**9. Conclusions**

In conclusion, tool wear and hole quality of drilled holes of Al 7075 are highly influenced by cutting parameters, cutting tool and conditions during the drilling operations. Results showed that lower cutting speed and lower feed rate are favorable to produce low tool wear and better hole quality in terms of diameter, roundness, surface roughness and burr. Low cutting speed causes less heat generation, hence there is less tendency of chip adhesion on the cutting edges and machined surfaces. This can result in low surface roughness as well as less bur formation, therefore leading to good hole quality. Whereas, low feed rate means there is less material removed per one rotation of the tool, which results in a smaller chip, better chip evacuation, low cutting forces and hence good machined surface finish. However, it is important to note that when using lower cutting speed and lower feed rate, the workpiece cutting length per minute is slower, and this leads to longer time consumption in producing the hole. To improve productivity, higher cutting speed and feed rate may be used in drilling Al 7075, however, cutting fluid should be used to dissipate the heat and facilitate chip evacuation hence producing good hole quality. Nevertheless, careful consideration needs to be taken in handling and disposing of the fluid to avoid environmental pollution and also health issues to the operators.
