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
Fastening/Finishing

AI-powered robotic solutions support high-mix manufacturing

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

READ MORE
Smart Tooling
industrial CNC routers

Latest Machining/Drilling Articles

VIEW ALL

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.

Read More
Natural Fibers

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.

Watch

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. 

Read More
JEC

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

Knowledge Centers

Automated Composites
Automated Composites

In the Automated Composites knowledge center, CGTech brings you vital information about all things automated composites, from the manufacturing processes to the vendors and necessary tools.

LEARN MORE
CW Tech Days: Sustainability
CW Tech Days: Sustainability

This CW Tech Days event will explore the technologies, materials, and strategies that can help composites manufacturers become more sustainable.

LEARN MORE
Airtech
NewStar Adhesives - Nautical Adhesives
3D industrial laser projection
Airtech
Airtech International Inc.

Latest Machining/Drilling News And Updates

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. 

Read More

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.  

Read More
Composites 4.0

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.

Watch

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.

Read More
Filament Winding

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.

Read More
Automation

CAMX 2021 exhibit preview: Europe Technologies

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

Read More
Thermwood Corp.
CAMX 2024
CompositesWorld
KraussMaffei Metering Systems
Airtech International Inc.

Featured Posts

Automotive

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.

Read More

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.

Read More
Bonding/Welding

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.

Read More
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.

Read More

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.

Read More
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.

Watch
Carbon Fiber 2024
CompositesWorld
Harper International Carbon Fiber
HEATCON Composite Systems
CompositesWorld