Experimental and numerical analysis of the influence of drill point angle when drilling biocomposites

Biocomposites are promising materials for traditional composites replacement in specific applications due to their interesting properties and sustainability. Although the composite components are manufactured near net shape, some machining operations, commonly drilling, are commonly required prior to mechanical joining of the components. Tool geometry, mainly the point angle of the drill, strongly affects the performance of the drilling process of composites in terms of machining induced damage. The aim of this work is analyzing the influence of the point angle of the drill on the damage generated during drilling of 100% biodegradable composite, using both numerical and experimental approaches. The novelty of the work relies on the lack of studies of drilling 100% biodegradable composites. The influence of the point angle on the thrust forces and hence in the machining induced damage was demonstrated.