Optimization of machining conditions long-barreled tactical defense weapons metal handguard for the production of composite materials

Long-barreled infantry rifles are the most active operational equipment of a soldier in the operational field. It is a lightweight equipment for ease of transportation. Handguards are also an important part of the weapon weight. The production of this part from the fiber-reinforced composite material instead of the metal material will significantly reduce the weight of the component, and will also allow the user to transmit less heat around the barrel than the metal material. In this study, a handguard model with suitable geometry for general use is designed and semi-finished material is produced by using composite material production methods according to this design. In addition, in order to optimize the machining conditions, sample plates were prepared and experimental planning was done for milling carbon and glass fiber reinforced materials. In the optimization process, analysis of variance are used, speed and feed are determined as input parameters. The output parameter was determined as surface roughness. In the experimental study, 15º helix TiN coated carbide end mills with two rims of 6 mm diameter were used for composite material machining. Different speed and feed are determined as cutting parameters. According to these values, samples were taken to a single pass face and lateral milling was performed. The treated surfaces were measured by surface roughness measurement device. The obtained data was optimized by statistical methods and the optimum speed and progress values were determined for face and lateral milling. According to the optimization results, the most suitable machining conditions for carbon fiber reinforced and glass fiber reinforced composites are high speed and low feed. The best results for carbon reinforced composites were obtained with s = 12000 rpm and f = 100 mm / min, for glass reinforced composites were obtained with s = 9500 rpm and f = 500 mm / min.