Abstract: High-pressure water jet cutting techniques generate numerous handling problems both for the plates being cut and for cut parts. These problems can be resolved by the device according to the disclosed embodiments. This device includes a plurality of wires held under stress at a predetermined stress level above a plate being cut. These wires intercept a jet cutting the plate. This interception results in the creation of a micro-fastener holding the cut part to the plate. This micro-fastener can be easily broken. The plurality of wires also prevents the boiling effect of water in a cutting pool, this boiling resulting from the impact of the water jet in the pool.

Abstract: A method for cutting out a panoply of parts. This cutting-out method includes producing data relating to points defining the contour of each part and to the position of each part in a Cartesian frame of reference of the panoply, grouping the parts together into at least one subset, each subset embodied by a box being considered as a single part; grouping the subsets into at least one set, each set embodied by a box being considered as a single part; establishing an order in which to cut out the parts from the subsets and sets defined respectively a cutting-out step in which the cutting-out tool moves from part to part in the cutting-out order.

Abstract: High-pressure water jet cutting techniques generate numerous handling problems both for the plates being cut and for cut parts. These problems can be resolved by the device according to the disclosed embodiments. This device includes a plurality of wires held under stress at a predetermined stress level above a plate being cut. These wires intercept a jet cutting the plate. This interception results in the creation of a micro-fastener holding the cut part to the plate. This micro-fastener can be easily broken. The plurality of wires also prevents the boiling effect of water in a cutting pool, this boiling resulting from the impact of the water jet in the pool.

Abstract: A method for cutting out a panoply of parts. This cutting-out method includes producing data relating to points defining the contour of each part and to the position of each part in a Cartesian frame of reference of the panoply, grouping the parts together into at least one subset, each subset embodied by a box being considered as a single part; grouping the subsets into at least one set, each set embodied by a box being considered as a single part; establishing an order in which to cut out the parts from the subsets and sets defined respectively a cutting-out step in which the cutting-out tool moves from part to part in the cutting-out order.

Abstract: A mechanical method for machining flexible panels, in particular panels with a complex shape, in which the panel to be machined is held fixed on its periphery on a rigid support, and a machining tool is applied against one of the faces of the panel and is controlled to perform the desired machining. The method includes at least counterbalancing the machining force exerted by the tool on the panel by applying a force approximately opposing the tool through an appropriate means of support on a face of the panel opposite the face where the tool is applied, with the means of support being independent of the tool.

Abstract: A method for locally gripping and holding a thin, flexible panel having a complex, nondevelopable shape. The method includes placing a first surface of the panel against a three-point support system without deforming the surface; applying a plurality of suction cups which are mobile with respect to a reference support onto the surface in an area of the surface to be supported; locking each suction cup in a gripping position with respect to the support without locally deforming the surface of the panel. A device for localized gripping and holding of a thin, flexible panel having a complex, nondevelopable shape is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to machining of long profiles, that can be bent, held in place using two clamping arms (10) clamping the section to be machined. According to the invention, the profile (12) does not move during machining and the mobile arms are not used to move the profile in front of the tool; the arms move with the tool to the various locations to be machined. Auxiliary supports (25) are flexible in the plane of the profile and provide sufficient support while enabling the profile to deform as a result of stresses applied to it. Machining is more precise and remaining stresses are reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for machining of thin panels, in particular, panels having a complex shape, specifically non-deformable panels, in which the panel to be machined is placed beforehand in an isostatic position, characterized by: one defines one or more areas of a predetermined extent for purposes of machining, named machining windows, in the area of the panel to be machined; and perpendicular to each machining window; one of surfaces of panel is held in position without introducing positioning hyperstatism; the actual shape of the aforementioned surface is measured; the desired machining operation is performed on the opposite surface by taking the aforementioned measured surface as a reference; and the aforementioned surface is released.

Abstract: A mechanical method for machining flexible panels, in particular panels with a complex shape, in which the panel to be machined is held fixed on its periphery on a rigid support, and a machining tool is applied against one of the faces of the panel and is controlled to perform the desired machining. The method includes at least counterbalancing the machining force exerted by the tool on the panel by applying a force approximately opposing the tool through an appropriate means of support on a face of the panel opposite the face where the tool is applied, with the means of support being independent of the tool.

Abstract: A method for locally gripping and holding a thin, flexible panel having a complex, nondevelopable shape. The method includes placing a first surface of the panel against a three-point support system without deforming the surface; applying a plurality of suction cups which are mobile with respect to a reference support onto the surface in an area of the surface to be supported; locking each suction cup in a gripping position with respect to the support without locally deforming the surface of the panel. A device for localized gripping and holding of a thin, flexible panel having a complex, nondevelopable shape is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for machining of thin panels, in particular, panels having a complex shape, specifically non-deformable panels, in which the panel to be machined is placed beforehand in an isostatic position, characterized by: one defines one or more areas of a predetermined extent for purposes of machining, named machining windows, in the area of the panel to be machined; and perpendicular to each machining window; one of surfaces of panel is held in position without introducing positioning hyperstatism; the actual shape of the aforementioned surface is measured; the desired machining operation is performed on the opposite surface by taking the aforementioned measured surface as a reference; and the aforementioned surface is released.

Abstract: This invention relates to machining of long profiles, that can be bent, held in place using two clamping arms (10) clamping the section to be machined. According to the invention, the profile (12) does not move during machining and the mobile arms are not used to move the profile in front of the tool; the arms move with the tool to the various locations to be machined. Auxiliary supports (25) are flexible in the plane of the profile and provide sufficient support while enabling the profile to deform as a result of stresses applied to it. Machining is more precise and remaining stresses are reduced.