A critical review on mechanical micro-drilling of glass and carbon fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP and CFRP) composites

Recent trends in miniaturisation and high-strength fibrous composites encourage the use of mechanical microdrilling technology of fibre-reinforced polymer composites (FRPs). Although severe expertise has been gained through the past few decades on the machinability of FRPs, this information cannot be directly adapted to the micro-drilling mainly due to the size effect. Therefore, the main aim of the present study is to comprehensively review challenges, recent experience, and future aspects of mechanical micro-drilling of glass and carbon fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP, CFRP) composites. The chip removal mechanisms of micro-drilling of FRPs are reviewed and compared to conventional-sized technologies. Furthermore, the micro-drilling-induced geometrical defects (delamination, burrs, fibre pull-outs etc.) and the cutting energetics are also discussed. Moreover, the future aspects and research directions are highlighted in this growing research area.

Automated summary

Recent trends in miniaturisation and high-strength fibrous composites have led to the use of mechanical microdrilling technology in fibre-reinforced polymer composites (FRPs). However, the size effect presents challenges in directly applying prior knowledge on FRP machinability to micro-drilling. The present study comprehensively reviews the challenges, recent experience, and future aspects of mechanical micro-drilling of glass and carbon fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP, CFRP) composites, including chip removal mechanisms, geometrical defects, cutting energetics, and future research directions.