Author(s)

A. Mizobuchi, H. Takagi, T. Sato & J. Hino

Abstract

This paper deals with the machinability of resin-less bamboo composites (\“green” composites) in drilling. The machinability is estimated by thrust force, specific cutting force, hole appearance, chip form and tool wear when drilling \“green” composites, bamboo and Japanese cedar using a metal drill and a wood drill. Experimental conditions are a cutting speed of 5m/min to 25m/min and a feed rate of 0.006mm/rev to 0.06mm/rev. The thrust force of \“green” composites is larger than that of other workpieces such as Japanese cedar and bamboo. The specific cutting force of \“green” composites with high tensile strength is large. In the case of the metal drill, the chip length of \“green” composites is very long compared to that of other workpieces. Various disfigurements formed around the hole in the drilling of \“green” composites are small at a cutting speed of 15m/min and a feed rate of 0.03mm/rev. On the other hand, the wood drill is inadequate to drill \“green” composites. To decrease the disfigurements around the drilled hole, it is considered that a single bamboo fiber of the composites should be cut by a sharp cutting edge that is equipped with an electroplated diamond tool. Keywords: resin-less bamboo composites, machinability, drilling. 1 Introduction Biodegradable composite materials, which are made from natural fibers and a biodegradable resin, have recently appeared as an alternative to polymer materials made of petroleum. For example, the biodegradable polymers are used for an interior trim panel of car and a chassis of cellular phone. These several products are made by forming the materials poured into a mold as well as the conventional polymer molding. In order to increase the applicabilities of

Keywords

resin-less bamboo composites, machinability, drilling.