Experimental analysis on drilling of Al/Ti/CFRP hybrid composites

Carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRP) have superior mechanical properties such as high strength/density ratio, and good damping ability. CFRP which is frequently used in parts in the aviation industry can also be single or stacked together with titanium and aluminum alloys. However, delamination could occur on the CFRP surfaces after drilling which leads to deterioration in mechanical properties. Therefore, in this paper, the effect of process parameters and stack order on cutting force, torque are investigated. The tests were carried out at three different drilling speeds and feed rates on a CNC vertical machine tool by using a solid carbide cutting tool. The results of hole quality indicate that the process outputs are significantly affected by process parameters and stack order. The force and torque values obtained at high drilling speeds and low feed rates are independent of the stack order. However, the stacking order is determined to be the most effective parameter for the thrust force and torque values. The force generated during the Ti/CFRP/Al stack in which the highest force value is approximately 50% higher than the lowest force which occurs on Al/Ti/CFRP stack. The surface roughness value measured during the Al/Ti/CFRP stack is approximately half of the other stack order.