abstract |
A method of cutting, polishing and then welding together two metallic components ( 10, 18 ), in which the respective components ( 10, 18 ) are cut to define respective cut surfaces ( 14, 16 ) that are to be polished and fitted together, both to define the relative positions of the two components ( 10, 18 ) to be fixed by the welding and to provide facing weld surfaces at which the two components ( 10, 18 ) can be welded together. The method is characterized by the steps of i) making at least one extra cut ( 20 ), to create at least one zone of elastic deformation that deforms when the cut surfaces ( 14, 16 ) are fitted together; ii) polishing the cut surfaces ( 14, 16 ) before fitting them together; and iii) designing the dimensions of the cut components ( 10, 18 ) so that the zones of elastic deformation compensate for the variations of dimensions caused by the polishing step, thereby retaining the capability of the polished cut surfaces ( 14, 16, 20 ) to define said component ( 10, 18 ) relative positions during the welding step. |