Patent Publication Number: US-8966763-B1

Title: Tooling system for processing workpieces

Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
     1. Field 
     The present disclosure relates generally to manufacturing and, in particular, to a method and apparatus for processing workpieces. Still more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for depositing materials on a workpiece. 
     2. Background 
     In manufacturing aircraft, different structures may be assembled to form the aircraft. These structures may be assembled from different parts. For example, without limitation, I-beams, skin panels, and other parts may be connected to each other to form a fuselage and/or wings of an aircraft. 
     The different structures may be comprised of materials, such as, for example, without limitation, metals, metal alloys, composite materials, and other suitable types of materials. With metals, titanium may be used in different parts. In forming a titanium part, titanium may be deposited onto a substrate to form the part. The substrate may be a titanium plate. 
     The deposition of metal onto metal plates may be performed using a number of different types of techniques. For example, without limitation, metal may be deposited onto a metal plate using an electron beam deposition system. A metal wire from a feeder may be changed into a molten state with the molten metal being deposited onto the plate. 
     This type of processing may be performed in near-room temperature environments. The differences in temperature between the molten metal and the plate may lead to stresses in the metal plate. These stresses may result in distortion and peeling of the metal deposited onto the metal plate. 
     When these distortions occur, the part being formed may need to be reworked and/or scrapped. These situations may increase the time and/or cost needed to manufacture parts. As a result, the assembly and manufacturing of aircraft may need more time and may incur more costs than desired. 
     Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a method and apparatus that takes into account one or more of the issues discussed above, as well as other possible issues. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one advantageous embodiment, a method may be provided for manufacturing an object. A plurality of elements may be positioned to substantially conform to a surface on a first side of a workpiece. The plurality of elements may be heated, while the plurality of elements is substantially conformed to the surface on the first side of the workpiece. A material may be deposited on the workpiece while heating the plurality of elements. 
     In another advantageous embodiment, a method may be provided for manufacturing an aircraft part. A plurality of elements may be positioned to substantially conform to a surface on a first side of the aircraft part. The surface may comprise a planar surface of a plate and a wall extending from the plate. The aircraft part may be comprised of at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, aluminum, titanium, a plastic, and a composite material. The plurality of elements may be heated, while the plurality of elements is substantially conformed to the surface on the first side of the aircraft part. The plurality of elements may be heated to meet a desired temperature profile selected to reduce distortions in the aircraft part. A material may be deposited on a second side of the aircraft part while heating the plurality of elements. The material may be selected from one of a metal, a metal alloy, titanium, aluminum, a resin, and a plastic. The aircraft part may be turned over. The plurality of elements may be positioned to substantially conform to a surface on the second side of the aircraft part. The first side of the aircraft part may be opposite to the second side of the aircraft part. The plurality of elements may be heated, while the plurality of elements is substantially conformed to the surface on the second side of the aircraft part. The material may be deposited on the first side of the aircraft part while heating the plurality of elements. The desired temperature profile for the aircraft part may be maintained by changing a temperature profile for the plurality of elements by performing at least one of cooling at least a first portion of the plurality of elements and heating at least a second portion of the plurality of elements. 
     In yet another advantageous embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a plurality of elements configured to move relative to each other, a positioning system, and a heating system. The positioning system may be configured to move the plurality of elements to substantially conform to a surface on a first side of a workpiece in a positioned state. The heating system may be configured to heat the plurality of elements while the plurality of elements is substantially conformed to the surface on the first side of the workpiece. 
     In still yet another advantageous embodiment, an aircraft part manufacturing system may comprise a plurality of elements configured to move relative to each other, a positioning system, a heating system, and a material deposition system. The positioning system may be configured to move the plurality of elements to substantially conform to a surface on a first side of an aircraft part in a positioned state. The surface of the aircraft part may comprise a planar surface of a plate and a wall extending from the plate. The aircraft part may be comprised of at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, aluminum, titanium, a plastic, and a composite material. The heating system may be configured to heat the plurality of elements while the plurality of elements is substantially conformed to the surface on the first side of the aircraft part to meet a temperature profile selected to reduce distortions in the aircraft part. The plurality of elements may heat the aircraft part such that a difference between a first temperature of the aircraft part and a second temperature of the material is reduced and such that a number of thermal stresses in the aircraft part are reduced. The material deposition system may be configured to deposit a material on the first side of the aircraft part and on a second side of the aircraft part. The material may be selected from one of a metal, a metal alloy, titanium, aluminum, a resin, and a plastic. 
     The features, functions, and advantages may be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure or may be combined in yet other embodiments in which further details may be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the advantageous embodiments are set forth in the appended claims. The advantageous embodiments, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration of an aircraft manufacturing and service method in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is an illustration of an aircraft in which an advantageous embodiment may be implemented; 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of a manufacturing environment in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of a perspective view of a tool system in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration of a top view of a frame and tool for a tool system in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration of an element for a tool in a tool system in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is an illustration of a partially-processed workpiece in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is an illustration of a partially-processed workpiece in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is an illustration of a portion of a tool system configured for a workpiece in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is an illustration of a phantom view of a workpiece placed on a tool for a tool system in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a workpiece placed on a tool for a tool system in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is an illustration of a fully-processed workpiece in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  is an illustration of an exposed cross-sectional view of a workpiece placed on a tool for a tool system in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for manufacturing an object in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; 
         FIG. 15  is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for manufacturing an aircraft part in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; and 
         FIG. 16  is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for heating a plurality of elements in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring more particularly to the drawings, embodiments of the disclosure may be described in the context of aircraft manufacturing and service method  100  as shown in  FIG. 1  and aircraft  200  as shown in  FIG. 2 . Turning first to  FIG. 1 , an illustration of an aircraft manufacturing and service method is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. During pre-production, aircraft manufacturing and service method  100  may include specification and design  102  of aircraft  200  in  FIG. 2  and material procurement  104 . 
     During production, component and subassembly manufacturing  106  and system integration  108  of aircraft  200  in  FIG. 2  may take place. Thereafter, aircraft  200  in  FIG. 2  may go through certification and delivery  110  in order to be placed in service  112 . While in service  112  by a customer, aircraft  200  in  FIG. 2  may be scheduled for routine maintenance and service  114 , which may include modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, and other maintenance or service. 
     Each of the processes of aircraft manufacturing and service method  100  may be performed or carried out by a system integrator, a third party, and/or an operator. In these examples, the operator may be a customer. For the purposes of this description, a system integrator may include, without limitation, any number of aircraft manufacturers and major-system subcontractors; a third party may include, without limitation, any number of venders, subcontractors, and suppliers; and an operator may be an airline, leasing company, military entity, service organization, and so on. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 2 , an illustration of an aircraft is depicted in which an advantageous embodiment may be implemented. In this example, aircraft  200  is produced by aircraft manufacturing and service method  100  in  FIG. 1  and may include airframe  202  with a plurality of systems  204  and interior  206 . Examples of systems  204  include one or more of propulsion system  208 , electrical system  210 , hydraulic system  212 , and environmental system  214 . Any number of other systems may be included. Although an aerospace example is shown, different advantageous embodiments may be applied to other industries, such as the automotive industry. 
     Apparatus and methods embodied herein may be employed during at least one of the stages of aircraft manufacturing and service method  100  in  FIG. 1 . As used herein, the phrase “at least one of”, when used with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used and only one of each item in the list may be needed. For example, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may include, for example, without limitation, item A, or item A and item B. This example also may include item A, item B, and item C, or item B and item C. 
     In one illustrative example, components or subassemblies produced in component and subassembly manufacturing  106  in  FIG. 1  may be fabricated or manufactured in a manner similar to components or subassemblies produced while aircraft  200  is in service  112  in  FIG. 1 . As yet another example, a number of apparatus embodiments, method embodiments, or a combination thereof may be utilized during production stages, such as component and subassembly manufacturing  106  and system integration  108  in  FIG. 1 . A number, when referring to items, means one or more items. For example, a number of apparatus embodiments is one or more apparatus embodiments. A number of apparatus embodiments, method embodiments, or a combination thereof may be utilized while aircraft  200  is in service  112  and/or during maintenance and service  114  in  FIG. 1 . The use of a number of the different advantageous embodiments may substantially expedite the assembly of and/or reduce the cost of aircraft  200 . 
     The different advantageous embodiments recognize and take into account a number of different considerations. For example, without limitation, the different advantageous embodiments recognize and take into account that distortions in the material deposited on a substrate may be caused by thermal stresses in the substrate. When the material and the substrate take the form of metal, one solution may involve using thicker metal plates. The increased thickness of the metal plate may reduce distortion. 
     The different advantageous embodiments also recognize and take into account that by using thicker metal plates, the part may be more expensive than desired. Further, the different advantageous embodiments recognize and take into account that a thicker metal plate also may result in a part that may be heavier than desired. 
     The different advantageous embodiments recognize and take into account that another solution may involve reducing the thermal stress in the metal plate. For example, without limitation, after depositing metal onto the metal plate, the metal plate may be moved from the deposition area to an oven. The oven may heat the metal plate to reduce stress in the metal plate. Thereafter, the metal plate with the material may be returned to the deposition area for additional deposition of materials. This type of process may be performed repeatedly until the part is completed. 
     The different advantageous embodiments recognize and take into account that this type of solution may take larger amounts of time than desired. Some parts may require one to two days to reduce the thermal stress in a metal plate each time a thermal stress reduction process is performed. This amount of time may increase the time needed to manufacture parts beyond what may be desired. 
     The different advantageous embodiments recognize and take into account that another solution may involve heating the metal plate on which the metal is deposited. The heating of the metal plate may be performed by placing the metal plate on a heated planar surface that heats the metal plate. The increase in temperature in the metal plate may reduce thermal stresses in the metal plate. As a result, decreases in distortions in the metal deposited on the metal plate may occur. 
     The different advantageous embodiments recognize and take into account, however, that the use of a planar heating surface may not provide the desired heating for the metal plate. For example, without limitation, the different advantageous embodiments recognize and take into account that after depositing metal on a first side of the metal plate, the metal plate may be flipped over. Additional deposition of metal may then be performed on the second side of the metal plate, which is opposite to the first side. 
     The different advantageous embodiments recognize and take into account that features on the first side of the metal plate may prevent the desired heating of the metal plate when deposition of material is performed for the second side. For example, without limitation, the features may have a height and/or depth that may prevent the planar heating surface from contacting the metal plate. As a result, the features deposited onto the metal plate may be heated. 
     Thus, the different advantageous embodiments provide a method and apparatus for processing workpieces. A plurality of elements may be positioned to substantially conform to a surface on a first side of a workpiece. Heating may be performed to heat the plurality of elements, while the plurality of elements may be substantially conformed to the surface of the first side of the workpiece. A material may then be deposited on the workpiece, while heating the plurality of elements. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 3 , an illustration of a manufacturing environment is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. Manufacturing environment  300  may be used to manufacture structures  302  for aircraft  200  in  FIG. 2 . In these examples, parts  304  may be assembled to form structures  302 . 
     In the different illustrative examples, workpiece  306  may be processed using tool system  308 . In these illustrative examples, workpiece  306  may be an object in the process of being worked on and/or processed to form one or more of parts  304 . 
     Workpiece  306  may take the form of substrate  310 . Material  312  may be deposited onto substrate  310  using tool system  308 . In these illustrative examples, substrate  310  may take the form of metal plate  314 . Metal plate  314  may be comprised of at least one of, for example, without limitation, a metal, a metal alloy, aluminum, titanium, plastic, a composite material, and/or some other combination of materials. 
     In these illustrative examples, material  312  may take the form of metal  316 . Metal  316  may be a pure metal, a metal alloy, titanium, aluminum, steel, a nickel alloy, and/or some other suitable type of metal. In other illustrative embodiments, material  312  may take other forms, such as, for example, without limitation, a resin, a plastic, and/or other suitable materials. 
     As depicted in this example, tool system  308  may comprise frame  318 , tool  320 , positioning system  322 , heating system  324 , material deposition system  326 , and/or other suitable components. Frame  318  may provide a structure to hold workpiece  306  in these examples. 
     Tool  320  may comprise plurality of elements  328 . Plurality of elements  328  may be configured to move relative to each other. In other words, elements in plurality of elements  328  may all move together and/or individually with respect to other elements in plurality of elements  328 . Additionally, elements in plurality of elements  328  may move the same distance and/or different distances as compared to other elements in plurality of elements  328 . 
     Positioning system  322  may be configured to move plurality of elements  328  to substantially conform to surface  330  of workpiece  306  on first side  332  of workpiece  306 . When positioned by positioning system  322 , plurality of elements  328  may be in positioned state  334 . In these illustrative examples, in positioned state  334 , plurality of elements  328  may substantially conform to surface  330  and/or touch surface  330 . 
     In other illustrative examples, plurality of elements  328  may not touch surface  330 . Instead, each of plurality of elements  328  may be positioned at distance  336  from surface  330  such that heating of plurality of elements  328  may heat workpiece  306  to desired temperature profile  338 . Further, distance  336  may not be the same distance for each of plurality of elements  328 . 
     In this manner, different portions of workpiece  306  may be heated to different temperatures to meet desired temperature profile  338 . Desired temperature profile  338  may include a specification of temperatures for different portions of workpiece  306 . These temperatures may be individual temperatures, temperature ranges, and/or may include tolerances, depending on the particular implementation. 
     Additionally, desired temperature profile  338  may include a specification of temperatures for different portions of workpiece  306  based on time, locations of the different portions, and/or the particular stage of processing for workpiece  306 . 
     Heating system  324  may generate heat  340  in plurality of elements  328  sufficient to cause workpiece  306  to reach desired temperature profile  338 . Material deposition system  326  may deposit material  312  onto workpiece  306 . 
     As illustrated, positioning system  322  may comprise base  344  and movement system  348 . Base  344  may have plurality of channels  346 . Plurality of channels  346  may be configured to receive plurality of elements  328 . Movement system  348  may move plurality of elements  328  within plurality of channels  346 . 
     In these examples, an element, such as element  350  in plurality of elements  328 , may comprise head  352  and post  354 . Head  352  may be located at an end of post  354 . Head  352  may be the portion of element  350  that may be positioned to substantially conform to surface  330  of workpiece  306 . Head  352  and post  354  of element  350  may be comprised of materials capable of conducting heat. For example, without limitation, head  352  and post  354  may be comprised of a material selected from at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, ceramic, and/or some other suitable material. 
     In this illustrative example, post  354  may be received in channel  356  in plurality of channels  346 . Channel  356  may have threads  358 , and post  354  may have threads  360 . Threads  358  in channel  356  may be located in structure  361  within channel  356 . Structure  361  may be configured to rotate to cause threads  358  to move relative to threads  360  to cause movement of post  354 . In this manner, post  354  may be moved to position head  352  relative to surface  330  in these illustrative examples. 
     Of course, in other illustrative examples, post  354  may be rotated to move element  350 . In still other advantageous embodiments, other mechanisms may be used to move element  350  to position element  350  relative to surface  330  of workpiece  306 . 
     In these illustrative examples, heating system  324  may be connected to plurality of elements  328  to heat plurality of elements  328 . As used herein, when a first component is connected to a second component, the first component may be connected to the second component without any additional components. The first component also may be connected to the second component by one or more other components. 
     For example, without limitation, heating system  324  may be connected to plurality of elements  328  by a heat exchange system that causes air  362  from heating system  324  to heat plurality of elements  328 . For example, air  362  may be moved into plurality of elements  328  by heating system  324 . Further, heating system  324  may heat air  362  to a desired temperature to heat plurality of elements  328 . 
     In this case, a direct connection between heating system  324  and plurality of elements  328  may not be needed. Instead, a thermal connection may be present instead of a physical connection between heating system  324  and plurality of elements  328 . 
     Heating system  324  may heat, cool, or heat and cool plurality of elements  328 , depending on desired temperature profile  338 . Further, in other illustrative examples, post  354  may be directly heated by heating system  324  rather than using air  362 . In other illustrative examples, heating system  324  may use a liquid or inert gas instead of air  362  to heat plurality of elements  328 . 
     Material deposition system  326  may comprise a number of different systems configured to deposit material  312  onto workpiece  306 . In these examples, material deposition system  326  may deposit material  312  onto workpiece  306  in molten state  366 . 
     For example, without limitation, material deposition system  326  may be comprised of metal wire feeder  368 , electron beam unit  370 , and movement system  372 . Movement system  372  may be configured to move metal wire feeder  368  and electron beam unit  370  on frame  318 . Electron beam unit  370  may generate electron beam  374  to cause metal wire  376  to reach molten state  366  for deposition onto substrate  310 . 
     In these illustrative examples, as material  312  is deposited onto workpiece  306  on first side  332 , first number of features  380  may be formed on surface  330  on first side  332  of workpiece  306 . In this illustrative example, surface  330  on first side  332  of workpiece  306  may comprise surface  384  on first side  332  of metal plate  314  and first number of surfaces  386  of first number of features  380 . In other words, surface  330  of workpiece  306  may not be a planar surface. 
     In this manner, plurality of elements  328  may heat both surface  384  of metal plate  314  and first number of surfaces  386  of first number of features  380  to meet desired temperature profile  338 . As a result, distortions  388  in workpiece  306  in the form of metal plate  314  may be reduced. The reduction in distortions  388  may occur as a result of a reduction in thermal stress  390  within metal plate  314 . In this manner, distortions  388  in material  312  deposited onto workpiece  306  may be reduced. 
     After forming first number of features  380  on workpiece  306 , workpiece  306  may be flipped over to present second side  382  for deposition of material  312 . In this position, plurality of elements  328  may be positioned to substantially conform to surface  330  on second side  382  of workpiece  306 . 
     The heating of plurality of elements  328  may occur while material  312  is being deposited onto second side  382  of workpiece  306  to form second number of features  383 . Surface  330  on second side  382  of workpiece  306  may comprise surface  384  on second side  382  of metal plate  314  and second number of surfaces  387  of second number of features  383 . 
     The illustration of manufacturing environment  300  in  FIG. 3  is not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in which different advantageous embodiments may be implemented. Other components in addition to and/or in place of the ones illustrated may be used. Some components may be unnecessary in some advantageous embodiments. Also, the blocks are presented to illustrate some functional components. One or more of these blocks may be combined and/or divided into different blocks when implemented in different advantageous embodiments. 
     For example, without limitation, in some advantageous embodiments, material deposition system  326  may deposit a powdered metal onto workpiece  306 . The powdered metal may then be sintered to form the different features on workpiece  306 . In yet other advantageous embodiments, other components also may be present within tool system  308  other than those illustrated. For example, without limitation, a gas environment system also may be included to perform the deposition of material  312 . For example, the gas environment system may provide an inert gas that also may be used to heat or cool workpiece  306  and/or material  312 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 4 , an illustration of a perspective view of a tool system is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this illustrative example, tool system  400  may be an example of one implementation for tool system  308  in  FIG. 3 . Tool system  400  may include frame  402 , tool  404 , positioning system  406 , heating system  408 , and material deposition system  410 . 
     Frame  402  may be configured to hold a workpiece, such as workpiece  306  in  FIG. 3 . As depicted in this example, tool  404  may comprise plurality of elements  412 . Plurality of elements  412  may take the form of plurality of pins  414  in this illustrative example. Each of plurality of pins  414  may have a head with a square shape in this depicted example. 
     Positioning system  406  may include base  416  and movement system  418 . Base  416  may include a plurality of channels (not shown in this view) configured to receive plurality of pins  414 . Movement system  418  may be configured to move plurality of pins  414  vertically along axis  420 . Plurality of pins  414  may be moved relative to each other. For example, without limitation, movement system  418  may move pins in plurality of pins  414  to the same height or different heights with respect to base  416 . 
     In this illustrative example, heating system  408  may include heat exchange system  422 . Heat exchange system  422  may be configured to heat plurality of pins  414  to meet a temperature profile for plurality of pins  414 . For example, without limitation, different portions of plurality of pins  414  may be heated to different temperatures. The heating of plurality of pins  414  may allow a workpiece placed on plurality of pins  414  to also be heated to meet a desired temperature profile for the workpiece. 
     Material deposition system  410  may include metal wire feeder  424 , electron beam unit  426 , and movement system  428 . Metal wire feeder  424  may feed metal wire  430 . Electron beam unit  426  may generate an electron beam that may come into contact with metal wire  430 . The electron beam may cause metal wire  430  to melt, such that a molten state of the material in metal wire  430  may be deposited on the surface of a workpiece placed on tool  404 . 
     In this illustrative example, movement system  428  may move electron beam unit  426  and metal wire feeder  424  in the directions of axis  420 , axis  421 , and axis  432 . In this manner, material deposition system  410  may be moved over frame  402  for tool system  400  to deposit the material formed from melting metal wire  430  at different locations. 
     Additionally, movement system  428  may include arm  434 . Arm  434  may connect material deposition system  410  to frame  402  for tool system  400 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 5 , an illustration of a top view of a frame and tool for a tool system is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this illustrative example, frame  402  and tool  404  for tool system  400  in  FIG. 4  are depicted. Each of plurality of elements  412  may have the same height relative to axis  420  in  FIG. 4  in this depicted example. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 6 , an illustration of an element for a tool in a tool system is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this illustrative example, element  600  may be an example of an element in plurality of elements  412  in  FIG. 4 . Element  600  may take the form of pin  602  in plurality of pins  414  in  FIG. 4 . 
     As depicted in this example, pin  602  may have head  604  and post  606  connected to head  604 . Post  606  may be connected to heating system  408  in  FIG. 4 . Post  606  may have channel  608 . Channel  608  may be configured to receive air  610 . 
     In this illustrative example, air  610  may be air that has been heated to a selected temperature by heating system  408  in  FIG. 4 . The selected temperature for air  610  may be selected such that pin  602  may be heated and/or cooled to meet a temperature profile for pin  602 . In other illustrative examples, a liquid or inert gas may be used instead of air  610  to heat and/or cool pin  602 . 
     The temperature profile for pin  602  may be a specification of the temperature to which pin  602  should be heated based on a number of factors. These factors may include, for example, without limitation, time, a location of pin  602  in plurality of pins  414  in  FIG. 4 , and/or other suitable factors. 
     In these depicted examples, other pins in plurality of pins  414  in  FIG. 4  may be heated and/or cooled in a similar manner to pin  602 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 7 , an illustration of a partially-processed workpiece is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this illustrative example, workpiece  700  may be an example of workpiece  306  in  FIG. 3 . Additionally, workpiece  700  may be an example of a workpiece that may be processed using tool system  400  in  FIG. 4 . 
     As depicted in this illustrative example, workpiece  700  may have surface  702  on first side  704  and a second side (not shown in this view) of workpiece  700 . Workpiece  700  may take the form of substrate  706  in this depicted example. In particular, substrate  706  may take the form of metal plate  708 . 
     In this illustrative example, features  710  may be formed on surface  702  of workpiece  700 . Features  710  may have been formed using tool system  400  in  FIG. 4 . Features  710  may take the form of walls  711  in this example. Additionally, walls  711  may be comprised of material  712 . Material  712  may be metal  714  in this depicted example. 
     As depicted in this example, surface  702  of workpiece  700  on first side  704  may comprise surface  716  of metal plate  708  and surfaces  718  of walls  711 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 8 , an illustration of a partially-processed workpiece is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this illustrative example, workpiece  700  in  FIG. 7  may be depicted turned over such that surface  702  on second side  800  of workpiece  700  may be seen. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 9 , an illustration of a portion of a tool system configured for a workpiece is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this illustrative example, tool  404  for tool system  400  in  FIG. 4  may be configured to receive first side  704  of workpiece  700  in  FIG. 7 . In particular, tool  404  may be configured to receive first side  704  with features  710  on surface  702  of first side  704 . 
     As depicted, plurality of pins  414  may have plurality of heads  900  and plurality of posts  902 . Plurality of posts  902  may be configured to move within plurality of channels  903  in base  416 . For example, without limitation, pin  904  in plurality of pins  414  may have head  905  and post  906 . Pin  904  with head  905  and post  906  may move in the direction of axis  420 . Post  906  may move within channel  908  in plurality of channels  903 . 
     In this illustrative example, first portion  910  of plurality of pins  414  may be moved to height  912  relative to base  416 . Further, second portion  914  of plurality of pins  414  may be moved to height  916  relative to base  416 . With first portion  910  at height  912  and second portion  914  at height  916 , plurality of pins  414  may be in positioned state  915 . Movement of first portion  910  and second portion  914  of plurality of pins  414  may be performed using positioning system  406  for tool system  400  in  FIG. 4 . 
     Height  912  for first portion  910  of plurality of pins  414  may be selected such that first portion  910  may come into contact with surface  716  of metal plate  708  when first side  704  of metal plate  708  in  FIG. 7  is placed over plurality of pins  414 . Additionally, height  916  for second portion  914  of plurality of pins  414  may be selected such that second portion  914  may come into contact with surfaces  718  of walls  711  in  FIG. 7  when first side  704  of metal plate  708  is placed over plurality of pins  414 . 
     In this manner, plurality of pins  414  may be adjusted in height to substantially conform to surface  702  of workpiece  700 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 10 , an illustration of a phantom view of a workpiece placed on a tool for a tool system is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this illustrative example, workpiece  700  in  FIG. 8  may be placed on tool  404  for tool system  400  in  FIG. 9 . Metal plate  708  is shown in a phantom view in this example. With this view, the placement of plurality of pins  414  with respect to surface  702  may be more clearly seen. 
     In this depicted example, plurality of pins  414  may be in positioned state  915  in  FIG. 9 . In this manner, first side  704  of workpiece  700  may be placed over plurality of pins  414  configured to receive first side  704  of workpiece  700 . 
     As depicted in this illustrative example, first portion  910  of plurality of pins  414  may substantially conform to surface  716  of metal plate  708  when workpiece  700  is placed over tool  404 . Further, second portion  914  of plurality of pins  414  may contact surfaces  718  of walls  711  when workpiece  700  is placed over tool  404 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 11 , an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a workpiece placed on a tool for a tool system is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this illustrative example, features  1100  have been formed on surface  702  on second side  800  of workpiece  700 . Features  1100  may take the form of walls  1102  formed from material  712  in the form of metal  714 . 
     As depicted in this example, at height  912 , first portion  910  of plurality of pins  414  may be in contact with surface  716  of metal plate  708 . At height  916 , second portion  914  of plurality of pins  414  may be in contact with surfaces  718  of walls  711 . 
     Further, first portion  910  may be in contact with all of the sides of walls  711  in this illustrative example. The heads of first portion  910  of plurality of pins  414  may have a length that allows first portion  910  to be in contact with the sides of walls  711 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 12 , an illustration of a fully-processed workpiece is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this illustrative example, workpiece  700  has been fully processed using tool system  400  in  FIG. 4 . As depicted, workpiece  700  may have walls  711  and walls  1102  formed on surface  702  of workpiece  700 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 13 , an illustration of an exposed cross-sectional view of a workpiece placed on a tool for a tool system is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this illustrative example, workpiece  1300  may be placed on tool  404  for tool system  400  in  FIG. 4 . 
     As depicted, workpiece  1300  may have surface  1302 . Surface  1302  may be curved surface  1303 . Features  1304  may be formed on surface  1302 . Features  1304  may include features  1306 ,  1308 ,  1310 , and  1312 . Pins  1314 ,  1316 ,  1318 , and  1320  may be adjusted to substantially conform to the surfaces of features  1306 ,  1308 ,  1310 , and  1312 . In this illustrative example, features  1304  may be comprised of layers of metal  1322 . 
     Each of plurality of pins  414  may be adjusted in height such that plurality of pins  414  substantially conform to curved surface  1303 . Plurality of pins  414  may be heated to heat workpiece  1300  when plurality of pins  414  are in contact with curved surface  1303  of workpiece  1300 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 14 , an illustration of a flowchart of a process for manufacturing an object is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. The process illustrated in  FIG. 14  may be implemented using tool system  308  to process workpiece  306  in  FIG. 3  to manufacture the object. 
     The process may begin by positioning plurality of elements  328  to substantially conform to surface  330  on first side  332  of workpiece  306  (operation  1400 ). Plurality of elements  328  may be part of tool  320  in tool system  308 . 
     Thereafter, plurality of elements  328  may be heated while plurality of elements  328  is substantially conformed to surface  330  on first side  332  of workpiece  306  (operation  1402 ). The heating of plurality of elements  328  may be performed using heating system  324 . Heating plurality of elements  328  may heat workpiece  306  such that workpiece  306  meets desired temperature profile  338 . 
     The process may then deposit material  312  on workpiece  306  while heating plurality of elements  328  (operation  1404 ), with the process terminating thereafter. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 15 , an illustration of a flowchart of a process for manufacturing an aircraft part is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. The process illustrated in  FIG. 15  may be implemented using tool system  308  to process workpiece  306  in  FIG. 3  to manufacture the object. In this illustrative example, workpiece  306  may be an aircraft part. 
     The process may begin by positioning plurality of elements  328  to substantially conform to surface  330  on first side  332  of workpiece  306  (operation  1500 ). The process may then heat plurality of elements  328  while plurality of elements  328  are positioned to substantially conform to surface  330  on first side  332  of workpiece  306  (operation  1502 ). 
     Thereafter, the process may deposit material  312  on second side  382  of workpiece  306  while heating plurality of elements  328  (operation  1504 ). Second side  382  may be opposite to first side  332  of workpiece  306 . In operation  1504 , the deposition of material  312  may form second number of features  383  on second side  382  of workpiece  306 . 
     The process may then turn over workpiece  306  (operation  1506 ). In operation  1506 , workpiece  306  may be turned over to position first side  332  of workpiece  306  for the deposition of material  312 . 
     Next, the process may position plurality of elements  328  to substantially conform to surface  330  on second side  382  of workpiece  306  (operation  1508 ). For example, without limitation, a first portion of plurality of elements  328  may be positioned at a first height, and a second portion of plurality of elements  328  may be positioned at a second height. 
     The first height may be selected such that the first portion of plurality of elements  328  may substantially conform to second number of surfaces  387  for second number of features  383 . The second height may be selected such that the second portion of plurality of elements  328  may substantially conform to surface  384  of metal plate  314 . 
     The process may heat plurality of elements  328  while plurality of elements  328  is substantially conformed to surface  330  on second side  382  of workpiece  306  (operation  1510 ). Thereafter, the process may deposit material  312  on first side  332  of workpiece  306  while heating plurality of elements  328  (operation  1512 ), with the process terminating thereafter. 
     In this illustrative example, during operations  1504  and  1512 , the process may maintain desired temperature profile  338  for workpiece  306  by changing a temperature profile for plurality of elements  328 . For example, without limitation, the process may perform at least one of cooling at least a portion of plurality of elements  328  and heating at least a portion of plurality of elements  328 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 16 , an illustration of a flowchart of a process for heating a plurality of elements is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. The process illustrated in  FIG. 16  may be implemented using heating system  324  for tool system  308  to heat plurality of elements  328  in  FIG. 3 . This process may be implemented to heat workpiece  306  to meet desired temperature profile  338  in  FIG. 3 . 
     The process may begin by identifying desired temperature profile  338  for workpiece  306  (operation  1600 ). Desired temperature profile  338  may include a specification of temperatures for different portions of workpiece  306 . These temperatures may be individual temperatures, temperature ranges, and/or may include tolerances, depending on the particular implementation. 
     Additionally, desired temperature profile  338  may include a specification of temperatures for different portions of workpiece  306  based on time, locations of the different portions, and/or the particular stage of processing for workpiece  306 . In this illustrative example, different portions of workpiece  306  may be heated to different temperatures, for example, without limitation. 
     The process may then identify a number of temperatures for a number of portions of plurality of elements  328  (operation  1602 ). Each of the number of portions of plurality of elements  328  may include elements that are in contact with a different portion of workpiece  306  to be heated to a particular temperature using desired temperature profile  358 . 
     Thereafter, the process may heat the number of portions of plurality of elements  328  based on the number of temperatures for the number of portions (operation  1604 ). Operation  1604  may include heating and/or cooling the number of portions of plurality of elements  328  to meet the number of temperatures in desired temperature profile  358 . In this manner, workpiece  306  may be heated to desired temperature profile  338 . 
     The process may then maintain desired temperature profile  338  for workpiece  306  by changing the number of temperatures for plurality of elements  328  (operation  1606 ), with the process terminating thereafter. In operation  1606 , elements in plurality of elements  328  may be heated and/or cooled to meet desired temperature profile  338 . 
     Further, in operation  1606 , changing the number of temperatures for plurality of elements  328  may include changing the configuration of the number of portions of plurality of elements  328  and/or the temperature to which each of the number of portions of plurality of elements  328  is heated. Operation  1606  may be performed until processing of the workpiece is completed. 
     The flowcharts and block diagrams in the different depicted embodiments illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of some possible implementations of apparatus and methods in different advantageous embodiments. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, function, and/or a portion of an operation or step. 
     In some alternative implementations, the function or functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, in some cases, two blocks shown in succession may be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. Also, other blocks may be added in addition to the illustrated blocks in a flowchart or block diagram. 
     For example, without limitation, in  FIG. 15 , operation  1502  and operation  1504  may be performed at the same time. Similarly, operation  1508  and operation  1510  may be performed at the same time. 
     Thus, the different advantageous embodiments provide a method and apparatus for processing workpieces. A plurality of elements may be positioned to substantially conform to a surface on a first side of a workpiece. Heating may be performed to heat the plurality of elements, while the plurality of elements is substantially conformed to the surface of the first side of the workpiece. A material may then be deposited on the workpiece, while heating the plurality of elements. 
     The different advantageous embodiments may provide a method and apparatus for processing workpieces that may take less time and/or effort. Further, the cost of processing the workpieces may be reduced. 
     The description of the different advantageous embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, different advantageous embodiments may provide different advantages as compared to other advantageous embodiments. 
     The embodiment or embodiments selected are chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.