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.
Latest Machining/Drilling Articles
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RoMaNi 2 project enhances industrial robot flexibility for composites, metals machining
Newly developed milling kinematics on a linear axis enables versatile and efficient machining with up to 0.1-millimeter production tolerance.
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Queen’s University Belfast presents research in thermoplastic drilling performance optimization
Researchers have published findings from a multi-objective optimization study on carbon fiber-reinforced PEKK drilling in an effort to better understand the material for use in aviation fastenings.
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Norco invests in CNC, kit cutting capability expansion
Transition from internal to external demand over the last few years has evolved Norco’s machining and composite kit cutting equipment, and now includes material outsourcing and digital engineering services.
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VIDEO: Recycling and machining carbon fiber scraps
Elevated Materials has partnered with ‪Toray Composite Materials America, Inc. to collect and upcycle reclaimed carbon fiber scraps into large billet laminates, which can then be cut into various parts using CNC mills.
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CFRP planing head: 50% less mass, 1.5 times faster rotation
Novel, modular design minimizes weight for high-precision cutting tools with faster production speeds.
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Hufschmied Zerspanungssysteme, specialist in composites machining, establishes branch in the U.S.
Supplier of material- and process-optimized cutting tools and technology for CFRP, GFRP and CMC, as well as metals, opened its Chicago facility August 1, 2024.
Read MoreKnowledge Centers
Explore the cutting-edge composites industry, as experts delve into the materials, tooling, and manufacturing hurdles of meeting the demands of the promising advanced air mobility (AAM) market. Join us at CW Tech Days to unlock the future of efficient composites fabrication operations.
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CW’s editors are tracking the latest trends and developments in tooling, from the basics to new developments. This collection, presented by Composites One, features four recent CW stories that detail a range of tooling technologies, processes and materials.
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Latest Machining/Drilling News And Updates
Zimmerman highlights five-axis portal milling line
The FZU22 machines various workpiece shapes, sizes and materials including carbon fiber and other fiber reinforcement options.
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Mel Composites adds Rohacryl processing to customized core offerings
Addition of machining services for the Evonik structural foam brand expands Mel’s range of foam core delivery.
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Net-shape machining services available for structural foam core
CAMX 2024: In addition to its distribution of various product materials for the composites industry, Technology Marketing Inc. now assists in machined net-shaped Rohacell structural foam core to customer requirements.
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Vericut version 9.5 maximizes efficiency, minimizes downtime
Latest CGTech software release adds improvements within the core product while improving user experience and practically automating NC program optimization.
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Ideko research validates robotic solution for clean, precise composites machining
Designed through the European Fibremach project, the equipment provides a greater increase in precision and machining efficiency and integrates a monitoring system that ensures part quality.
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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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Featured Posts
Filament winding increases access to high-performance composite prostheses
Steptics industrializes production of CFRP prostheses, enabling hundreds of parts/day and 50% lower cost.
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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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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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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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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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