Study on Robot Automatic Drilling of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (CFRP)

Abstract:

A robot automatic drilling system was established according to the processes of drilling CFRP on aircraft wings. Investigations were conducted to study the key technologies of this system. First, a surface-normal adjustment technology based on laser displacement sensors was developed. Then influnce of press foot pressure on hole precision was investigated. Based on the thrust force in CFRP drilling experiment, an empirical formula was established using binary linear regression analysis, proper processing parameters (spindle speed 12000rpm, axial feed 0.02mm/r) were determined. At last, experiment on tool wear was conducted to determine the cutter life. Results show that this system can increase the efficiency and quality of drilling CFRP on aircraft wings. The surface-normal accuracy is better than 0.5°, the aperture error is less than 0.02mm, the roundness error is less than 0.005mm, the surface roughness could achieve Ra3.2 and the efficiency is 5 holes per minute.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volumes 889-890)
• Pages: 1144-1149
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.889-890.1144
• Online since: February 2014
• Authors: Long Jin*, Xin Shi, Hui Yue Dong, Pu Jia Feng
• Keywords: CFRP, Press Foot, Robotics, Surface-Normal Adjustment, Thrust Force, Tool Wear

References

[1] Chen W C. Some experimental investigations in the drilling of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic(CFRP) composite laminates[J]. Machine Tools and Manufacture, 1997(8): 1097-1108.

DOI: 10.1016/s0890-6955(96)00095-8

[2] Rawat S, Attia H. Wear mechanisms and tool life management of WC-Co drills during dry high speed drilling of woven carbon fiber composites[J]. Wear, 2009(6): 1022-1030.

DOI: 10.1016/j.wear.2009.01.031

[3] Tsao C C, Hocheng H. Parametric study on thrust force of core drill[J]. Materials Processing Technology, 2007(192-193): 37-40.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jmatprotec.2007.04.062

[4] Tsao C C. Thrust force and delamination of core-saw drill during drilling of carbon fiber reinforced plastics(CFRP)[J]. Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 2008(37): 23-28.

DOI: 10.1007/s00170-007-0963-6

[5] Tsao C C. Experimental study of drilling composite materials with step-core drill[J]. Materials and Design, 2008(29): 1740-1744.

DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2008.03.022

[6] Tsao C C. Investigation into the effects of drilling parameters on delamination by various step-core drills[J]. Materials Processing Technology, 2008(206): 405-411.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jmatprotec.2007.12.057

[7] Zhang Hou-jiang. Study on the drilling technology of CFRP[D]. Beijing: Beijing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics. 1998. (In Chinese).

[8] Zhang Hou-jiang, Chen Wuyi, Chen Ding-chang. Investigation of the exit defects in drilling carbon fiber-reinforced plastic plates[J]. Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 2004, 40(7): 150-155. (In Chinese).

DOI: 10.3901/jme.2004.07.150

[9] Wang Chao. Simulation Analysis and Experimental Study of Drilling Force[D]. Xi'an University of Technology, 2012. (In Chinese).