Abstract: A machining tool incorporates a shaft having a first end configured to fit into a machining collet. A cutting portion extends from a second end of the shaft. A residual stress inducer is located between the first and second ends and includes a torsion element joined to the shaft at a connection end. A carbide tip is present on a free end opposite the connection end and the torsion element is configured such that a selected rotational speed, altered from a normal cutting speed, causes the carbide tip of the torsion element to contact a workpiece surface.

Abstract: Within examples, systems and methods for forming a hole through at least one layer of a material are provided. An example cutting tool for forming such a hole may include a body, and a first portion of the body having a first diameter and a first radial rake angle. The cutting tool also includes a second portion of the body adjacent the first portion, the second portion having a second diameter and a second radial rake angle, wherein the second diameter is different than the first diameter, and wherein the second radial rake angle is different than the first radial rake angle.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing and controlling the sequence of steps in a multi-step machining process utilizing a plurality of drilling units, where each drilling unit is configured to perform at least one step of the multi-step machining process. Air pressure sensors in each drilling unit measure air pressures at the surface of a workpiece where the cutting tool of the drilling unit is engaged, which measured air pressures indicate air flow at the surface. These air flows in turn indicate the state of the machining at the surface of the workpiece, and based on the state of the machining, a machine control system will determine whether a drilling unit can perform its particular machining operation in the proper sequence on the workpiece.

Abstract: A machining tool incorporates a shaft having a first end configured to fit into a machining collet. A cutting portion extends from a second end of the shaft. A residual stress inducer is located between the first and second ends and includes a torsion element joined to the shaft at a connection end. A carbide tip is present on a free end opposite the connection end and the torsion element is configured such that a selected rotational speed, altered from a normal cutting speed, causes the carbide tip of the torsion element to contact a workpiece surface.

Abstract: Described herein is an orbital drilling system that includes an orbital drilling machine and a cutter. The orbital drilling machine includes a spindle and an eccentric rotation mechanism. The spindle is rotatable about a cutter axis. The eccentric rotation mechanism is coupled to the spindle and configured to orbit the spindle about an orbital axis, offset from the cutter axis. The cutter is co-rotatably coupled to the spindle and comprises a plurality of cutting edges, collectively defining a cutting diameter of the cutter. The cutting diameter of the cutter is adjustable.

Abstract: Described herein is an orbital drilling system that includes an orbital drilling machine and a cutter. The orbital drilling machine includes a spindle and an eccentric rotation mechanism. The spindle is rotatable about a cutter axis. The eccentric rotation mechanism is coupled to the spindle and configured to orbit the spindle about an orbital axis, offset from the cutter axis. The cutter is co-rotatably coupled to the spindle and comprises a plurality of cutting edges, collectively defining a cutting diameter of the cutter. The cutting diameter of the cutter is adjustable.

Abstract: Within examples, systems and methods for forming a hole through at least one layer of a material are provided. An example cutting tool for forming such a hole may include a body, and a first portion of the body having a first diameter and a first radial rake angle. The cutting tool also includes a second portion of the body adjacent the first portion, the second portion having a second diameter and a second radial rake angle, wherein the second diameter is different than the first diameter, and wherein the second radial rake angle is different than the first radial rake angle.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing and controlling the sequence of steps in a multi-step machining process utilizing a plurality of drilling units, where each drilling unit is configured to perform at least one step of the multi-step machining process. Air pressure sensors in each drilling unit measure air pressures at the surface of a workpiece where the cutting tool of the drilling unit is engaged, which measured air pressures indicate air flow at the surface. These air flows in turn indicate the state of the machining at the surface of the workpiece, and based on the state of the machining, a machine control system will determine whether a drilling unit can perform its particular machining operation in the proper sequence on the workpiece.