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 ALLTrelleborg 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 MoreLow-consumption, modular VMC pushes precision and performance
CAMX 2025: Breton highlights how the Hawx E2 five axis can elevate trimming, milling and drilling operations.
Read MoreSouth 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.
Read MoreVericut Icam Suite V26 achieves precision with intelligent postprocessing
Smarter automation and deeper integration features support composites manufacturers’ abilities to configure and control postprocessing technologies.
Read MoreKnowledge Centers

Review the state of the art in design, simulation, failure analysis, digital twins, virtual testing and virtual inspection.
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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.
LEARN MORELatest Machining/Drilling News And Updates
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.
Read MoreHufschmied 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.
Read MoreHufschmied, 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.
Read MoreThermwood unveils MAX5 large-scale CNC
Heavy-duty, high-clearance, five-axis CNC router is built to perform in extreme composites machining environments.
WatchHG Grimme CNC centers reduce ACE CFRP postprocessing setup
The switch to HG machining centers for the milling of automotive CFRP parts and structural components cuts setup time down from 40-45% to 2-3% and protects against dust generation.
Read MoreRuckus 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 MoreFeatured Posts
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.
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.
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.
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