Tool life economics and quality comparison for PCD versus coated carbide when machining CFRP and GFRP stacks.
The economic crossover point
PCD tools cost 8–12× more than coated carbide upfront, but in CFRP machining they routinely deliver 60–80× the tool life. The break-even typically lands around 200 holes for drilling.
Head-to-head wear data (CFRP, 4 mm Ø drill)
Production trial across three shops, identical fixtures, identical feeds.
PCDCompositesCFRPTool Life
