Effects of Cutter Geometrical Features on Machining Polyetheretherketones (PEEK) Engineering Plastic

Abstract

When polyetheretherketone is used in structural applications it generally undergoes additional machining operations in order to form components. Machining PEEK can be a challenging task for manufacturers, however, especially when using a conventional cutting tool. This paper deals with the influence of a cutter’s geometrical features when machining polyetheretherketones engineering plastic on their machining performances. Three categories of end mills were designed and fabricated with varying rake angles, clearance angles and helix angles to investigate effects on machining surface roughness and burr formation. From the investigations conducted, it is evident that end mill geometrical features (rake angle, clearance angle and helix angle) have significant effects on machining surface roughness and burr formation. Increasing the rake angle and helix angle value will improved the machining surface roughness, however, in the case of varying clearance angles, there are no significant results for the surface roughness produced. It could be observed, however, that a 12° clearance angle produced better surface roughness compared to other angles. The findings from the deliberately conducted experiments can be used for the development of high performance cutting tools, especially for machining polyetheretherketones engineering plastic material.

Keywords

• machining
• polyetheretherketones
• end mill angles
• surface roughness