Drilling of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites - A review

The principal aim of this work is to present a review of the literature of the past 30 years on drilling of carbon fibre reinforced plastic composites. This paper focuses on the drilling factors influencing the drilling process and the defects which may occur during the drilling of CFRP composite laminates. Aspects such as machining parameters, tool geometry, tool types and materials, tool wear, induced thrust force and torque, the quality of the drilled hole with special attention to the delamination and surface roughness are given detailed consideration in this paper. Copyright © 2012 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.