Optimization of CFRP Micro Drilling Parameter using 2-Level Factorial Method Towards Thrust Force

Abstract

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) is extensively used in aircraft and automotive industries due to it exceptional material properties such as high strength to weight ratio and corrosion resistance. Nevertheless, micro drilling process of CFRP material poses various challenge as it has irregular material properties along the structure. High cutting force which lead to poor hole quality is one of the issues that always occur when drilling this material. Hence, the understanding on the relationship between process parameter and material behavior is vital to achieve optimum performance of machining process. The experiment was carried out using 2-level factorial design with variable spindle speed range of 8,000 – 12,000 rpm and feed rate range of 0.01-0.015 mm/rev. Micro drill bit with diameter of 0.9 mm was used and new fresh drill were used for every run to avoid tool wear effect. As a result, lower thrust force of 6.3742 N is obtained from the combination of spindle speed 10k rpm and feed rate 0.0125 N. Therefore, it can be concluded that, optimum parameter falls between the range of 8,000 – 12,000 rpm of spindle speed and 0.01-0.015 mm/rev of feed rate. Validation of the optimum parameter suggested from 2-level factorial which are 8,000 rpm and 0.01 mm/rev is executed. The final result obtained shows 4.5% of error from targeted value and this result is absolutely acceptable and portray the reliability of the experiment.