Understanding temperature effects on friction at tool – CFRP workpiece interface using open-loop friction testing

Cutting processes of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) material generate significant energy in the form of heat which can be detrimental to final surface and sub-surface quality. By artificially changing the temperature of the workpiece to simulate cutting temperatures, thermal effects on friction metrics can be understood. Feed rate and CFRP pre-heating for macro and nanoscale open loop pin on plate friction testing has been completed for two aerospace grade CFRP materials with steel, carbide and coated carbide pins to give an insight to fundamental tool wear that occurs in CFRP machining.