Drilling of graphite/bismaleimide composite material

Drilling study of graphite/bismaleimide composite material was conducted by using different cutter materials (high-speed steel, carbide, and polycrystalline diamond) and drill geometries. It was found that polycrystalline diamond tools outperformed all other tools in terms of minimal surface damage, delamination, and fiber pullout. The drilling forces exerted in machining graphite/bismaleimide were recorded by using a dynamometer, and the morphology of drilled surfaces was evaluated with surface profilometry and optical and scanning electron microscopy. The drilling characteristics were evaluated in terms of cutting forces, tool wear, and surface morphology.