Method and apparatus for processing a prepreg 10 by the removal of an external film 12 from the prepreg, the apparatus comprising a film removal means in the form of a head 16 having tack reducing means (18, fig 9) operable to reduce the resinous tack properties of an area of a prepreg to be processed and further comprising film removing means 20 operable to attract an external film from the said area thereagainst, and drive means 22 operable to drive relative movement between the prepreg and the film removal head to peel the film from the prepreg. Preferably, the tack reducing means comprises a chilling means, which may be in the form of a compressed gas directed at the prepreg through a nozzle provided in the head to freeze an area of the prepreg. The film removing means preferably comprises a suction cup (32, figure 9) comprising collapsible sides and the nozzle for the chilling means may extend through the suction cup. A pivotable film retaining means 44 may be provided to hold the film against the suction head. A method of removing an external film frm a prepreg comprising applying a chilling substance and applying suction to lift the film from the prepreg is also provided.
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