No abstract

Hybrid composite stack, especially FRP/Ti assembly, is considered as an innovative structural configuration for manufacturing the key load-bearing components favoring energy saving in the aerospace industry. Several applications require mechanical drilling for finishing hybrid composite structures. The drilling operation of hybrid FRP/Ti composite, however, represents the most challenging task in modern manufacturing sectors due to the disparate natures of each constituent involved and the complexity to control tool-material interfaces during one single cutting shot. Special issues may arise from the severe subsurface damage, excessive interface consumption, rapid tool wear, etc. In this paper, a rigorous review concerning the state-of-the-art results and advances on drilling solutions of hybrid FRP/Ti composite was presented by referring to the wide comparisons among literature analyzes. The multiple aspects of cutting responses and physical phenomena generated when drilling these materials were precisely addressed. A special focus was made on the material removal modes and tool wear mechanisms dominating the bi-material interface consumption (BIC) with respect of investigating strategies used. The key conclusions from the literature review were drawn to point out the potential solutions and limitations to be necessarily overcome for reaching both (i) enhanced control of drilling operation, and (ii) better finish quality of FRP/Ti parts.

There are many 3D printing technologies available, and each technology has its strength and weakness. The 3D printing of sand moulds, by binder jetting technology for rapid casting, plays a vital role in providing a better value for the more than 5000 years old casting industry by producing quality and economic sand moulds. The parts of the mould assembly can be manufactured by precisely controlling the process parameters and the gas producible materials within the printed mould. A functional mould can be manufactured with the required gas permeability, strength, and heat absorption characteristics, and hence the process ensures a high success rate of quality castings with an optimised design for weight reduction. It overcomes many of the limitations in traditional mould design with a very limited number of parts in the mould assembly. A variety of powders, of different particle size or shape, and bonding materials can be used to change the thermal and physical properties of the mould and hence provide possibilities for casting a broad range of alloys. Limited studies have been carried out to understand the relationship between the characteristics of the printed mould, the materials used, and the processing parameters for making the mould. These deficiencies need to be addressed to support the numerical simulation of a designed part, to optimise the success rate and for economic as well as environmental reasons. Commonly used binders in this process, e.g. furan resins, are carcinogenic or hazardous, and hence there is a vital need for developing new or improved bonding materials.Contents * Corresponding author.