Philosophical study on composites and their drilling techniques

Due to the advancement in the properties, design and manufacturing of fibre-reinforced polymer composite materials, especially the natural or bio-based types, their wide applications have been significantly enhanced compared to the conventional materials (metals and alloys). With this trend, there is a strong interest and importance in understanding the machinability of these materials. Machinability of these materials depends, among other parameters, on properties of fibres and matrices, drilling conditions, parameters and techniques. Among the machining operations of these composites, drilling is the most, crucial and common operation. Hence, this present chapter focuses on better understanding on bio-composites and various composite drilling conventional and non-conventional techniques. The primary aim of this chapter therefore is to provide comparative analysis between conventional and non-conventional drilling of composite materials.