Experimental investigation on machining performance during orbital drilling of CFRP

As the most promising carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) hole making method, orbital drilling is widely concerned. This paper aims to understand the influence of the cutting parameters, tool diameters and ratio between milling and drilling (R-m&d) on machinability in CFRP orbital drilling. The effects of cutting parameters on thrust force and cutting temperature were studied by orthogonal experiments, and experiments were performed to investigate the variations of tool diameters, ratio between drilling and milling on thrust force, cutting temperature, tool wear and machining quality. The experimental results show that the spindle speed and axial feed rate have apparent effects on thrust force, and the tangential feed rate appreciably impacts on the cutting temperature. The selection of tool diameter and the R-m&d has specific influence on tool wear, machining quality and cutting temperature. The result is helpful for selecting cutting parameters and tool diameters for high quality hole machining in CFRP orbital drilling.