Cutting table for cutting a fiber preform obtained by three-dimensional weaving, and a cutting method using such a table

A method of cutting out a fiber preform by means of a cutting table, the fiber preform being obtained by three-dimensional weaving and having two portions that are connected together by at least one zone of non-interlinking and that present outlines of different shapes, the cutting table including a tabletop provided with a recess for receiving one of the portions of the fiber preform to be cut out, said fiber preform being capable of laying flat in said recess, sacrificial plates for interposing between the portions of the fiber preform for cutting out and for being fastened to the tabletop;

• a cutting template configured to be pressed against a portion of the fiber preform that is positioned outside of the recess;
• and means for applying compacting pressure against the cutting template, the method comprising:
• placing the fiber preform for cutting out on the tabletop of the cutting table while positioning one of the portions of the fiber preform flat in the recess therein;
• placing the sacrificial plates between the two portions of the fiber preform and fastening the sacrificial plates to the tabletop of the cutting table;
• placing the cutting template on the portion of the fiber preform that is positioned outside the recess of the tabletop of the cutting table;
• applying compacting pressure against the cutting template;
• cutting out the portion of the fiber preform covered by the cutting template around the outline of the template;
• and
• repeating the above steps on the other portion of the fiber preform.