Composites Science and Technology 66(15) pp. 3083-3088, 2006 1 DOI:10.1016/j.compscitech.2006.05.003 Multi-objective optimization of cutting parameters for drilling laminate composite materials by using genetic algorithms. Ramón Quiza Sardiñas a) .Pedro Reis b) , J. Paulo Davim b)* , a) Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Matanzas, Autopista a Varadero km 3 ½, Matanzas 44740, CUBA. b) Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Aveiro Campus Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, PORTUGAL Abstract Machining of composite materials is an important and current topic in modern researches on manufacturing processes. In this paper, a multi-objective optimization of the drilling process of a laminate composite material is proposed. Two mutually conflicting objectives are optimized: material removal rate, which represents the productivity; and delamination factor, which characterizes the superficial quality. A micro-genetic algorithm has been implemented to carry out the optimization process. An a posteriori approach has been used to obtain a set of optimal solutions. Finally, the obtained outcomes were arranged in graphical form (Pareto's front) and analyzed to make the proper decision for different process preferences. Keywords: Laminate composite materials, drilling processes; multi-objective optimization; genetic algorithms. * Corresponding Author: e-mail: pdavim@mec.ua.pt ; fax: +351 234 370 953