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.