Evaluation of a hybrid cryogenic deburring method to remove uncut fibers on carbon fiber-reinforced plastic composites

This paper presents an evaluation of hybrid cryogenic processes used to eliminate burrs on the exit side of drilled holes in carbon fiber-reinforced plastic composites. These hybrid cryogenic processing methods do not produce environmental hazards and they involve adding a longitudinal ultrasonic motion to the drill cutter and water into a cryogenic environment during the deburring process. There are four methods used for this hybrid cryogenic deburring process: the first method involves ultrasonic vibrations and a cryogenic environment; the second method involves water and a cryogenic environment; the third method involves water, ultrasonic vibrations and a cryogenic environment; and the fourth method involves water, ultrasonic vibrations, a cryogenic environment, and a backup ice layer. The methods were compared in terms of the percentage of removed burrs; the microscopy images of removed burrs are presented in this paper. According to experimental investigations, the fourth method exhibits up to 100% efficiency in removing burrs, followed by the third, the second, and the first method.