Abstract: A method of cutting out components from aluminum sheets utilizes a routing tool. The sheet is held firmly in position by vacuum on a vacuum table during the cutting operation with the aid of a film of for example plastics material adhered to the back of the sheet, the routing tool being arranged to cut through the sheet but only partially to penetrate the film.

Abstract: Automatic tape laying apparatus for laying epoxy resin impregnated carbon fibre tape includes a table onto which lengths of tape are laid for profiling to shape and size, a curved form tool on which the profiled lengths of tape are laid-up to form an article to be cured, a roller to transfer the profiled lengths from the table to the tool and to effect laying-up thereon, the roller having suction ducts on its surface to hold the lengths of tape in place during transfer which suction is progressively de-activated and replaced with blowing as the roller is rolled over the form tool and progressively lays-up the profiled tape onto the tool.