Machining of Filled Polymers Using Single-Edge Tools

The importance and industrial applications of filled polymers is reported. In recent years cast nylon with various fillers has been extensively used in industry, where machining is carried out as a secondary process to achieve necessary surface finish and shape. There is a pressing need to develop various cutting techniques to enhance the machining performance features for these polymers. An understanding of the effect of major process variables on forces, power, and surface finish help practicing engineers in selection of cutting tools and machine tools for efficient manufacturing. In this paper the qualitative and quantitative effects of major process variables such as tool, cut geometry, and cutting speeds are studied for cast nylon with two different fillers, namely MoS2 and vulcanized vegetable oil (VVO). The data processing is carried out by a suite of statistical routines.