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: A method of machining an article. The method includes: scanning the article to determine an initial surface profile; determining a cross sectional area removed from the article by a material removal tool in a material removal pass under controlled conditions; using the cross sectional area to determine one or more material removal tool contact angles for at least one material removal pass by the material removal tool under the controlled conditions required to conform the initial surface profile to a nominal surface profile; and machining the article to conform the initial surface profile to the nominal surface profile.