6 Secondary Porcessing

This mockup of an Aventador LP700-4 is used for “fine optimization,” a process in which pre-production parts are checked against each other to ensure a perfect fit before they go into production. Photo: Lamborghini

6.1 Machining Techniques
6.2 Joining
6.3 Repair

6.1 Machining Techniques

The machining process available for composites can be divided into four basic types of
operations :

~ Cutting uncured preimpregnated material
~ Drilling cured composites
~ Trimming or profiling cured composites
~ Finishing cured composites

Cutting Uncured Preimpregnated Composites

Water-Jet Cutting
Laser Cutting
Reciprocating Mechanical Cutting
Steel Rule-Die Blanking

Cutting-Trimming/Deflashing

Most composites emerge from the mold with excess material attached which needs to be
removed in order to bring the part to its finished size. The thickness and composition of this
" flash " varies according to the molding process and tooling accuracy.