Patent ID: 7507059

Claim:
A method for mechanical machining of a flexible panel having a complex shape, the method comprising: holding the panel to be machined fixed on a periphery on a rigid support; applying a machining tool against a first surface of the panel and controlling the tool to perform a machining operation; during the machining operation, counterbalancing a machining force exerted by the tool on the panel by applying a force approximately opposing the tool through the application of a multi-axial mobile support means to a second surface of the panel opposite the first surface to which the tool is applied; exerting the force of the multi-axial mobile support means on a convex portion of the second surface of the panel to create a deformation of the panel by creating a local increase in a radius of curvature on the first surface, wherein the local increase in the radius of curvature may go as far as an inversion of the curvature opposite the tool, and wherein the deformation of the panel is elastic and reversible; and measuring the localized thickness of the panel by a knowable distance between the machining tool and the support means for controlling the machining operation.