Dimensional and Geometric Deviations Induced by Drilling of Polymeric Composite

Tool material, tool wear, and machining parameters drastically affect the quality of holes produced in polymeric composites and, therefore, the performance of the finished component. This article investigates the influence of the above-mentioned factors on thrust force, diameter, and roundness deviations on holes generated after drilling glass fiber reinforced epoxy resin. High speed steel and cemented carbide drills were tested as tool materials and the results indicated that the high speed steel drill presented severe wear after drilling 1000 holes, thus promoting high thrust force and roundness deviation values, in addition to hole diameter figures considerably smaller than the nominal value. On the other hand, after drilling 10,000 holes the carbide drill presented lower wear land and, consequently, lower thrust force values, producing holes with superior dimensional and geometric quality.