Performance Evaluation of Drilling Al/CFRP/Ti Stacks using Textured Drills

This research paper focuses on extensive examination of the drilling process applied to hybrid Al/CFRP/Ti stacks, a crucial procedure in aerospace structure assembly. The intricate combination of aluminum alloy, carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), and titanium alloy within the stack introduces critical material interactions during drilling. The primary objective of this study is to assess and compare the surface quality of holes drilled in the Al/CFRP/Ti stack using standard and micro-grooved drills under minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) conditions. The experimental investigation involves varying cutting parameters, such as cutting speed and feed. This study explores the influence of machining parameters and tool geometry (utilizing micro-grooved and standard drills) on thrust force under MQL conditions. Additionally, it sheds light on the significant impact of thrust force variations resulting from diverse material stacking on hole surface quality, including metallic phase induced CFRP delamination and surface roughness. The discoveries from this research provide valuable insights for optimizing the drilling process for hybrid Al/CFRP/Ti stacks in industries that rely on advanced materials and machining techniques.