Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP)/titanium alloy (Ti) stacks have become a research focus in aerospace and advanced manufacturing due to their superior integrated properties. However, interfacial characteristics and interlayer gaps critically influence cutting forces and hole-making quality. So, a cutting simulation model for CFRP/Ti stacks with interlayer gaps is established, the cutting force variation with interlayer gaps during milling and the mechanistic role in interfacial defect formation are deciphered through multiscale simulations. In addition, the correctness of the simulated model is verified by helical milling experiments, and the influence of machined surface quality under different clearance conditions is also evaluated. The results reveal a four-stage nonlinear evolution pattern of interfacial cutting forces during helical milling of CFRP/Ti stacks with gaps. Further investigation indicates that this nonlinear evolution pattern results in the development of localized damage evolution regions adjacent to interlayer gaps in CFRP composites, especially. A characteristic stepped distribution pattern is observed in both hole-wall topography and burr dimensions within the affected zones.

Polycrystalline diamond (PCD) tools possessing high hardness and abrasive wear resistance are particularly suited for drilling of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites, where tool life and consistent hole quality are important. While PCD presents superior performance when drilling CFRP, it is unclear how it performs when drilling multi-stack materials such as CFRP-titanium (Ti) stacks. This comparative study aims to investigate drilling of a Ti plate stacked on a CFRP panel when using PCD tools. The first sequence of the drilling experiments was to drill 20 holes in CFRP only. CFRP-Ti stacks were then drilled for the next 20 holes with the same drill bit. CFRP holes and CFRP-Ti stack holes were evaluated in terms of machined hole quality. The main tool wear mechanism of PCD drills is micro-fractures that occur when machining the Ti plate of the stack. Tool wear increases the instability and the operation temperature when machining the Ti plate. This results in high drilling forces, large hole diameter errors, high surface roughness, wider CFRP exit thermal damage, and taller exit Ti burrs.