New Solid-Carbide Drill from Kennametal for CFRP/Titanium-Stack
Kennametal is introducing its all-new B55_DAL Drill for drilling CFRP-metal stacks in hole diameter ranges of 3/16–5/8“ (4.763–15.875mm). The drill can be applied in all combinations of stacks: CFRP-Ti-Al as well as CFRP-Ti, CFRP-Al, and also straight Ti or Al. These drills can operate with standard through coolant, MQL, or even dry. The new stack drill for aerospace composite/titanium stacks can operate with through-coolant or without for superior chip evacuation.
New materials are demanding new solutions. To maximize strength and minimize weight, the aerospace industry continues to research using stacks of composite fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) sandwiched between titanium or other materials. This provides essential performance at reduced weight for wings, fuselages, cockpits, and many other components. Due to the substantially different mechanical properties of carbon fibers and metals, drilling fastener holes efficiently challenges cutting tools by requiring high wear resistance and optimum tool geometries. Keeping holes high-quality and burr-free is critical.
The new B55_DAL drill’s double-angle point design provides excellent centering capability and the sharp edge to cleanly cut CFRPs in the top layer of stacks and cleanly exit the titanium or aluminum side without burrs. The fine-grain solid-carbide Beyond™ KN15™ grade is highly polished for superior chip evacuation even with MQL or dry operation.
A broad range of diameters and length variations are available to accommodate all holemaking operations, even those using robots or automated drilling units. In addition, the new stack drills can be reground to original process specifications, making these new tools even more cost-efficient.
