Research Progress in Machining Technologies for Fiber Reinforced Ceramic Matrix Composites

Fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composites (FRCMCs) exhibit exceptional properties, including high strength, fracture toughness, thermal stability, corrosion resistance, and oxidation resistance, rendering them highly promising for applications in aerospace, energy, and advanced manufacturing sectors. However, their extreme hardness, brittleness, intrinsic anisotropy, and heterogeneous microstructure pose significant machining challenges, often leading to machining-induced defects such as burrs, chipping, and delamination. Conventional machining technologies such as grinding, cutting, drilling, and milling are widely employed for FRCMCs but suffer from issues like severe tool wear and low machining efficiency. In contrast, non-traditional machining technologies such as laser machining (LM), ultrasonic assisted machining (UAM), electrical discharge machining (EDM), and abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) offer advantages like non-contact operations and reduced mechanical stress. Despite these benefits, they face limitations including high equipment requirements, complex parameter optimization, and immature process technologies. This paper comprehensively reviews the current research progress in both conventional and non-traditional machining technologies for FRCMCs. The machining mechanisms, critical influencing factors, and comparative advantages / disadvantages of these technologies are also systematically analyzed. Looking forward, research directions in machining of FRCMCs should focus on in-depth exploration of material removal mechanisms, optimization of process parameters, and development of high-precision hybrid machining technologies.