An Investigation of Punching the MWCNTs Doped Composite Plates by Using Different Cutting Profiles

In this study, glass fiber reinforced composite layers which are with and without additives of 0.1 wt.% multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) of epoxy were manufactured by vacuum infusion method. Unlike the conventional methods, punching was used in processing and drilling of these materials. The 62 - 64 HRC hard punches made of 1.3343 material with specially designed 90 degrees, 30 degrees, 15 degrees, V, C profiles were used for punching of composites. Additionally, made of 1.2379 material with 62 - 64 HRC hardness, the mold with 0.05, 0.01 and 0.16 mm clearance values was used. Fujifilm prescale and chatillon load cell were used for force measurement that showed the pressure applied by punches with different cutting profiles. Hole diameter, delamination and burring were analyzed by 3d laser scanner. In test values with mold's 0.05 mm clearance, no burr was observed. The cutting surface of MWCNTs doped composite materials was found to be cleaner and material strength was higher.