Analysis and Simulation of Cutting Technologies for Lightweight Frame Components

Innovative composite extrusions consisting of an aluminium matrix material with steel fibres for reinforced lightweight constructions require adapted cutting technologies. Due to the resulting tool wear when machining such composite materials, new tools and processes have to be developed. The following article describes experimental investigations concerning conventional drilling operations in comparison to helix milling operations for the manufacturing of holes in these materials. Therefore especially wear and quality aspects are discussed. Furthermore a flexible cutting process for thin walled lightweight frame connector elements to combine profiles is described. To obtain detailed process knowledge also FEA-Simulations of the thermo-mechanical loads affecting the workpiece during the process are performed.