Chamfering of laminate layers

Abstract

A method of machining a fibrous sheet for a composite structure is described. The sheet comprises a resin matrix having a glass transition temperature, wherein the method comprises cooling the sheet substantially to maintain the temperature of the matrix below its glass transition temperature during machining.

1 . An apparatus for machining a fibrous sheet for a composite structure, the apparatus comprising:
 a support for the sheet;   a machining tool movable relative to the support; and   a cooling system for cooling the sheet.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cooling system comprises one or more cooled surfaces against which the sheet is supported before or during machining. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , comprising opposed cooled surfaces between which the sheet may be sandwiched. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cooling system comprises a supply for supplying coolant to the sheet before or during machining. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the supply is arranged to move relative to the support in tandem with the machining tool. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cooling system comprises an enclosure for holding the sheet within a cooled environment.