Characterization of hole quality and temperature in drilling of Al/CFRP stacks under different process condition

Abstract

The use of hybrid components made of aluminium alloys and carbon fibre reinforced polymer composites is increasing in aerospace applications for their excellent weight/strength ratio. These components are generally mechanically assembled and thus require a large number of hole making operations. One shot drilling is the most desirable process to improve productivity, however, an optimization of the drilling process on such dissimilar materials is indispensable. The aim of this research work is to identify, with reference to drilling of Al/CFRP stacks for aeronautical applications, the best combination of cutting speed and feed rate, based on the quality of drilled holes and on a thermographic study of the process.