Method and apparatus for aligning a support with respect to a honeycomb body

A method of applying a cement mixture to a honeycomb body including a first end and a second end, the method comprising the steps of:

• aligning the first end of the honeycomb body with respect to a first longitudinal axis of a first support member;
• aligning a second support member with respect to the second end of the honeycomb body, wherein the second support member is allowed to move relative to the first support member such that a second longitudinal axis of the second support member is not coincident with the first longitudinal axis, wherein a plurality of alignment members is radially retracted with respect to the second support member into engagement with the second end of the honeycomb body;
• fixing the position of the honeycomb body with respect to the first support member and the second support member;
• and
• applying a cement mixture to the honeycomb body, wherein
• the second support member nutates about the first longitudinal axis.