Abstract: A method of debonding a first layer from a second layer, wherein the first layer is bonded to the second layer by an adhesive located between the first and second layers. The method includes inserting a blade of a cleaving tool between the first and second layers, and exerting a controlled force on the cleaving tool to move the cleaving tool so as to de-bond the first and second layers in a region. The force exerted is controlled to match a de-bonding force calculated for the region, and such that the movement of the cleaving tool stops when the calculated force is less than a force required to move the cleaving tool, and continues when the calculated force is higher than or equal to the force required to move the cleaving tool.

Abstract: A method (1800) of debonding a first layer (404) from a second layer (408), wherein the first layer (404) is bonded to the second layer (408) by an adhesive (410) located between the first and second layers, comprises: inserting (1804) a blade (602) of a cleaving tool (600) between the first and second layers (404, 408); and exerting (1806) a controlled force on the cleaving tool (600) to move the cleaving tool so as to de-bond the first and second layers (404, 408) in a region, wherein the force exerted is controlled to match a de-bonding force calculated for the region, and such that the movement of the cleaving tool (600) stops if the calculated force is less than force required to move the cleaving tool (600) and continued if the calculated force is higher than or equal to the force required to move the cleaving tool.

Abstract: A method of measuring the perimetric width of a hollow component. The hollow component comprises a first panel and a second panel, with the first and second panels being bonded to one another around their respective perimeters, and a perimetric width being defined as the width of the bonded portion joining the first panel to the second panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for machining an object includes a wheel having a first circular surface, a second circular surface oriented parallel to the first circular surface, a first rim surface extending from the first circular surface at a first edge, and a second rim surface extending from the second circular surface at a second edge and towards the first rim surface. A gradient of the first rim surface has a radial component, and a gradient of the second rim surface has a radial component. The first edge defines a curved surface between the first circular surface and the first rim surface, and the second edge defines a curved surface between the second circular surface and the second rim surface.

Abstract: A method of measuring the perimetric width of a hollow component. The hollow component comprises a first panel and a second panel, with the first and second panels being bonded to one another around their respective perimeters, and a perimetric width being defined as the width of the bonded portion joining the first panel to the second panel.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns a method for selecting a tool-path strategy in a material processing operation. The geometry of a work piece (34) and the contact patch (36) of a tool are determined and used to define a tool-path boundary (30,32). A number of different possible tool-paths (38,40,46) are then simulated within the tool-path boundary (30) and the most preferred tool-path (38,40,46) is selected based on predefined requirements.

Abstract: Apparatus for machining an object, the apparatus comprising: a wheel including; a first circular surface; a second circular surface oriented parallel to the first circular surface; a first rim surface extending from the first circular surface at a first edge, a gradient of the first rim surface having a radial component; and a second rim surface extending from the second circular surface at a second edge and towards the first rim surface, a gradient of the second rim surface having a radial component, the first edge defining a curved surface between the first circular surface and the first rim surface, and the second edge defining a curved surface between the second circular surface and the second rim surface.