Damage Reduction Methods in Drilling Polymeric Matrix Composites

Drilling of polymeric matrix composites may generate several kinds of damage, which can lead to unacceptable material degradation. The aim of this chapter is to present a literature review on the principal methods adopted to enhance holes quality. The major damage is certainly the delamination that can occur both on the entry and exit sides of the workpiece. The level of delamination is related to a critical thrust force value which is dependent on the workpiece material and the uncut layer from the main body of the laminate.