Fiberglass and other composites: CNC cutting. Models.

Composites are multicomponent materials. They can be made from different components, the combination of which leads to the emergence of a new material with excellent characteristics.

CNC machining is one of the most popular methods of working with materials in the manufacturing industry today. Because the machines allow you to work with different materials, including composites. And they allow you to create precise parts using 3D models of products.

After metal, plastic, wood and stone, it is composites that are most often processed by CNC.

Below we will talk in a little more detail about the features of composites, applications, features of CNC processing and 3D models.

On our website you can buy ready-made models or order the production of models according to your specifications.

What composite materials can be CNC cut?

Composites may be a reinforced plastic (eg, fiberglass), may have a metal matrix (eg, silicon carbide), or may have a ceramic matrix (eg, silica, alumina).

Most often it is fiberglass. Fiberglass is a material widely used in the construction industry; it is used in the production of parts, pipes, and hulls of small vessels (boats, yachts, ships).

Fiberglass contains fiberglass, which makes the material extremely durable and waterproof. Fiberglass performs a reinforcing function.

The main advantage of fiberglass remains its lightness with decent strength.

The first patent for the invention of fiberglass fabric was received in 1880. The fabric was fire resistant, reliable, durable. Modern fiberglass does not rot, does not change color, does not become brittle from time or exposure to moisture, precipitation, sun, and is chemically resistant.

How to cut fiberglass? The material can be cut using any cutting tool - grinder, metal saw, bolt cutter. It does not require any special knowledge or skills. Including fiberglass is one of those materials that can be processed on CNC.

In addition to fiberglass, other composite materials can be processed on a CNC machine. For example, carbon fibers, glass-reinforced plastic and others.

Each case may have its own characteristics of cutting the material.

Why are composites milled?

Most often, the following products are created using fiberglass and other composites on CNC machines:

Signs,
Billboards,
Decorative panels,
facades,
Interior partitions,
Light boxes,
And so on.

How is composite milled?

It is important to understand that reinforced elements make composites highly abrasive materials with a heterogeneous structure, which significantly complicates processing. Therefore, the composition of the composite (metal, plastic, ceramics and their properties) and processing conditions are taken into account.

Depending on the type of material, a cutter is selected. For example, for aluminum panels, cutters made of high-speed steels and hard alloys. For other composites, carbon steel or carbide tools may be suitable, but they need to be changed frequently as they can suffer from wear and affect machining accuracy. In some cases, diamond-veined tools are used.

The maximum processing speed can reach 3-5 thousand revolutions per minute. The cutting depth depends on the thickness of the sheet.

The cutters can be either circular or shaped. Spiral or end.

In addition, it is important to ensure that the tool is securely fastened. And use suitable coolants.

Creating a matrix:

In addition to the product itself, a matrix for a composite material can be produced on a CNC machine. That is, a mold, a stamp, with recesses for casting.

Order 3D models:

On our website you can order 3D models (or choose ready-made options from our extensive catalog) for the manufacture of CNC products from composite materials.

Our company prepares high quality models in the shortest possible time. You can choose the model format: 3D max or 3D st.