Laminate orientation effect on drilling of carbon fiber reinforced plastic composites

Abstract

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites are often used in combination with other materials, requiring it to be machined during fabrication of a structure. Drilling as the most common machining process of CFRP is complex often results in delamination of the composites. The complexity is contributed by CFRP composite's fiber orientation which can be of unidirectional or quasi-isotropic type depending on the applications. This study reviews the machinability of CFRP composites by considering fiber orientation and machining conditions used during drilling. Their relation with machining thrust force which leads to delamination is the central theme. An insight in obtaining delamination-free holes is also discussed. © (2013) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.