Composite materials are widely used in aerospace industry due to its lightweight nature, corrosion resistance, thermal stability and damage tolerance. However, additional machining operations such as drilling trimming and facing are often needed throughout the process of assembling. At the moment, machining process for composite panels assembly required to be done in phases which takes averagely 30 minutes to set the driller bit in order for completing the whole process.
The aerospace industry heavily relies on composite materials for their desirable properties. However, the need for multiple machining operations, along with time-consuming bit setup, hinders efficiency. How can we streamline the composite panel machining process to improve productivity?
Innovative tool composite machining (INNOTO4COM) is a novel tool bit design that has various cutting edges throughout the tool bit’s length. The design is innovative and commercially viable whereas four types of drill bits were combined into one bit for different processes – facing, drilling for 4.85 mm and 6.35 mm diameters and trimming. This invention also can be applied in various industries especially for the component made by composite materials.
• Use three tool bits in one for one process• Easy installation • Less time consumed• Less maintenance required
According to Statista, the global composites market size was estimated at USD 86.4 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% from 2021 to 2028. Increasing demand for performance materials in various industries such as automotive and transportation, wind energy, and aerospace and defense is expected to drive the market over the forecast period.