Which Tool Offers the Highest Performance When Machining Fiber-Reinforced Composites?
The Leitz Diamond Router bits are included in the 2019 CNC Machining Year End Promotion. Learn more about the special pricing and offer details here. Contact the Leitz Customer Service Team direct at 616.431.4096 or email insidesales@leitz.org for more info.
When you combine machining and fiber-reinforced composite materials, such as carbon fiberboard and glass fiberboard, it can be difficult to achieve accurate and repeatable results. These materials present additional challenges to maximizing tool life and cut quality. Composite materials can wear down tools quickly. As tools become dull, they catch the fibers in the material, resulting in tears instead of clean cuts.
The Vienna University of Technology created the Fibercut Benchmark, a large-scale comparison of tooling performance, with the goal of determining which tool is most suitable for machine fiber-reinforced composite materials. The engineers from Vienna University of Technology evaluated the tools on the basis of fraying, delamination, and cracks and splits on the workpiece. In one hundred and twenty-four individual machining tests, they utilized three different workpiece materials: carbon fiberboard, glass fiberboard, and aramid fiberboard. Eighty-six boring and cutting tools from sixteen different producers in total were tested. In the course of the Benchmark Study, each tool had to perform twelve processing tasks per test.
The tooling from Leitz out-performed the others machining these materials.
In individual tests with carbon fiberboard and glass fiberboard, Leitz submitted a diamond-tipped shank tool with an alternate twist. Andreas Kisselbach, Head of Research and Development at Leitz, explained, “Especially fiberglass being a very abrasive working material, tungsten carbide tools dull and quickly reach the end of their useful life.” In practice, diamond cutting materials are much more suitable when machining glass fiberboard.
Diamond tools typically outrun carbide tools by more than 20x and dramatically cut tooling and processing costs. Of course, special consideration must be given to proper application, operation, and service of diamond tools. The best tooling value can only be accomplished through precision service which increases the total service cycles and overall productivity of each tool. Precision tool service will also yield longer service life between sharpening or repair, resulting in fewer tool changes, less machine downtime and improved productivity.
Leitz diamond routers provide longer tool life, greatly improved service life, and high processing speeds to increase productivity and efficiency without compromising quality. Available in diameters as small as 3/8″, 2+2 and 3+3 wing design, and in various cutting lengths.
Leitz diamond tooling is maximized through experienced service technicians who use the finest grinding machinery, precision measuring and inspection equipment, dynamic balancing equipment, and the most current grinding know-how available to keep your cutting tools performing at optimal levels.
Achieve optimal results with Leitz diamond tooling solutions and realize the best return on your investment with expert support services from Leitz.
Contact Leitz at contact-us@leitz.org or (616) 431-4096, or fill out the form below, and we’ll get in touch.
