When drilling in composite material, when should you stop the drill before withdrawing the drill bit from the assembly?

When working with composite materials, it is essential to understand the proper technique for drilling to avoid damaging the material. Stopping the drill after completing the hole ensures that the drill bit does not pull or tear the fibers of the composite as it is being withdrawn.

Composite materials, comprising layers of fibers embedded in a resin matrix, can be particularly sensitive to mechanical stress and improper handling during machining processes. If the drill bit is withdrawn while still rotating, it can create fraying at the edges of the hole or even delaminate the layers of the composite material.

By stopping the drill bit after completing the drilling process, the risk of damaging the composite is minimized. This technique promotes clean holes and preserves the integrity of the surrounding material, which is crucial for ensuring the longevity and performance of aerospace components.