Author : Desh Bandhu, Sandeep Singh Sangwan and Mukesh Verma

The use of composite laminates (CFRP, GFRP, and fiber metal composite laminates) is attractive for many applications (such as aerospace and aircraft structural components) due to their superior properties and, as a consequence, the number of papers focused on relevant aspects concerning the machinability of such materials has also increased. Composite laminates are regarded as hard-to-machine materials, which results in low drilling efficiency and undesirable drilling-induced delamination. . This review paper summarizes an up-to-date progress in mechanical drilling of composite laminates reported in the literature. The principal aim of this work is to present a literature survey on the drilling of composite materials, more specifically on drilling of carbon fiber reinforced plastics. Aspects such as tool materials and geometry, machining parameters and their influence on the thrust force and torque are investigated. Additionally, the quality of the holes produced is also assessed, with special attention paid to the delamination damage. . It is intended to help readers to obtain a comprehensive view on mechanical drilling of composite laminates.

Keywords: CFRP, GFRP, Composite laminates, Drilling-induced delamination, Delamination damage, Machining parameters.

Article published in International Journal of Current  Engineering  and Technology, Vol.4,No.3 (June- 2014)