Hole quality analysis of AISI 304-GFRP stacks using robotic drilling

Abstract

Although drilling of FRP - metal stacks is the most widely used machining operation for these materials, it remains challenging in many aspects (tool wear, vibrations, delamination, poor surface finish, etc). In this context, this paper presents an analysis of drilled AISI 304-GFRP stacks using a 6 axis Stäubli TX200 robot, which is a technology increasingly used in applications such as aeronautics due to the advantages it offers (spatial accessibility, productivity, flexibility). This study focuses on hole quality based on appropriate criteria (burrs, surface roughness, roundness and delamination measurements) depending on a large range of cutting parameters.