Press InformationJune 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.”

– Ends –

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 CoromantSandvik 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 SpecialistMarketing & Sales Support Region EuropeSANDVIK COROMANT Manor Way, Halesowen, West Midlands, B62 8QZTel: +44 (0)121 504 5422Fax: +44 (0)121 504 5565Email: nikki.stokes@sandvik.com Website: www.coromant.sandvik.com

Contact details for sales enquiries:Please go to: http://www.coromant.sandvik.com/uk

Contact details for public relations enquiries:Jonathan Roberts, Account DirectorBirgit Schöniger, Account ManagerPinnacle Marketing Communications Ltd.Prosperity House, Dawlish Drive, Pinner, Middlesex, UK, HA5 5LNTel: +44 (0)20 8429 6540 or +44 (0)20 8429 6554Fax: +44 (0)20 8868 4373Email: jonathan@pinnaclemarcom.com / birgit@pinnaclemarcom.com Website: www.pinnacle-marketing.com

Ref.: SAN224A