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 ALLRuckus Composites, Aerospace grows in-house composites machining, measurement and inspection
Recent in-house technology investments set Ruckus up to meet advanced composite inspection and precision machining demand.
Read MoreApache Aerospace highlights MX-5 self-feed countersink tool
Third-generation design approved by U.S. aerospace manufacturers targets simplified operations for metal and composite materials cutting.
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.
WatchRoMaNi 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.
Read MoreKnowledge Centers

Review the state of the art in design, simulation, failure analysis, digital twins, virtual testing and virtual inspection.
LEARN MORELatest Machining/Drilling News And Updates
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.
Read MoreNorco 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.
Read MoreHufschmied 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 MoreZimmerman highlights five-axis portal milling line
The FZU22 machines various workpiece shapes, sizes and materials including carbon fiber and other fiber reinforcement options.
Read MoreMel 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.
Read MoreNet-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.
Read MoreFeatured Posts
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.
Read MoreVIDEO: 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.
WatchCFRP planing head: 50% less mass, 1.5 times faster rotation
Novel, modular design minimizes weight for high-precision cutting tools with faster production speeds.
Read MoreFilament winding increases access to high-performance composite prostheses
Steptics industrializes production of CFRP prostheses, enabling hundreds of parts/day and 50% lower cost.
Read MoreAI-powered robotic solutions support high-mix manufacturing
AI startup offers automation innovations for high-mix, high-variability, manual surface finishing applications.
Read MoreOptimizing 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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