Device and method for the machining of an end of an elementary panel for its friction stir welding

A machining device for the machining of an end of an elementary panel for the purpose of its subsequent friction stir welding, the elementary panel comprising a metal body defining two opposite faces, the machining device comprising:

• a chassis;
• at least two guiding members, mounted on the chassis and aligned along a horizontal reference direction, the guiding members being configured to guide a first face (F1) of the elementary panel;
• at least one machining tool mounted on the chassis, the machining tool being positioned between the two guiding members with respect to the horizontal reference direction and to a vertical position determined with respect to the horizontal reference direction in order to remove a thickness of at least one face of the elementary panel;
• and
• at least one pressure member mounted on the chassis and configured to exert a pressure on a second face of the elementary panel so as to press the elementary panel against the guiding members along the horizontal reference direction.