Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for processing a component surface by abrading the component surface using an abrasive surface. The apparatus comprises an abrasive surface which is rotatable about an axis extending parallel to said component surface. A support is provided for moving the abrasive surface or the component surface along a computer-generated toolpath and for applying a force between the abrasive surface and the component surface. The support increases the force between the abrasive surface and the component surface from a minimum force to a maximum force as the distance along the toolpath increases to maintain constant material removal from the component surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for processing a component surface by abrading the component surface using an abrasive surface. The apparatus comprises an abrasive surface which is rotatable about an axis extending parallel to said component surface. A support is provided for moving the abrasive surface or the component surface along a computer-generated toolpath and for applying a force between the abrasive surface and the component surface. The support increases the force between the abrasive surface and the component surface from a minimum force to a maximum force as the distance along the toolpath increases to maintain constant material removal from the component surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a component, e.g. a fan blade for a gas turbine engine. The apparatus includes a support frame with a rotatably mounted first support for supporting the component and a robotic arm with a rotatably mounted mounting portion for supporting a processing tool. The support frame includes at least one frame locator provided in a fixed spatial relationship with the support frame. The first support includes at least one first support locator and the apparatus further includes at least one mounting portion locator provided in a fixed spatial relationship with the mounting portion. A detector is provided for detecting the position of the at least one frame locator, the at least one first support locator and the at least one mounting portion locator such that, in use, the detector determines the relative positions and the orientations of the support frame, the first support and the mounting portion.

Abstract: A measurement fixture has a plurality of optically-detectable elements, preferably infrared LEDs. In use, an object is attached in fixed spatial relationship to the fixture, and an optical measuring device detects the elements to provide relative tracking of the object relative to a reference. This allows for improved control and accuracy, particularly in machining operations and in the control of robots.

Abstract: A measurement fixture has a plurality of optically-detectable elements, preferably infrared LEDs. In use, an object is attached in fixed spatial relationship to the fixture, and an optical measuring device detects the elements to provide relative tracking of the object relative to a reference. This allows for improved control and accuracy, particularly in machining operations and in the control of robots.