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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Orbex makes part setup 900% faster for key composite parts ahead of inaugural rocket launch
The introduction of MSP metrology products have ensured right-first-time machining for Orbex as it ramps up production of its carbon fiber Payload Avionic Module.
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Mel Composites materials, technical support enhances Aresa fishing vessel production efficiency
Mel delivered pre-processed structural components and engineering support for the four commercial vessels, reducing build time through workflow optimization and CNC-cut Aircell HR80 core integration.
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MSP CNC metrology cuts Leonardo tiltrotor blade production time from 20 weeks to 3 days
Advanced manufacturing metrology demonstrates its prowess in addressing complex composite machining issues, increasing Leonardo’s carbon fiber part productivity by more than 4,500%, and eliminating scrap and fixture reliance.
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Plant tour: FACC AG, Jakovlje, Croatia
Part of its long-term global strategy, Plant 6 is not just a single facility, but FACC’s Aircraft Interiors Center of Excellence, key for increased production, new composite technology for interiors flexibility and future growth.
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UKAM Industrial Superhard Tools launches diamond and CBN dicing blades
Smart Cut technology blades deliver clean, high-precision cutting quality for ceramics, composites and other advanced materials.
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Trelleborg invests in Innovation Center expansion, remodel
An additional purpose-built space in Delano, Minnesota, by early 2027 adds a visitor center, Swiss machining, injection molding and increased space for automation.
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The composites industry is increasingly recognizing the imperative of sustainability in its operations. As demand for lightweight and durable materials rises across various sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction, there is a growing awareness of the environmental impact associated with traditional composite manufacturing processes.
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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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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
Five-axis CNC reliably cuts, drills, mills and saws composites
CAMX 2025: C.R. Onsrud reinforces its ability to produce well-engineered, durable CNCs for composites machining with the Q-Series.
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Smart composites equipment advances aerocomposites innovation
CAMX 2025: From fiber to flight, Broetje-Automation innovates composites manufacturing with integrated AFP, drilling and sealing technologies.
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Low-consumption, modular VMC pushes precision and performance
CAMX 2025: Breton highlights how the Hawx E2 five axis can elevate trimming, milling and drilling operations.
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South Asia wind park applies We4Ce, CNC Onsite tech for composite blade root remanufacturing
This on-site “Re-FIT” method eliminates the need for off-site transport, reducing blade waste, saving 60% in cost and finding a precision solution when drilling out defective bushings from fiberglass blades.
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Vericut Icam Suite V26 achieves precision with intelligent postprocessing
Smarter automation and deeper integration features support composites manufacturers’ abilities to configure and control postprocessing technologies.
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Fraunhofer IFAM MTC closes gap between industrial robots, machine tools
Machine tool robot (MTC) features improved milling kinematics that enable versatile, efficient and high-precision machining of composites and hard metals with a manufacturing tolerance of up to 0.1 millimeter.
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Featured Posts
Addressing rivet hole drilling challenges for aerospace composites
Kennametal explores technological advancements in composite drilling, including stacked laminates, to meet aerospace applications and sustainability challenges.
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Seven tips for machining composite aerospace components
Machining composite materials is a dusty, arduous and abrasive process that is hard on cutting tools, requiring the right combination of strategies and know-how to properly navigate their dynamics.
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VIDEO: Robots enable nine-axis machining of composites
Machine Tool Camp displayed its hybrid machining center at CAMX, featuring nine-axis machining capability enabled by robotics.
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VIDEO: Precision fabrication of honeycomb materials
MachineTek showcases its precision fabrication of honeycomb materials at CAMX 2024.
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Developing milling for CMC because grinding takes too long
Economical processes that can cut machining time by 70% are being tested on aeroengine turbine blade demonstrators by Hufschmied and DLR in the SCANCUT project.
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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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