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.

Addressing rivet hole drilling challenges for aerospace composites
Aerospace

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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Latest Machining/Drilling Articles

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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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CAMX

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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Aerospace

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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Repair

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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Knowledge Centers

Design, Simulation and Testing Technologies for Next-Gen Composite Structures
Design, Simulation and Testing Technologies for Next-Gen Composite Structures

Review the state of the art in design, simulation, failure analysis, digital twins, virtual testing and virtual inspection.

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Sensors for Composite Processing
Sensors for Composite Processing

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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Latest Machining/Drilling News And Updates

Automation

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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Thermwood unveils MAX5 large-scale CNC

Heavy-duty, high-clearance, five-axis CNC router is built to perform in extreme composites machining environments.

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HG 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.

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Aerospace

Ruckus 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.

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CW Tech Days: High-Temp Composite Solutions

Featured 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.

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Automation

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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Core

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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Carbon Fibers

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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Carbon Fibers

CFRP 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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