A review of mechanical drilling on fiber metal laminates

Abstract

The use of fiber metal laminates (FML) in aeronautics components has been increased in the last years, mainly due to the gain in mechanical properties combined with low specific mass. However, in the assembly of these materials on the structures to which they will be attached, mechanical screwing is still the main method used, which requires the performance of drilling processes. Something it is very complicated for these materials and can cause damage that compromises the performance. Therefore, this work aims to approach and summarize the evolution of the mechanical drilling process on FML developed in the last years. By the work, the main problems that occur during the drilling of these materials are punctually approached, such as delamination, burr formation, dimensional error, poor roughness, and tool wear. In addition, it is presented how these problems are affected by the machining parameters (cutting parameters, geometry, material/coating tool, and cutting environment), as well as suggestions for minimizing process problems. Thus, the article intends to provide as much information as possible available in the literature, seeking to help researchers gain a comprehensive view of the mechanical drilling of fiber metal laminates.