In this paper, a finite element method was used to dynamically simulate the process of the edge defects formation during orthogonal cutting SiCp/Al composites. The influence of the cutting speed, cutting depth and rake angle of the PCD insert on the size of the edge defects have been investigated by using scanning electron. According to the simulated results, it can be provided that the cutting layer material has an effect on transfer stress and hinder the chip formation in the critical transition stage, and the critical transition point and distance are defined in this stage. The negative shear phenomenon is found when the chip transit to the edge defects in the flexure deformation stage, so the process of the chip formation is the basis of the edge defects formation. In addition, the relationship between the nucleation and propagation direction of the crack and the variation of the edge defect shape on the workpiece was investigated by theory, and it found that the negative shear angle formation is the primary cause of the edge defect formation. A mixed mode crack is found in the crack propagation stage. The sizes of edge defects were measured by the experiment and simulation, and the edge defect size decrease with the increasing of tool rake angle, while increase with increasing cutting depth and cutting speed.
