Influence of Technological Parameters on Cutting Force Components During Drilling of GFRP Composite

Production of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) composites parts for automobile or aviation industries often requires drilling of the composite parts in order to assemble the final product. However, drilling with GFRP often causes delamination, which can be avoided by ensuring low cutting forces, e.g. by selecting the appropriate technological cutting parameters. The article presents the research results of the relationship between the technological parameters of drilling (vc and fz) and cutting forces of GFRP composites. Four types of GFRP specimens were used in tests differing the weight fraction ratio of reinforced material content and type of fiber (Twill woven and Plain woven). The 2 edge carbide diamond coated drill with diameter of 12.726 mm was applied in tests. Measures of the components of the cutting forces during drilling were carried out on special stand 9257B by Kistler. Based on the conducted research, it can be concluded that the appropriate technological parameters for drilling of GFRP parts to minimize cutting force are: vc=91 m/min a fz=0.04 mm/tooth and it’s recommended to use Twill type fibers as reinforced materials.