Analysis of the Machinability of Carbon Fiber Composite Materials in Function of Tool Wear and Cutting Parameters Using the Artificial Neural Network Approach

Local delamination is the most undesirable damage associated with drilling carbon fiber reinforced composite materials (CFRPs). This defect reduces the structural integrity of the material, which affects the residual strength of the assembled components. A positive correlation between delamination extension and thrust force during the drilling process is reported in literature. The abrasive effect of the carbon fibers modifies the geometry of the fresh tool, which increases the thrust force and, in consequence, the induced damage in the workpiece. Using a control system based on an artificial neural network (ANN), an analysis of the influence of the tool wear in the thrust force during the drilling of CFRP laminate to reduce the damage is developed. The spindle speed, feed rate, and drill point angle are also included as input parameters of the study. The training and testing of the ANN model are carried out with experimental drilling tests using uncoated carbide helicoidal tools. The data were trained using error-back propagation-training algorithm (EBPTA). The use of the neural network rapidly provides results of the thrust force evolution in function of the tool wear and cutting parameters. The obtained results can be used by the industry as a guide to control the impact of the wear of the tool in the quality of the finished workpiece.