Machining/Drilling of Composites

Machining and drilling processes in composites present unique challenges due to the heterogeneous nature of these materials. Composite structures, often composed of different layers and materials, require specialized techniques to maintain integrity and precision during machining or drilling. Traditional methods used for metals can cause delamination, fiber pullout, or damage to the composite structure. Therefore, specialized tools, such as diamond or carbide-tipped equipment, and specific cutting parameters are employed to ensure clean cuts without compromising the material's integrity.

AI-powered robotic solutions support high-mix manufacturing
Machining/Drilling

AI-powered robotic solutions support high-mix manufacturing

AI startup offers automation innovations for high-mix, high-variability, manual surface finishing applications.

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Smart Tooling
Airtech

Latest Machining/Drilling Articles

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Belotti, Cosberg partner for advanced automated assembly solutions

The Italy-based companies merge technological know-how to develop novel systems for the processing and assembly of light alloys and carbon fiber components.

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Optimizing machining for composites: Tool designs, processes and Industry 4.0 systems

Hufschmied moves beyond optimized milling and drilling tools to develop SonicShark inline quality control system and Cutting Edge World cloud platform for optimized tool use and processes.

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From the CW Archives: Drilling is not for the faint of heart

This edition of From the CW Archives revisits CW’s first plant tour — a visit to the F-35 FAL in Fort Worth, Texas — and a story by Ginger Gardiner a few years later. Both offer lessons on how to perform stacked drilling through composite and metallic materials. 

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State-of-the-art composites cutting, machining solutions ensure accuracy, ease of operation

JEC World 2024: Compcut is presenting its advanced composites saw (ACS) and precision composite router (PCR), in addition to inviting attendees to bring their own materials for demonstration purposes.

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Carbon Fibers

ATL Composites collaboration advances kite-foil board production for Paris Olympics

Breiana Whitehead, pioneering Australian kite-foil sailor, spearheads board design intricacies with ATL Composites to enhance her performance ahead of the July 2024 competition.

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Specialized cutting tool equipment accommodates automotive requirements

CAMX 2023: Hufschmied’s machining systems, particularly the company’s 194/195 T-Rex cutting tools and carbide cutting blades, are being presented for use on plastics, composites and other materials.

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Knowledge Centers

Sensors for Composite Processing
Sensors for Composite Processing

Discover the types of sensors being used in composites, the physics on which they�re based, their installation, promised benefits and challenges, as well as the potential they offer for even further developments in smart structures.

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Design, Simulation and Testing Technologies for Next-Gen Composite Structures
Design, Simulation and Testing Technologies for Next-Gen Composite Structures

Review the state of the art in design, simulation, failure analysis, digital twins, virtual testing and virtual inspection.

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industrial CNC routers
KraussMaffei Metering Systems
CAMX 2024
Harper International Carbon Fiber
Airtech International Inc.

Latest Machining/Drilling News And Updates

Automation

Loop Technology robotic machining system works with harder materials

The RoboMach HA is a high-accuracy robotic machining system that can work with a range of materials, including cured composites. 

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C.R. Onsrud breaks ground for machine shop expansion

Multi-phase expansion includes 9,900-square-foot addition to facility and purchase of new equipment to better serve aerospace, marine, composites and other industries.  

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Aerospace

German UniFix project develops mobile holding fixture to enhance production efficiency of large CFRP structures

Fraunhofer IFAM and Airbus Operations in Stade demonstrate reduced manual handling and non-productive time in flow-oriented manufacturing of vertical tail plane.

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Carbon Fibers

Artificial intelligence optimizes CNC milling of carbon fiber-reinforced composites

The Augsburg AI Production Network — DLR Center for Lightweight Production Technology (ZLP), Fraunhofer IGCV and University of Augsburg — use ultrasonic sensors to correlate sound to quality in composites machining.

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CAMX 2021 exhibit preview: Autonational

Autonational highlights its capabilities in automated filament winding and CNC machining, including a recent case study from a utility vehicle manufacturer.

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CAMX 2021 exhibit preview: Europe Technologies

Europe Technologies highlights its robotic finishing cells and ultrasonic cutting solutions.

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Carbon Fiber 2024
CompositesWorld
NewStar Adhesives - Nautical Adhesives
pro-set epoxy laminate infusion tool high temp Tg
CompositesWorld

Featured Posts

Thermoplastics

Plant tour: Joby Aviation, Marina, Calif., U.S.

As the advanced air mobility market begins to take shape, market leader Joby Aviation works to industrialize composites manufacturing for its first-generation, composites-intensive, all-electric air taxi.

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Thermoplastics

Laboratory for Intelligent Lightweight Production at CTC Stade advances digital solutions for industrial composites

Four-year, 12-million-euro LaiLa project with Helmut Schmidt University combines R&D with industry collaboration to solve real production pain points, validate solutions in digital lab/model factory at CTC and transfer knowledge to supply chain including customized training.

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Automotive

Plant tour: Bucci Composites, Faenza, Italy

A stalwart in Italy’s “Motor Valley” opens its doors for a discussion and exploration of the company’s history in composites manufacturing for high-performance cars and other applications.

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Automation

Virgin Orbit automates composites machining processes for LauncherOne rockets

Part of the company’s larger strategy for reducing cycle times and labor costs on its composite-intensive rockets, a customized machine center from Multiax America solves composite machining challenges.

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Best practices in the CNC machining of composites

Machining composite materials is a challenging task. Proper tool selection, machine settings and process innovations help make it manageable.

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ATL/AFP

Using sensor data to improve composite parts and processes

nebumind software builds digital twins from manufacturing data to trace defects, compare manufactured parts, qualify processes, develop tolerance windows for process monitoring and more.

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Thermwood Corp.
HEATCON Composite Systems
Airtech
3D industrial laser projection
Airtech International Inc.