Optimizing the Drilling Process of Multi-Layer Materials Using Vibration Analysis

Abstract

Composite in aircraft structures has become increasingly important and should represent approximately 50% in mass till 2012. During the structure assembly, in aerospace centres of production there are used pneumatic positive feed units (also called automatic drilling units). They are manually positioned on specific grids to drill the panels of structure (assemblies of composite materials, aluminium and titanium). This article compares vibration-assisted drilling and non-vibratory drilling and presents the advantages of using vibrations in the process. The conclusions will show the results obtained and the developments to be carried out in an immediate future. Keywords: multi-layer material, vibration assisted drilling, Campbell diagram.