What tools are used to trim the part or break sharp edges after lay-up is complete?

The use of sanding equipment is essential for trimming parts and breaking sharp edges after the lay-up process in aerospace assembly. Sanding provides a controlled and smooth finish, which is critical for ensuring aerodynamic efficiency and structural integrity in aerospace components. When lay-up is completed, surfaces might have imperfections or sharp edges that need to be addressed to prevent injury during handling and to enhance the part's overall performance.

Sanding equipment typically includes various types of sanders, such as belt sanders, orbital sanders, or handheld sanding blocks, allowing for different levels of refinement depending on the materials involved and the final surface finish desired. The versatility of sanding equipment makes it suitable for a range of materials used in aerospace applications, including composites and metals.

While cutting tools might also be used for initial trimming, they do not provide the same level of surface finishing that sanding equipment does. Scissors are generally not suitable for aerospace materials, as they lack the precision needed for cleaning up edges on composite or metallic components. Heat guns can be useful for certain processes involving thermoplastics but are not typically employed for trimming or finishing edges after lay-up. Thus, sanding equipment is the most appropriate choice for this specific task.