Composites
Today's advanced composites can be as hard and rigid as steel, or as flexible as rubber, and still hold up to the stresses of supersonic flight.
Overcoming the Struggles of Conventional Cutting Methods
The same properties that make these materials so tough also make them extremely difficult to cut. Composite technologists continue to introduce new material combinations that defy the capabilities of traditional machining methods.
Until recently, conventional cutting methods, handheld diamond or carbide-tipped routers, band saws, cutoff saws and abrasive wheels were used to cut these unconventional materials.
Due to the composition and fiber orientation of advanced composites, conventional cutting methods damaged the composites either by heating them up or by leaving frayed or delaminated edges.
In addition, these methods were agonizingly slow, allowing parts to be cut only one at a time. In addition, frequent delamination and fraying required costly rework.
Setting New Standards >>