The latest research results from the DGMK (German Scientific Society for Sustainable Energy, Mobility and Carbon Cycles) have provided an important finding for the machining of carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP): All types of cooling lubricants tested can be used in principle. This finding disproves the widespread rumour that water-miscible cooling lubricants/metalworking fluids (MWF) can damage CFRP.
We are proud that Oemeta was involved in this project and was able to contribute to these exciting research results.
Research objectives and methodology
The project aimed to improve the machinability of CFRP materials through the use of different cutting fluids, and to address concerns about potential damage from water-miscible cutting fluids. Extensive tests were carried out with different tool combinations and coolants, with a particular focus on the interactions between the materials and the coolants.
Important findings
The research resulted in two main conclusions:
Use of all product types is possible: it was proven that all tested MWFs can be used to machine CFRP without causing damage to the material. This contradicts the widespread rumour that water-miscible coolants could damage CFRP. In particular, it has been shown that the swelling of CFRP materials in various emulsions is minimal and tends to be even lower than the swelling caused by pure water.
Improved process safety and environmental protection: The use of cooling lubricants makes a significant contribution to reducing the emission of fine dust particles, which could endanger both machine safety and the health of operators. In addition, the use of cutting fluids significantly lowers the temperatures in the shear zone and on the chips, which reduces the risk of fires and explosions caused by dust-related deflagrations.
Significance for the industry
These results are a significant step forward for the machining of fibre-reinforced plastics. They provide the industry with a solid database and refute reservations about the use of cooling lubricants in the machining of CFRP. Thanks to the findings from this project, companies can now work more safely and efficiently without having to worry about their materials being damaged by the use of cooling lubricants.
Future developments
The research results provide a basis for further investigations into the efficiency and sustainability of metalworking fluids. Through continuous innovation and development, cutting fluid products should become even more environmentally friendly and efficient in the future in order to meet the highest standards in machining technology.
For further information on the research results and their impact on CFRP machining, please contact the participating research institutes and trade associations.
You can find the DGMK research report here: