Milling Carbon Fiber

Milling custom carbon fiber robot parts is possible if you have the proper safety equipment and tools. While carbon fiber dust has not yet been proven to be carcinogenic, its safe to assume that you do not want to inhale it or get it in your eyes, so both eye protection and a respirator are required.

A CNC mill and a bur were used to route the carbon fiber parts. While cutting, the carbon fiber is kept wet with lubricant to prevent dust formation while being vacuumed. A speed of 10000 RPM and a feed rate of 50 mm/min were used with good results on a plate 0.059" thick. The edges were finished with wet sandpaper to prevent injury due to splinters.