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Machine Tool

  • Up to 40% reduction in mass
  • Reduced high frequency noise
  • Energy saving
  • Increased machining stability, accuracy and speed
  • Better surface roughness achieved

In some cases it can mean machining a part in less machining steps.

Reduction in weight and the stiffness in graphite fibres as well as its inherent damping properties translates to increased natural frequency of the part. However, the damping properties in the part are critical to reduce unwanted vibrations in the machining process so that the tool has more stability. Not only in vibration but also the thermal expansion properties can be used. The CTE is very close to zero and being able to use these tools without coolant can be favourable.

Tests have indicated the tool can perform better, meaning faster and more accurate machining or improved machine surface roughness. In some cases it can mean machining a part in less machining steps. The logic is that the same composite milling head can do the job of two steel varieties for rough and final machining or the use of the coolant may not be required.

Hybrid Tools/ Spindle

Carbon composite spindle shaft can not only remove critical weight at the machine head but also has demonstrated the added benefits of:

  • Zero thermal expansion,
  • High dynamic stiffness and reduced vibration allowing increased rpm of the cutting head.

This hybrid carbon-metal technology has led to development of other end of tool applications including: tool holder, chuck and even the cutting tool itself.

Examples:

FUKUDA Spindle Shafts

  • Zero Axial Expansion
  • Light weight
  • Dynamic Stiffness
  • Reduce Vibrations

Status: Successfully tested by Fukuda

Electro spindle
Compared to steel original:

  • 10 x less thermal expansion
  • 5 x better damping
  • 3 x lower mass
  • equivalent bending stiffness

Axis Beams

If you are Milling, measuring, or cutting, applying carbon composites to the moving machine structure can increase accuracy, efficiency, and performance.

Carbon Fibre with damped Composites are capable of providing Less Mass, Greater Stiffness and up to 12 times better damping than steel. With this in mind CompoTech adopted a strategy to bring these properties to components for Machine Building.

Carbon Gantry or Y-axis Carriage

High speed cutting, placement or measuring machines require light weight and high stiffness for optimum performance. Dynamic loads on these beams suit the functional properties of the placed carbon fibre. The increase in stiffness to weight ratio can influence the whole machine design to allow longer cross-beams for a larger workable area. Analysis of the natural frequency is also made to increase working speeds. The addition of damping into the composite can allow greater jerk and acceleration of the beam whilst keeping the stability of the carriage head.

Carbon Z-Axis or Ram

Designed to be the equivalent or higher stiffness than current steel Rams at 1/4 of the weight. Increased damping properties, up to 12 times that of steel. The performance and productivity of machining can be improved.