Bonding method

A method of manufacturing a component, the method comprising bonding a first component to a second component including:

• locating the first component against the second component to form an interface between the components, a curable adhesive being provided at the interface;
• locating a pressurisable, fluid-filled bladder against the first component such that the first component is sandwiched between the second component and the bladder;
• locating a backing member against the bladder such that the bladder is sandwiched between the backing member and the first component;
• pressurising the bladder such that a consolidating pressure is exerted by the bladder on the first component to conform the first component to the second component;
• curing the adhesive while the first component is conformed to the second component by the consolidating pressure;
• and
• locating a compliant layer between the fluid-filled bladder and the first component, the compliant layer carrying an arrangement of spaced, rigid protuberances which project from the side of the layer facing the first component, the protuberances including summits that are configured such that only the summits are in contact with the first component when the bladder is pressurized to concentrate the consolidating pressure exerted by the bladder on the first component at the locations of the protuberances.