Original poster: "huil888" <huil888@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Gerry -
I should have been more specific. Some of the problems you will
encounter when machining fiberglass-epoxy composite material include:
1. Extreme tool wear. The only suitable cutting tools are solid
tungsten carbide or diamond. My experience has been that even high
quality tool steel loses its edge after very limited cutting,
regardless if it has TiN or other anti-wear coatings. Of course, it
all depends how much material you are removing. A TiN coated drill
bit may "survive" 10 holes, but look at the cutting edge under a
microscope and it will be in sad shape.
2. The "swarf" (cuttings) are extremely abrasive, and machine tool
ways (when using a milling machine or lathe) must be covered and
equipped with a vacuum pick-up right at the cutting tool, and
everything must be meticulously cleaned after any machining of
fiberglass/epoxy.
3. Any airborne particles (both fiberglass and the epoxy matrix) are
very irritating to the skin, and frequently cause skin sensitization
after repeat exposures.
4. If the material is overheated by the use of dull cutting tools,
the epoxy decomposes and releases noxious fumes. Phenolic material
will do this also, but to a lesser extent.
Etc, etc.
Regards,
Scott