The matrix materials of composite materials can be divided into two categories: metal and nonmetal. Commonly used metal substrates are aluminum, magnesium, copper, titanium and their alloys. Non-metallic matrix mainly includes synthetic resin, rubber, ceramics, graphite, carbon and so on. The reinforcing materials mainly include glass fiber, carbon fiber, boron fiber, aramid fiber, silicon carbide fiber, asbestos fiber, whisker and metal.

The difference between the cutting of composite materials and the cutting of metal materials lies in the strength, hardness and thermal conductivity of materials. When cutting composite materials, tools face different hardness and thermal conductivity changes. When cutting materials with poor thermal conductivity, the service life of the cutting edge of the tool will be reduced due to high temperature.