JSWAY | Leading CNC Lathe Manufacturer Since 2007
How To Prevent Delamination When CNC Vertical Lathes Turn Carbon Fiber Composites?
The use of carbon fiber composites in various industries has been on the rise due to their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and durability. As a result, CNC vertical lathes are frequently employed to machine these materials for a wide range of applications. However, one of the major challenges faced when machining carbon fiber composites is delamination, which can significantly impact the quality and integrity of the final product.
Delamination occurs when layers of the composite material separate during the turning process, resulting in a rough surface finish and potentially compromising the structural integrity of the part. Understanding the causes of delamination is crucial in order to prevent this issue from occurring. Factors such as improper tooling, cutting parameters, and machine settings can all contribute to delamination when machining carbon fiber composites on CNC vertical lathes.
Excessive cutting forces are a common reason for delamination, as they can surpass the strength of the composite material and lead to layer separation. Furthermore, using dull or improper cutting tools can generate excessive heat and friction, weakening the material and causing delamination. To address these issues, it is essential to use sharp cutting tools specifically designed for composite materials, such as those made from polycrystalline diamond (PCD) or cubic boron nitride (CBN).
Optimizing cutting parameters is also key in preventing delamination when machining carbon fiber composites. Selecting the right cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut can help ensure efficient material removal without exerting excessive cutting forces. High cutting speeds and low feed rates are generally recommended for machining carbon fiber composites, as they reduce the contact time between the tool and material, minimizing the risk of delamination.
Controlling the temperature during the turning process is crucial to prevent delamination. Excessive heat can weaken the composite material, increasing the likelihood of delamination. Using coolant or air blast systems to dissipate heat away from the cutting zone is essential, as is using minimal cutting fluid or lubrication to maintain the material's structural integrity.
Proper fixturing and toolpath strategies are also important in preventing delamination when machining carbon fiber composites. Securely clamping the workpiece and selecting the right toolpath strategy can help minimize vibration and ensure stability during the turning process. Continuous cutting with a constant engagement of the cutting tool is recommended to maintain a consistent chip load and reduce the risk of delamination.
Monitoring and inspecting the machining process are essential steps in preventing delamination. Real-time monitoring of cutting forces, temperatures, and tool wear can provide valuable insights into the process and help identify potential issues. Regular inspections throughout the machining process, using visual inspection, dimensional measurements, and non-destructive testing, can help detect any signs of delamination early on.
In conclusion, preventing delamination when machining carbon fiber composites on CNC vertical lathes requires attention to detail and a combination of proper tooling, cutting parameters, fixturing, toolpath strategies, and monitoring techniques. By understanding the causes of delamination and implementing best practices, manufacturers can ensure high-quality parts with minimal risk of delamination. Continued improvement in machining processes is key to optimizing the turning of carbon fiber composites and achieving superior results.
I. Functional role
Slideways are the “track” between the guide rail and the moving parts. They convert the rotary (or linear) thrust of the servo motor into precise linear motion of the machine table, spindle box or turret, while withstanding cutting reaction forces, shocks and vibrations. Once the slideway fails, the positioning accuracy and surface quality of the whole machine will drop directly.
II. Common structure family
Linear ball slideway
Steel balls are in point contact with the raceway, low friction and fast response, suitable for high-speed and light-load Swiss-type lathes or vertical machining centers.
Linear roller slideway
Cylindrical rollers are in line contact with the raceway, high rigidity and large load capacity, the first choice for heavy-cutting equipment such as turn-mill centers and gantry five-face machines.
Dovetail slideway
Triangular interlocking surface, extremely strong lateral force resistance, often used in grinders or ultra-precision machining units that require micro-feed.
Hydrostatic/hydraulic slideway
Oil film supports moving parts, almost zero wear, used for mirror grinding or heavy-duty boring machines, but demanding on the oil supply system.
On September 3, 2025, China solemnly commemorated the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Behind the pageantry that displayed national strength and a commitment to peace, countless Chinese manufacturers are injecting their craftsmanship and cooperative spirit into the global economy. JSWAY CNC COMPANY is one of them, answering the call for peace and development in its own way.
For two decades JSWAY has focused on high-configuration, high-precision, high-speed CNC lathes and Swiss-type lathes. Products now reach more than thirty countries and regions, illustrating the principle of “peace through development, excellence through quality.”
True high-end manufacturing is not only technological breakthrough but also stability of quality. JSWAY’s plant houses about forty thousand square metres of floor space, producing Swiss-type lathes, turn-mill centres, gang-tool lathes and turret lathes. Critical components are machined on horizontal machining centres, gantry-type five-face machining centres and precision grinders, ensuring consistent accuracy.
An engineering data centre and joint laboratory use laser interferometers, eddy-current displacement testers, wireless rotary axis calibrators, high-precision digital temperature sensors and real-time machine-error compensation systems to upgrade products continuously.