Abstract: A method of forming an aperture in a ceramic matrix composite material is provided. The method may comprise drilling a pilot hole into the ceramic matrix composite material and spiral machining the pilot hole to enlarge a diameter of the pilot hole, wherein the enlarged pilot hole is the aperture in the ceramic matrix composite material. The method may comprise spiral machining the pilot hole in a radial direction with a tool to enlarge a diameter of the pilot hole until the aperture in the ceramic matrix composite material is formed. The tool may have a first diameter in a section of the tool and a second diameter on either side of the section of the tool or on both sides of the section of the tool, wherein the second diameter is larger than the first diameter.

Abstract: A method to produce a ceramic matrix composite part, wherein the method comprises providing a ceramic fiber preform. Wherein the ceramic fiber preform includes a three-dimensional framework of a plurality of ceramic fibers. The method comprising, prior to melt infiltration, adding a layer of machinable stock to a target area of the ceramic fiber preform, melt infiltrating the ceramic fiber preform, forming the ceramic matrix composite part by cooling the melt infiltrated ceramic fiber preform, and machining the part in the target area where the machinable stock is located.

Abstract: A method to produce a ceramic matrix composite part, wherein the method comprises providing a ceramic fiber preform. Wherein the ceramic fiber preform includes a three-dimensional framework of a plurality of ceramic fibers. The method comprising, prior to melt infiltration, adding a layer of machinable stock to a target area of the ceramic fiber preform, melt infiltrating the ceramic fiber preform, forming the ceramic matrix composite part by cooling the melt infiltrated ceramic fiber preform, and machining the part in the target area where the machinable stock is located.