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
VIEW ALLFives, Prestige Equipment partnership expands customer options for equipment life cycle management
Metal and composites manufacturers will be more comprehensively supported with high-quality used machine tools, asset recovery and modernization.
Read MoreIdeko participates in ROBOCOMP project for flexible, zero-emissions aerospace manufacturing
Precision and digitization contributions replacing heavy machinery with flexible robotic cells enable critical machining operations on carbon fiber parts and other production processes to be adapted and scaled.
Read MorePortal milling machine investment enables Sawyer Composites’ turnkey project success
Sawyer Composites overcomes accuracy and downtime issues when designing, engineering and manufacturing composite tooling and structures using Zimmermann’s FZU22 system.
Read MoreAll-CFRP, 125-foot-long Nomad 7 sailing catamaran to be launched in 2026
SNAPSHOT: SMM Composites, Multiplast and Avel Robotics work together on the vessel’s massive carbon fiber composite structures being built at FC Cube shipyard in France.
Read MoreThermwood launches You Betcha video series
Each episode is designed to be informative, approachable and rooted in real production needs, offering clear, practical insight into what Thermwood CNC machining systems can do.
Read MoreOrbex 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.
Read MoreLatest Machining/Drilling News And Updates
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.
Read MoreMSP 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.
Read MoreUKAM 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.
Read MoreTrelleborg 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.
Read MoreFive-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.
Read MoreSmart composites equipment advances aerocomposites innovation
CAMX 2025: From fiber to flight, Broetje-Automation innovates composites manufacturing with integrated AFP, drilling and sealing technologies.
Read MoreFeatured Posts
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.
Read MoreAddressing rivet hole drilling challenges for aerospace composites
Kennametal explores technological advancements in composite drilling, including stacked laminates, to meet aerospace applications and sustainability challenges.
Read MoreSeven 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.
WatchVIDEO: 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.
WatchVIDEO: Precision fabrication of honeycomb materials
MachineTek showcases its precision fabrication of honeycomb materials at CAMX 2024.
WatchDeveloping 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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