting tools face challenges due to the highly abrasive properties and relatively low melting point of the material. To ensure the production of exceptional composites end products, it is crucial to use specially designed diamond coated carbide tools or PCD tooling created specifically for the material.

Kennametal has mastered navigating the challenges of composites machining by providing consistent material surface finishes and increasing material removal rates with innovative cutting tool solutions that uncomplicate composites and take your projects to the next level.

Explore some of our top machining solutions below to make your composites operations a cut above the rest.

Composite Materials Machining Solutions

  • Advanced 90°-point angle design increases the centering capability of the tool and minimizes delamination
  • Available PCD tipped or with CVD diamond coating, providing increased tool life with high wear resistance and reduced friction
  • Combination of design and grade leads to reduced thrust and improved hole quality

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  • Innovative double angle point design offers excellent centering capabilities and minimized burr when exiting the metal side of stacked materials
  • Through-coolant and non-coolant drills for applications with standard coolant, MQL or even dry
  • PCD tipped option for sharpest cutting edge or multi-layer CVD diamond coating option providing high wear resistance and reduced friction, both delivering increased tool life
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  • Covers more applications and provides better performance than any other modular system, delivering cost savings and process simplification
  • Drill body comes with KenTIP smart wrench and ADU compatible option for quick insert exchanges
  • Multi-coolant delivery to drill point and rake face for guaranteed coolant delivery where necessary
  • Can be used with standard coolant, MQL, or even dry

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  • One cutting edge to minimize effort required by the operator
  • Economical tooling solution that avoids reconditioning infrastructure maintenance and supports a screw-on design
  • Delivers excellent hole quality and tool life at the most competitive cost per hole
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  • One brazed high-quality PCD cutting edge for lower thrust force and longer tool life
  • Achieve the lowest cost per hole with a design allowing up to three regrinds
  • Complementary to tooling platforms in aerospace and composites for rivet hole drilling
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  • Delivering the highest MRRs and superior surface quality
  • Designed for trimming, slotting and profiling fiberglasses and composites
  • Multilayer CVD diamond coating in combination with proprietary substrate optimizes coating adhesion and improves tool life

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  • Designed for trimming and to provide high feed rates and quality edges on both sides of the material
  • Up-cut/down-cut geometry prevents delamination and promotes stable cutting conditions
  • Multilayer CVD diamond coating in combination with proprietary substrate optimizes coating adhesion and improves tool life

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