How important is it to clean the composite piece before drilling?

Cleaning the composite piece before drilling is very important for several reasons. Contaminants like dirt, oil, or debris on the surface can interfere with the drilling process, leading to poor hole quality. Cleaning ensures that the drill bit can properly engage with the material, resulting in cleaner, more precise holes that maintain the integrity of the composite structure.

Moreover, when drilling through composite materials, any debris or contaminants can also cause the drill bit to wear unevenly or become damaged, potentially leading to delamination or other defects in the composite itself. This can ultimately compromise the structural performance of the component or assembly.

Additionally, ensuring that the surface is clean helps to prevent any contamination from interfering with subsequent joining or bonding processes that may take place after drilling. Overall, adhering to cleanliness protocols is a critical aspect of working with composite materials to ensure safety, performance, and durability in aerospace applications.