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This work investigates the applicability of Taylor’s model on the drilling of CFRP using uncoated WC-Co tools, by assessing the influence of cutting speed (Vc) on tool wear. Two different resins, possessing low and high glass transition temperatures (Tg), and two different reinforcements, high strength and high modulus woven fabrics, were combined into three different systems. Flank wear rate gradient exhibited to be more reinforcement dependent, while the actual flank wear rate showed to be sensible also to the type of resin. In terms of tool life, all CFRP systems adjusted into a power-type tool life vs. cutting speed curve through the full range of cutting speeds (1,000 RPM to 18,000 RPM). Therefore, Taylor’s model can be applied to estimate the tool life in the drilling of CFRP using uncoated WC-Co tools with good accuracy.

This study focused on the thermal degradation of the polymer phase of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites through thickness by applying the nanoindentation technique. The results were compared for the elastic modulus (E) and hardness (H) of a non-aged sample and the samples aged at 200 C and 350 C during a short period of 60 s, in order to experimentally simulate the thermal conditions of drilling. Compared to the non-aged specimen, the results showed an increase of 16% in the elastic modulus and 12% in the hardness for the specimen aged at 200 C. In contrast, the results for the specimen aged at 350 C showed a variation of 0.8% and � 3% in the elastic modulus and hardness respectively. These results contribute to a better understanding of the effect of the heat developed during the machining of composites on the properties of the resin phase in CFRP. Hereby we present the evidence of a postcuring effect at the temperatures close to the glass transition temperature (Tg) in the drilling of CFRPs. 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://