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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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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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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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.
Read MoreKnowledge Centers
During CW Tech Days: Thermoplastics for Large Structures, experts explored the materials and processing technologies that are enabling the transition to large-part manufacturing.
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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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Latest Machining/Drilling News And Updates
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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Hufschmied to host Aerospace Day 2025
Materials, processes and current challenges in the aviation industry supply chain will be addressed via high-profile speakers and an accompanying exhibition on July 11 in Bobingen, Germany.
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Hufschmied, CMS open up advanced materials machining potential
Technical partnership combining cutting tool technology and CNC machining will open up new possibilities for comprehensive process efficiency, quality and sustainability for composite materials and engineered plastics.
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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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