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Original Date: 10/14/1988
Revision Date: 01/18/2007
Information : Machining and Drilling of Composites
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHTI) has issued an internally generated set of documents for use in the machining and drilling of composite structures. Descriptions of acceptable tools, cutters and practices are provided along with the definition of processing limits and expected results if these limits are exceeded.
Carbide drill and cutter designs were generated by BHTI. These emphasize maximum air passage clearance for residue removal and cooling, along with positive advanced cutting angles to ensure minimum contact time between the cutting surface and the composite detail. Carbide drills provide average linear cuts of thirteen inches or approximately 200 holes before refinishing is required.
Cutting tools and processes covered by these documents include not only basic composite structures but hybrid structures of various composite metal combinations. Tool control for manual operations is achieved by either direct feed control or higher pressure check.
For more information see the
Point of Contact for this survey.
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