Press Information
June 2009
Sandvik Coromant announce new drilling solutions for CFRP composites at Paris Air Show
Aerospace manufacturers looking to improve the drilling of components made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) composite materials used increasingly in wing, fuselage and tail assemblies should make their way to the stand of Sandvik Coromant at the forthcoming Paris Air Show (15-21 June). Visitors to the stand will learn of three new drill geometries designed to both enhance performance and extend the number of CFRP composites that can be processed efficiently by the increasingly popular CoroDrill Delta-C family.
Building on the success of CoroDrill Delta-C R854 – the original geometry for drilling aerospace components manufactured from CFRP composite – Sandvik Coromant will announce details of three new innovative geometries at the Paris Air Show 2009.
“The existing CoroDrill Delta-C family includes sharp geometries for reduced splintering and a unique geometry for getting rid of delamination – both common when trying to drill CFRP composite stacks in a single operation,” explains Francis Richt of Sandvik Coromant’s applications management team. “However, high demands on solutions to drill holes within certain specifications such as surface finish and tolerance, ensure we keep looking for new geometries to enhance performance and broaden the number of CFRP composite types we can process. Composite materials and the use of composites is under rapid advancement, hence variations of drill geometries are essential to process materials with high resin or high fibre content.”
Available this summer, the three new geometries will at first be supplied as part of Sandvik Coromant’s ‘Tailor Made’ programme in line with specific customer requirements, with standard stocked items set to follow later in the year.
The winning formula of fine-grain carbide substrate, innovative geometries and diamond coating is proving increasingly popular among aerospace manufacturers seeking a competitive advantage in increasingly tough economic conditions. The easy cutting action offers more accurate holes with less friction through sharper cutting edges, while reduced axial pressure decreases deflection in thin-walled parts, helping to minimize common problems.
“An alternative option that is also proving popular is our PCD (polycrystalline diamond) tipped solution,” says Mr Richt. “The diamond tipped drills are made to suit the application, machine type or customer requirement, so both brazed or vein designs are possible solutions for increased productivity.”
Additionally, Sandvik Coromant offers a number of solutions for surfacing, edging and trimming of CFRP composites, including various types of brazed or indexable milling cutters.
“At Sandvik Coromant we are continually developing new process solutions for machining composite materials,” says Mr Richt. “This includes not only cutting tools but also new ways of applying the tool and other possible solutions that are not yet in widespread use today. Our endeavours are designed to support customers in achieving increased productivity and improved hole quality in these difficult to machine materials.”
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Editors Note:
High resolution images can be found at:
http://www.pinnaclecrc.com/PR_PICTURES/Sandvik/Paris_Airshow_Images/SAN224/
Photo Caption: CoroDrill Delta-C R854
Photo Capiton: CoroDrill Delta-C R854 holemaking in composites for CFRP, Titanium stacks and Aluminium Stacks
Photo Caption: CoroDrill Delta-C R854 holemaking in composites – CFRP, CFRP / CFRP and CFRP/Aluminium
Sandvik Coromant
Sandvik Coromant, a product area within Sandvik Tooling, is a global leading name in cutting tools for turning, milling and drilling as well as modular tooling systems for lathes, and machining centres. With some 8,000 employees, Sandvik Coromant is represented by its own sales personnel and specialists in more than 60 countries. In addition there is an established distributor network. 20 state-of-the-art Productivity Centres located around the world provide customers and Coromant personnel with training in tooling solutions for increased productivity.
Contact details for editorial enquiries:
Nikki Stokes, Marketing Communication Specialist
Marketing & Sales Support Region Europe
SANDVIK COROMANT
Manor Way, Halesowen, West Midlands, B62 8QZ
Tel: +44 (0)121 504 5422
Fax: +44 (0)121 504 5565
Email:
Website: www.coromant.sandvik.com
Contact details for sales enquiries:
Please go to: http://www.coromant.sandvik.com/uk
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Ref.: SAN224A