Patent Publication Number: US-2023134904-A1

Title: System and method for handling a composite workpiece in a work cell

Description:
PRIORITY 
     This application claims priority from U.S. Ser. No. 63/274,989 filed on Nov. 3, 2021. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to composite manufacturing and, more particularly, to systems and methods for handling a composite workpiece in a work cell during a processing operation. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Composite parts are commonly used in applications where light weight and high strength are desired, such as in aircraft and vehicles. Typically, one or more machining or other processing operations are performed on the composite part, such as drilling holes, machining features, and trimming edges. However, composite parts, particularly large composite parts, may tend to deform once they are removed from a tool upon which they are cured. Such deformation may present challenges related to the accuracy of the machining operations. As such, post-machining operations, such as shimming and/or additional drilling, may be required due to differences between an as-built shape of the composite structure and a shape of the composite structure during machining. These challenges may also limit the capacity for determinant assembly or predictive assembly of a manufactured structure that includes the composite part. Accordingly, those skilled in the art continue with research and development efforts in the field of composite manufacturing. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed are examples of a system for handling a composite workpiece, a workpiece holder for handling a composite workpiece, a method for handling a composite workpiece, and a composite workpiece manufactured using the system and/or according to the method. The following is a non-exhaustive list of examples, which may or may not be claimed, of the subject matter according to the present disclosure. 
     In a first example, the disclosed system includes a work cell and a plurality of workpiece holders to hold a composite workpiece in the work cell. Each one of the plurality of workpiece holders is selectively controlled to index the composite workpiece in the work cell and to conform the composite workpiece to an as-built shape of the composite workpiece. 
     In a second example, the disclosed method is for handling a composite workpiece using the system of the first example. 
     In a third example, the disclosed method is for fabricating a portion of an aircraft using the system of the first example. 
     In a fourth example, the disclosed composite is manufactured using the system of the first example. 
     In a fifth example, the disclosed workpiece holder includes a base and a clamp coupled to the base. The clamp includes a first jaw, a support member coupled to the first jaw, and a second jaw coupled to the support member. The second jaw is movable along the support member relative to the first jaw to clamp a composite workpiece between the first jaw and the second jaw so that the composite workpiece conforms to an as-built shape of the composite workpiece. With the composite workpiece clamped between the first jaw and the second jaw, the clamp is movable relative to the base to index the composite workpiece in a work cell. 
     In a sixth example, the disclosed system includes the workpiece holder of the fifth example. 
     In a seventh example, the method is for handling a composite workpiece using the workpiece holder of the fifth example. 
     In an eighth example, the method is for fabricating a portion of an aircraft using the workpiece holder of the fifth example. 
     In a ninth example, the disclosed method includes steps of: (1) transporting a composite workpiece to a work cell; (2) holding the composite workpiece in the work cell; (3) indexing the composite workpiece in the work cell; and (4) conforming the composite workpiece to an as-built shape of the composite workpiece. 
     In a tenth example, the disclosed system is implemented according to the method of the ninth example. 
     In an eleventh example, the disclosed composite workpiece is manufactured according to the method of the ninth example. 
     In a twelfth example, a portion of an aircraft is assembled according to the method of ninth example. 
     Other examples of the disclosed system, workpiece holder, method, and composite workpiece will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic illustration of an example of a manufacturing environment for post-cure processing of a composite workpiece; 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic block diagram of an example of a system for handling the composite workpiece; 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic, perspective view of an example of a plurality of workpiece holders of the system and the composite workpiece; 
         FIG.  4    is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the plurality of workpiece holders and the composite workpiece held by the workpiece holders; 
         FIG.  5    is a schematic, perspective view of an example of a workpiece holder; 
         FIG.  6    is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the workpiece holder and the composite workpiece held by the workpiece holder; 
         FIG.  7    is a schematic illustration of a clamp of the workpiece holder, depicted in a pre-clamped state; 
         FIG.  8    is a schematic illustration of an example of the clamp of the workpiece holder, depicted in a clamped state; 
         FIG.  9    is a schematic illustration of an example of the clamp of the workpiece holder, depicted in a shape-conforming state; 
         FIG.  10    is a schematic illustration of an example of a portion of the clamp of the workpiece holder, depicted in the clamped state; 
         FIG.  11    is a schematic illustration of an example of a portion of the clamp of the workpiece holder, depicted in the shape-conforming state; 
         FIG.  12    is a schematic illustration of an example of one of a portion of the system for handling the composite workpiece, depicting a plurality of material handlers, a tool, the composite workpiece on the tool, and a first metrology system, in which as-built measurement data, representative of the composite workpiece on the tool, is generated; 
         FIG.  13    is a schematic, perspective view of an example of a portion of the system for handling the composite workpiece, depicting the plurality of workpiece holders, an overhead workpiece handler, the composite workpiece held by the plurality of workpiece holders and the overhead workpiece handler, and a second metrology system, in which real-time measurement data, representative of the composite workpiece as held by the plurality of workpiece holders, is generated; 
         FIG.  14    is a schematic illustration of an example of a portion of the system of handling the composite workpiece, depicting the plurality of workpiece holders, the overhead workpiece handler, the composite workpiece held by the plurality of workpiece holders and the overhead workpiece handler, the second metrology system, and a plurality of machine tools, in which a machining operation is performed on the composite workpiece and as-machined measurement data, representative of the composite workpiece, is generated; 
         FIG.  15    is a schematic illustration of an example of a portion of the system for handling the composite workpiece, depicting the plurality of material handler, the composite workpiece, and the plurality of workpiece holders; 
         FIG.  16    is a schematic illustration of an example of a portion of the system for handling the composite workpiece, depicting the plurality of workpiece holders, the overhead workpiece handler, and the composite workpiece held by the overhead workpiece handler; 
         FIG.  17    is a schematic illustration of an example of a portion of the system for handling the composite workpiece, depicting the plurality of workpiece holders, the overhead material handler, a plurality of composite workpieces held by the overhead workpiece handler; 
         FIG.  18    is a flow diagram of an example of a method for handling the composite workpiece; 
         FIG.  19    is a flow diagram of an example of an aircraft manufacturing and service method; and 
         FIG.  20    is a schematic illustration of an example of an aircraft. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring generally to  FIGS.  1 - 17   , by way of examples, the present disclosure is directed to a system  100  for handling a composite workpiece  102 . The system  100  facilitates one or more post-cure processing operation, such as at least one machining operation, being performed on the composite workpiece  102 . More particularly, the system  100  facilitates automated indexing of the composite workpiece  102  within a work cell and conformance of the composite workpiece  102  to a predetermined or desired shape within the work cell during a post-cure processing operation. As such, the system  100  advantageously improves the accuracy and precision of the machining operation and facilitates determinant assembly and/or predictive assembly of a structure that includes the composite workpiece  102 . 
     For the purpose of the present disclosure, the term “composite workpiece” (e.g., the composite workpiece  102 ) refers to any object, article, item, or structure made of a cured composite material. In one or more examples, the composite workpiece  102  is, or forms, a part of or a component of a larger manufactured article or structure, such as an aircraft or a component of an aircraft. As an example, the composite workpiece  102  is a wing panel  1230  of an aircraft  1200  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  20   ). 
     For the purpose of the present disclosure, the term “post-cure” refers to a condition of a composite material after a curing operation, such as by application of heat and/or pressure, to cure, anneal, dry, and/or harden the composite material. 
     For the purpose of the present disclosure, the term “as-built,” such as in reference to an as-built condition or an as-built shape (e.g., generally referred to herein as an as-built shape  118 ) of the composite workpiece  102 , refers to a condition of the composite workpiece  102  in which the composite workpiece  102  has a shape (e.g., geometry, profile, contour, structural features, and the like) upon a tool in which the composite workpiece  102  was cured (e.g., tool  150 ). In other words, as an example, the as-built shape  118  of the composite workpiece  102  is a shape of the composite workpiece  102  that is substantially the same as a shape of the composite workpiece  102  as cured on a tool or mandrel (e.g., tool  150 ) and prior to separation from the tool or mandrel. 
     For the purpose of the present disclosure, the term “real-time,” such as in reference to a real-time condition or a real-time shape (e.g., generally referred to herein as a real-time shape  114 ) of the composite workpiece  102 , refers to an immediate condition of the composite workpiece  102  in which the composite workpiece  102  has a shape (e.g., geometry, profile, contour, structural features, and the like) as presently positioned, such as before or during a post-cure processing operation (e.g., one or more machining operations). 
     For the purpose of the present disclosure, the term “as-machined,” such as in reference to an as-machined condition or an as-machined shape (e.g., generally referred to herein as an as-machined shape  178 ) of the composite workpiece  102 , refers to a post-processing condition of the composite workpiece  102  in which the composite workpiece  102  has a shape (e.g., geometry, profile, contour, structural features, and the like) after a post-cure processing operation (e.g., one or more machining operations) is performed on the composite workpiece  102 . 
     It can be appreciated that a tool upon which a composite workpiece is cured provides a support structure that reinforces a shape of the composite workpiece while the composite workpiece is on the tool. Once a composite workpiece or other composite structure is removed from a tool upon which it is cured, the reinforcement provided by the tool is also removed and the composite structure may tend to change its shape (e.g., droop, sag, bend, twist, deflect, etc.) from its reinforced shape (e.g., as-build shape), as supported by the tool, to an unreinforced shape, as unsupported by the tool, which is different than its reinforced shape. When the tool that provides the reinforcement is removed, the composite workpiece may change shape, for example, due to residual stresses in the composite structure or due to external forces applied to the composite structure during post-cure processing, such as, but not limited to, gravity causing drooping and/or sagging or loads applied to the composite structure by machine tools during processing. The principles and implementations of the system  100  disclosed herein enable a composite workpiece to be maintained in or to be conformed to the as-built shape (e.g., a shape that is substantially the same as the shape of the composite workpiece reinforced by the tool) once the composite workpiece is removed from the tool. As such, a machining operation can be performed on the composite workpiece with the composite workpiece in the as-built shape, thereby, reducing or eliminating inaccurate or inconsistent machining due to the machining operation being performed on a composite workpiece while the composite workpiece has a shape that is different than the as-built shape. 
     Additionally, the principles and implementations of the system  100  disclosed herein enable a digital model to be generated, which is representative of the composite workpiece having the as-built shape. The digital model of the composite workpiece (e.g., in the as-built shape) may be used to automatically index, for example, under computer control, the composite workpiece before a post-cure processing operation is performed on the composite workpiece. As such, a machining operation performed on the composite workpiece, in the as-built shape and appropriately indexed, improves processing speeds and increases the accuracy of the machining operation being performed on the composite workpiece. For example, the as-built shape will closely correspond to the contour and/or shape of the composite workpiece (e.g., a panel) when the composite workpiece is assembled into final structure (e.g., a wing with ribs and spars). 
     Further, the digital model of the composite workpiece may also be used to conform the composite workpiece to the as-built shape during a processing operation performed on the composite workpiece. As such, machining operations performed on the composite workpiece, conformed to the as-built shape, reduces or eliminates inaccurate or inconsistent machining due to the machining operation being performed on the composite workpiece while the composite workpiece has a shape that is different than the as-built shape and/or the as-machined shape. 
     Moreover, the principles and implementations of the system  100  disclosed herein enable the digital model to be updated after a machining operation is performed, such that the digital model is representative of an as-machined shape of the composite workpiece  102 . The digital model of the composite workpiece (e.g., in the as-machined shape) may be used to index the composite workpiece before a subsequent post-cure processing operation is performed on the composite workpiece. The digital model of the composite workpiece may also be used to conform the composite workpiece to the as-machined shape during a subsequent post-cure processing operation performed on the composite workpiece. As such, the principles of the system  100  disclosed herein also enable determinant assembly or predictive assembly of the composite workpiece based on the digital model of the composite workpiece, which is updated throughout post-cure processing of the composite workpiece. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1   , which schematically illustrates a manufacturing environment  200 . The manufacturing environment  200  facilitates post-cure processing of the composite workpiece  102 , such as machining, trimming, coating, painting, sub-assembly (e.g., assembly of other parts or components to the composite workpiece  102 ), and the like. Generally, the manufacturing environment  200  includes a plurality of work cells  202 , identified individually as a first work cell  204 , a second work cell  206 , a third work cell  208 , a fourth work cell  210 , a fifth work cell  212 , etc. Each one of the work cells  202  facilitates or corresponds to a different post-cure processing operation associated with the manufacture of the composite workpiece  102 . In one or more examples, each one of the work cells  202  includes one or more systems, sub-systems, apparatuses, and/or machines that perform at least one post-cure processing operation. In one or more examples, the work cells  202  are interlinked (e.g., in series or parallel) and cooperate to automate at least a portion of the fabrication process. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 ,  12  and  14 - 17   , in one or more examples, at least a portion of the system  100  is associated with at least one of the work cells  202 . In one or more examples, the system  100  forms a sub-system of the manufacturing environment  200 . The system  100  facilitates transporting the composite workpiece  102  through the work cells  202 , indexing the composite workpiece  102  relative to the work cells  202 , conforming the composite workpiece  102  to the as-built shape  118 , or to the as-machined shape, in the work cells  202 , and performance of at least one post-cure processing operation on the composite workpiece  102  in the work cells  202 . 
     As best illustrated in  FIG.  14   , in one or more examples, at least a portion of the system  100  is associated with the second work cell  206 . The system  100  facilitates indexing of the composite workpiece  102  relative to the second work cell  206 , conforming the composite workpiece  102  to the as-built shape  118 , and performing at least one post-cure processing operation (e.g., drilling) on the composite workpiece  102  in the second work cell  206  with the composite workpiece  102  appropriately indexed and conformed to the as-built shape  118 . 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS.  15 - 17   , in one or more examples, at least a portion of the system  100  is associated with the first work cell  204 . After the composite workpiece  102  is cured (e.g., using a curing apparatus, such as an oven or autoclave), the composite workpiece  102  is transported to the first work cell  204  on a tool  150 . In one or more examples, the tool  150  is a cure tool upon which the composite workpiece  102  was cured. 
     As best illustrated in  FIG.  12   , in one or more examples, the composite workpiece  102  is digitized while on the tool  150  to capture the as-built shape  118  of the composite workpiece  102 . In one or more examples, an as-built model  116  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  2   ) is generated that represents the composite workpiece  102  in the as-built shape  118 . 
     In one or more examples, an initial post-cure processing operation (e.g., a machining, drilling, or trimming operation) may be performed on the composite workpiece  102  while the composite workpiece  102  is on the tool  150  (e.g., in the first work cell  204 ). In these examples, the composite workpiece  102  is digitized after the initial post-cure processing operation. As such, the as-built model  116  may also represent initially machined features of the composite workpiece  102 . 
     As best illustrated in  FIG.  15   , in one or more examples, the composite workpiece  102  is removed from the tool  150  and is transported from the first work cell  204  to the second work cell  206  for performance of a post-cure processing operation. 
     As best illustrated in  FIG.  17   , in one or more examples, the composite workpiece  102  is then successively transported from one of the work cells  202  (e.g., the second work cell  206 ) to another one of the work cells  202  (e.g., the third work cell  208 ) for performance of subsequent post-cure processing operations. This process may be repeated any number of times to move the composite workpiece  102  through the work cells  202  and to perform any number of post-cure processing operations. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  2 - 4   , in one or more examples, the system  100  includes or is associated with at least one of the work cells  202  (e.g., the second work cell  206 ). The system  100  includes a plurality of workpiece holders  222 . The workpiece holders  222  hold the composite workpiece  102  in the second work cell  206 . Each one of the workpiece holders  222  is selectively controlled to index the composite workpiece  102  in the second work cell  206 . For example, with the composite workpiece  102  held by the workpiece holders  222 , the workpiece holders  222  appropriately position the composite workpiece  102  in the second work cell  206  for performance of a post-cure processing operation. Additionally, the workpiece holders  222  conform the composite workpiece  102  to the as-built shape  118  of the composite workpiece  102 , for example, before and/or during performance of a post-cure processing operation. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  5  and  6   , which schematically illustrate examples of a workpiece holder  106 . The workpiece holder  106  is an example of at least one of the workpiece holders  222  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS.  2 - 4   ). In some examples, each one of the workpiece holders  222  is substantially the same, for example, includes substantially the same features and/or operates substantially the same, as the workpiece holder  106 . In other examples, one or more of the workpiece holders  222  is different, for example, includes different features and/or operates different, than as the example of the workpiece holder  106 . 
     In one or more examples, the workpiece holder  106  includes a base  128  and a clamp  120 . The clamp  120  is coupled to the base  128 . In one or more examples, the clamp  120  is movable relative to the base  128  to appropriately position the clamp  120  in the work cell (e.g., the second work cell  206 ) and/or relative to the composite workpiece  102 . In one or more examples, the base  128  is located on a manufacturing floor of the manufacturing environment  200  (e.g.,  FIG.  1   ) in one of the work cells  202 (e.g., the second work cell  206 ). In one or more examples, the base  128  is movable relative to one of the work cells  202  (e.g., the second work cell  206 ) to appropriately locate the clamp  120  in the work cell and/or relative to the composite workpiece. 
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , in one or more examples, the base  128  of the workpiece holder  106  is linearly movable along a first translation axis  188  (e.g., in the directions of first directional arrow  224 ). In one or more examples, the base  128  of the workpiece holder  106  is linearly movable along a second translation axis  190  (e.g., in the directions of second directional arrow  226 ). The second translation axis  190  is approximately perpendicular to the first translation axis  188 . 
     With the clamp  120  unclamped from the composite workpiece  102 , movement of the base  128  along the first translation axis  188  locates the clamp  120  along the first translation axis  188 , for example, relative to the composite workpiece  102 . 
     With the clamp  120  clamped to the composite workpiece  102 , movement of the base  128  along the first translation axis  188  locates the composite workpiece  102  along the first translation axis  188 , for example, relative to an associated one of the work cells  202  (e.g., the second work cell  206 ) or relative to a machine tool  134  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  14   ) associated with one of the work cells  202  (e.g., the second work cell  206 ). 
     With the clamp  120  unclamped from the composite workpiece  102 , movement of the base  128  along the second translation axis  190  locates the clamp  120  along the second translation axis  190 , for example, relative to the composite workpiece  102 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2 - 6   , in one or more examples, the clamp  120  of the workpiece holder  106  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6   ) or any one of the workpiece holders  222  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS.  2 - 4   ) includes a first jaw  122 , a support member  124  that is coupled to the first jaw  122 , and a second jaw  126  that is coupled to the support member  124 . The second jaw  126  is movable along the support member  124  relative to the first jaw  122  to clamp the composite workpiece  102  between the first jaw  122  and the second jaw  126 . In one or more examples, the second jaw  126  and the first jaw  122  clamp the composite workpiece  102  in the as-built shape  118 . 
     Referring again to  FIG.  6   , in one or more examples, the second jaw  126  of the clamp  120  is linearly movable along a third translation axis  198  relative to the first jaw  122  (e.g., in the directions of third directional arrow  228 ). Movement of the second jaw  126  along the third translation axis  198  clamps or unclamps a portion of the composite workpiece  102  between the first jaw  122  and the second jaw  126 . 
     Referring still to  FIG.  6   , in one or more examples, the clamp  120  of the workpiece holder  106  is rotationally movable about a first rotation axis  184  relative to the base  128  of the workpiece holder  106  (e.g., in the directions of fourth directional arrow  232 ). In one or more examples, clamp  120  of the workpiece holder  106  is rotationally movable about a second rotation axis  186  relative to the base  128  of the workpiece holder  106  (e.g., in the directions of fifth directional arrow  230 ). The second rotation axis  186  is approximately perpendicular to the first rotation axis  184 . The second rotation axis  186  is approximately parallel to or coaxial with the first translation axis  188 . The first rotation axis  184  is approximately parallel to or coaxial with the second translation axis  190 . 
     With the clamp  120  unclamped from the composite workpiece  102 , movement of the clamp  120  about the second rotation axis  186  adjusts an angular orientation of the first jaw  122  and the second jaw  126  about the second rotation axis  186  relative to the composite workpiece  102 . 
     With the clamp  120  clamped to the composite workpiece  102 , movement of the clamp  120  about the first rotation axis  184  adjusts an angular orientation of the composite workpiece  102  about the first rotation axis  184 . 
     Accordingly, movement of the second jaw  126  relative to the first jaw  122  clamps the composite workpiece  102  within the clamp  120 . Movement of the clamp  120  relative to the base  128  and movement of the base  128  appropriately positions the composite workpiece  102  in one of the work cells  202 . For example, movement of the clamp  120  relative to the base  128  and movement of the base  128  indexes the composite workpiece  102  in one of the work cells  202  for performance of a post-cure processing operation. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  7 - 9   , which schematically illustrate examples of the clamp  120  of the workpiece holder  106 , and to  FIGS.  10  and  11   , which schematically illustrate examples of a portion of the clamp  120 . In one or more examples, the workpiece holder  106  (e.g., at least one of the workpiece holders  222 ) includes a plurality of numerical control contacts  136 . Throughout the present disclosure, the term “numerical control” may be referred to as “NC.” The numerical control contacts  136  are located along the first jaw  122 . The workpiece holder  106  also includes a plurality of force control contacts  138 . The force control contacts  138  are located along the second jaw  126 . 
     Each one of the numerical control contacts  136  is selectively movable relative to the first jaw  122  to a numerical control location  140  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS.  10  and  11   ). The numerical control location  140  for each one of the numerical control contacts  136  is based on the as-built shape  118  of the composite workpiece  102 . 
     Each one of the force control contacts  138  is selectively movable relative to the second jaw  126  to apply a shaping force  142  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS.  9 - 11   ) to the composite workpiece  102 . The shaping force  142 , applied by each one of the force control contacts  138 , forces the composite workpiece  102  against the numerical control contacts  136  to conform the composite workpiece  102  to the as-built shape  118  of the composite workpiece  102 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  7 ,  8  and  10   , in one or more examples, the composite workpiece  102  is positioned between the first jaw  122  and the second jaw  126  of the clamp  120 . In one or more examples, a portion of a first surface  144  of the composite workpiece  102  is supported on, is support by, or is in contact with one or more of the numerical control contacts  136  before the composite workpiece  102  is clamped between the first jaw  122  and the second jaw  126  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  7   ). 
     The second jaw  126  is moved toward the first jaw  122  (e.g., in the direction of third directional arrow  228  shown in  FIGS.  7  and  10   ) to move the force control contacts  138  toward a second surface  238  of the composite workpiece  102 . In one or more examples, the second jaw  126  is moved toward the first jaw  122  until at least one of the force control contacts  138  is in contact with the second surface  238  of the composite workpiece  102  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS.  8  and  10   ). In one or more examples, the second jaw  126  is moved toward the first jaw  122  to clamp a portion of the composite workpiece  102  between the first jaw  122  and the second jaw  126  and, more particularly, between at least one of the numerical control contacts  136  and at least one of the force control contacts  138 . 
     In one or more examples, each one of the numerical control contacts  136  is linearly movable (e.g., extends and retracts) relative to the first jaw  122  (e.g., in the directions of sixth directional arrow  234  shown in  FIG.  8   ). Each one of the numerical control contacts  136  moves (e.g., extends or retracts) to the numerical control location  140  associated with it (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  10   ). 
     In one or more examples, each one of the numerical control contacts  136  is moved to the numerical control location  140  before the composite workpiece  102  is placed between the first jaw  122  and the second jaw  126 . In one or more examples, each one of the numerical control contacts  136  is moved to the numerical control location  140  after the composite workpiece  102  is placed between the first jaw  122  and the second jaw  126 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  7   , with the numerical control contacts  136  moved to the numerical control location  140 , one or more of the numerical control contacts  136  may not be in contact with the first surface  144  of the composite workpiece  102  upon placement of the composite workpiece  102  between the first jaw  122  and the second jaw  126 . As illustrated in  FIGS.  8  and  10   , with the numerical control contacts  136  moved to the numerical control location  140 , one or more of the numerical control contacts  136  may not be in contact with the first surface  144  of the composite workpiece  102  upon initial movement of the second jaw  126  to initially clamp the composite workpiece  102 . 
     In one or more examples, the numerical control location  140  of each one of the numerical control contacts  136  corresponds to a coordinate location on the first surface  144  of the composite workpiece  102  having the as-built shape  118 . In one or more examples, the coordinate location on the first surface  144  of the composite workpiece  102  is represented by or is extracted from the as-built model  116  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  2   ) of the composite workpiece  102 . The as-built model  116  is representative of the composite workpiece  102  having the as-built shape  118 . As such, with each one of the numerical control contacts  136  at the numerical control location  140 , the numerical control contacts  136  match a shape or contour of the first surface  144  of the composite workpiece  102  having the as-built shape  118 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  8 ,  9  and  11   , with the composite workpiece  102  initially clamped between the first jaw  122  and the second jaw  126  and, more particularly, between at least one of the numerical control contacts  136  and at least one of the force control contacts  138 , each one of the force control contacts  138  moves into contact with the second surface  238  of the composite workpiece  102  and applies the shaping force  142  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS.  9  and  11   ) to a portion of the composite workpiece  102 . The shaping force  142 , applied by the force control contacts  138 , urges the portion of the composite workpiece  102  toward and against the numerical control contacts  136  such that the numerical control contacts  136  are in contact with the first surface  144  of the composite workpiece  102 . As such, the force control contacts  138  conform the composite workpiece  102  to the as-built shape  118 , which is defined by each one of the numerical control contacts  136  at the numerical control location  140 . 
     In one or more examples, each one of the force control contacts  138  is linearly movable (e.g., extends and retracts) relative to the second jaw  126  (e.g., in the directions of seventh directional arrow  236  shown in  FIGS.  8  and  11   ). Each one of the force control contacts  138  moves (e.g., extends) to apply the shaping force  142  to the composite workpiece  102 . In one or more examples, each one of the force control contacts  138  moves (e.g., extends) until a threshold force is achieved. In one or more examples, the shaping force  142  is less than or equal to the threshold force. As such, the threshold force limits the shaping force  142  or represents a maximum magnitude of the shaping force  142  required to urge the composite workpiece  102  against the numerical control contacts  136  and, thus, limits movement (e.g., extension) of the force control contacts  138 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  9  and  11   , with the numerical control contacts  136  moved to the numerical control location  140  and the force control contacts  138  moved until reaching the threshold force, each one of the numerical control contacts  136  is in contact with the first surface  144  of the composite workpiece  102  and each one of the force control contacts  138  is in contact with the second surface  238  of the composite workpiece  102 , the composite workpiece  102  is clamped between the numerical control contacts  136  and the force control contacts  138 , and the composite workpiece  102  is conformed to the as-built shape  118 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  10  and  11   , in one or more examples, each one of the numerical control contacts  136  includes a numerical control actuator  152  and a first vacuum gripper  154  that is coupled to the numerical control actuator  152 . 
     In one or more examples, the workpiece holder  106  also includes a first actuator control unit  156 . The first actuator control unit  156  controls extension and retraction of the numerical control actuator  152  to locate an end of the first vacuum gripper  154  at the numerical control location  140 . 
     In one or more examples, the first actuator control unit  156  is dedicated to and provides instructions to one of the numerical control contacts  136 . For example, each one of the numerical control contacts  136  includes the first actuator control unit  156 . 
     In one or more examples, the first actuator control unit  156  is shared by and provides instructions to more than one of the numerical control contacts  136 . For example, a set (e.g., portion) of the numerical control contacts  136  includes the first actuator control unit  156 . 
     Referring still to  FIGS.  10  and  11   , in one or more examples, each one of the force control contacts  138  includes a force control actuator  158  and a second vacuum gripper  160  that is coupled to the force control actuator  158 . 
     In one or more examples, the workpiece holder  106  includes a force sensor  162 . The force sensor  162  detects a load, or reaction force, applied to the force control actuator  158  by the composite workpiece  102  as the force control contacts  138  apply the shaping force  142  to the composite workpiece  102 . 
     In one or more examples, the workpiece holder  106  includes a second actuator control unit  164 . The second actuator control unit  164  controls extension and retraction of the force control actuator  158  to apply the shaping force  142  to the composite workpiece  102 . 
     The force sensor  162  is coupled to or is in communication with the second actuator control unit  164 . The load, or reaction force, applied to the force control actuator  158  by the composite workpiece  102  is compared to the threshold force. Upon the load, or reaction force, applied to the force control actuator  158  by the composite workpiece  102  and detected by the force sensor  162  being equal to the threshold value, the second actuator control unit  164  instructs the force control actuator  158  to stop moving. 
     In one or more examples, the second actuator control unit  164  is dedicated to and provides instructions to one of the force control contacts  138 . For example, each one of the force control contacts  138  includes the second actuator control unit  164 . 
     In one or more examples, the second actuator control unit  164  is shared by and provides instructions to more than one of the force control contacts  138 . For example, a set (e.g., portion) of the force control contacts  138  includes the second actuator control unit  164 . 
     In one or more examples, the force sensor  162  is dedicated to and detects the load applied to one of the force control contacts  138 . For example, each one of the force control contacts  138  includes the force sensor  162 . 
     In one or more examples, the force sensor  162  is shared by and detects loads applied to more than one of the force control contacts  138 . For example, a set (e.g., portion) of the force control contacts  138  includes the force sensor  162 . 
     Referring again to  FIG.  2   , in one or more examples, the workpiece holder  106  includes a drive mechanism  130 . In one or more examples, the drive mechanism  130  selectively moves the second jaw  126  along the support member  124  relative to the first jaw  122 . In one or more examples, the drive mechanism  130  selectively moves the clamp  120  relative to the base  128 . The drive mechanism  130  includes any suitable type and/or number of motor and drive systems, such as a mechanical drive, a hydraulic drive, an electric drive, a pneumatic drive, or a combination thereof. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  3 ,  4 ,  6  and  14   , in one or more examples, with the composite workpiece  102  held by the clamp  120  of the workpiece holder  106  (e.g., each one of the workpiece holders  222 ), the drive mechanism  130  rotates the clamp  120  about the first rotation axis  184  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  6   ) relative to the base  128  to adjust an angular orientation of the composite workpiece  102 . In one or more examples, with the composite workpiece  102  held by the clamp  120  of the workpiece holder  106  (e.g., each one of the workpiece holders  222 ), the drive mechanism  130  linearly moves the base  128  along at least one of the first translation axis  188  and the second translation axis  190  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  6   ) relative to one of the work cells  202  to adjust a location of the composite workpiece  102 . 
     In one or more examples, the composite workpiece  102  is initially positioned or loaded in the clamp  120 , between the first jaw  122  and the second jaw  126 , in first orientation, such as an approximately horizontal orientation (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  3   ). With the composite workpiece  102  in the first orientation (e.g., approximately horizontal orientation), the clamp  120  clamps the composite workpiece  102  between the first jaw  122  and the second jaw  126  and, more particularly, between the numerical control contacts  136  and the force control contacts  138 . The numerical control contacts  136  and the force control contacts  138  conform the composite workpiece  102  to the as-built shape  118 . 
     In one or more examples, the clamp  120  rotationally moves relative to the base  128  to move the composite workpiece  102  from the first orientation (e.g., approximately horizontal orientation) to a second orientation, such as an approximately vertical orientation (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  4   ). In one or more examples, a post-cure processing operation (e.g., drilling operation) is performed on the composite workpiece  102  in the second orientation (e.g., the approximately vertical orientation as shown in  FIG.  14   ). Additionally, movement of the clamp  120  relative to the base  128  and/or movement of the base  128  relative to one of the work cells  202  (e.g., the second work cell  206 ) indexes the composite workpiece  102  for performance of the post-cure processing operation. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  2  and  12   , which schematically illustrates an example of the first work cell  204 . In one or more examples, a portion of the system  100  is associated with the first work cell  204 . In one or more examples, the system  100  includes a first metrology system  148 , which may also be referred to as an as-built metrology system. In one or more examples, the first metrology system  148  is movable into the first work cell  204 . In one or more examples, at least a portion of the first metrology system  148  is positioned in the first work cell  204 . 
     The first metrology system  148  digitizes the composite workpiece  102  while the composite workpiece  102  is on the tool  150  and has the as-built shape  118 . In one or more examples, the first metrology system  148  generates as-built measurement data  146  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  2   ) for the composite workpiece  102 . The as-built measurement data  146  represents at least a portion of the composite workpiece  102  while the composite workpiece  102  is on the tool  150  and has the as-built shape  118 . 
     In an example, the first metrology system  148  digitizes at least the second surface  238  of the composite workpiece  102  such that the as-built measurement data  146  represents the shape, contour, and features (e.g., edges, holes, etc.) of the second surface  238  of the composite workpiece  102 . 
     In one or more examples, the as-built measurement data  146  is used to generate the as-built model  116  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  2   ) of the composite workpiece  102  having the as-built shape  118 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  13   , in one or more examples, at least a portion of the system  100  is associated with the second work cell  206 . In one or more examples, the system  100  includes a second metrology system  108 , which may also be referred to as a real-time second metrology system. In one or more examples, the second metrology system  108  is movable into the second work cell  206 . In one or more examples, at least a portion of the second metrology system  108  is positioned in the second work cell  206 . 
     The second metrology system  108  digitizes the composite workpiece  102  while the composite workpiece  102  is held in the second work cell  206  by the workpiece holders  222  and has the real-time shape  114 . In one or more examples, the second metrology system  108  generates real-time measurement data  132  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  2   ) for the composite workpiece  102 . The real-time measurement data  132  represents at least a portion of the composite workpiece  102  while the composite workpiece  102  is positioned in the second work cell  206  by the workpiece holders  222  and has the real-time shape  114 , for example, as held by the workpiece holders  222 . 
     In an example, the second metrology system  108  digitizes at least the second surface  238  of the composite workpiece  102  such that the real-time measurement data  132  represents the shape, contour, and features (e.g., edges, holes, etc.) of the second surface  238  of the composite workpiece  102 . In another example, the second metrology system  108  digitizes the first surface  144  and the second surface  238  of the composite workpiece  102  such that the real-time measurement data  132  represents the shape, contour, and features (e.g., edges, holes, etc.) of the first surface  144  and the second surface  238  of the composite workpiece  102 . 
     In one or more examples, the real-time measurement data  132  is used to generate a real-time model  112  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  2   ) that is representative of the composite workpiece  102  having the real-time shape  114 . 
     In one or more examples, the first metrology system  148  and/or the second metrology system  108  includes at least one scanner  246  that scans and digitizes at least a portion of the composite workpiece  102 . In one or more examples, the scanner  246  is any one of various types of three-dimensional (3D) scanners. In one or more examples, the scanner  246  includes, or is, a photogrammetric scanner, such as a photogrammetric camera. In other examples, the scanner  246  includes, or is, one of a laser triangulation scanner, a structured light scanner, other laser-based scanners or metrology systems, and the like. 
     Referring again to  FIG.  2   , in one or more examples, the scanner  246  of the first metrology system  148  and the second metrology system  108  captures the geometry (e.g., size and shape), contour (e.g., curvature), physical features (e.g., holes, edges, etc.), and other details of the composite workpiece  102 . Scan data (e.g., measurement data) generated the scanner  246  is used by a computer to generate a model of the composite workpiece  102 . The model of the composite workpiece  102  is a digital three-dimensional representation of the composite workpiece  102 . 
     In one or more examples, the system  100  includes a computing device  110 . The computing device  110  is adapted to manipulate the scanned measurement data representing the composite workpiece  102  (e.g., the as-built measurement data  146 , the real-time measurement data  132 , etc.) and/or to generate models representing the composite workpiece  102  (e.g., the as-built model  116 , the real-time model  112 , etc.) based on the scanned measurement data generated by the scanner  246 . 
     In one or more examples, the computing device  110  is operable to generate the as-built model  116  from the as-built measurement data  146  generated by the first metrology system  148 . The as-built model  116  is representative of the composite workpiece  102  having the as-built shape  118 , for example, as formed and/or cured on the tool  150 . 
     In one or more examples, the computing device  110  is operable to generate the real-time model  112  from the real-time measurement data  132  generated by the second metrology system  108 . The real-time model  112  is representative of the composite workpiece  102  having the real-time shape  114 , for example, as held by the workpiece holders  222 . 
     In one or more examples, the workpiece holders  222  are selectively controlled (e.g., by instructions provided by the computing device  110 ) to index the composite workpiece  102  within one of the work cells  202  (e.g., the second work cell  206 ). For example, the computing device  110  is programmed with an indexed position  196  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS.  13  and  14   ) of the composite workpiece  102  based on a predetermined virtual indexed position  172  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  13   ) of the as-built model  116  in the second work cell  206 . The computing device  110  is operable to instruct the workpiece holders  222  to move the composite workpiece  102  to the indexed position  196  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS.  13  and  14   ). 
     In one or more examples, the computing device  110  is operable to compare the real-time model  112  to the as-built model  116 . Comparison of the real-time model  112  to the as-built model  116  determines whether the composite workpiece  102  is appropriately indexed in the second work cell  206 . In situations where the comparison of the real-time model  112  to the as-built model  116  indicates that the composite workpiece  102  is not appropriately indexed, the computing device  110  is operable to instruct the workpiece holders  222  to adjust the position of the composite workpiece  102  in the second work cell  206  based on the comparison, such that the composite workpiece  102  is appropriately indexed. 
     In one or more examples, at least one of the workpiece holders  222  is selectively controlled (e.g., by instructions provided by the computing device  110 ) to conform the real-time shape  114  of the composite workpiece  102  to the as-built shape  118  of the composite workpiece  102 . For example, the computing device  110  is programmed with numerical control location  140  for each one of the numerical control contacts  136  based on the as-built model  116 . The computing device  110  instructs each one of the numerical control contacts  136  to extend or retract to the numerical control location  140  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  10   ) and instructs each one of the force control contacts  138  to extend and apply the shaping force  142  to the composite workpiece  102 . 
     In one or more examples, the computing device  110  is operable to compare the real-time model  112  to the as-built model  116 . Comparison of the real-time model  112  to the as-built model  116  determines whether the real-time shape  114  of the composite workpiece  102  is conformed to the as-built shape  118  of the composite workpiece  102 . In situations where the comparison indicates that the real-time shape  114  of the composite workpiece  102  is not conformed (e.g., does not substantially match) the as-built shape  118  of the composite workpiece  102 , the computing device  110  is operable to modify the numerical control location  140  of at least one of the numerical control contacts  136  of at least one of the workpiece holders  222  based on the comparison, such that the real-time shape  114  of the composite workpiece  102  is conformed (e.g., not substantially matches) the as-built shape  118  of the composite workpiece  102 . 
     The computing device  110  may include a single computer or several interconnected computers. For example, the computing device  110  may include any collection of computing devices that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to implement any one or more of the operations discussed herein. The computing device  110  includes a processor  240  (e.g., at least one processing unit) that is coupled to memory  242 . The memory  242  includes program code  244  that is executable by the processor  240  to perform one or more operations. 
     Generally, as used herein, the phrase “the computing device  110  is adapted to” refers to the computing device  110  being configured or otherwise operable to perform a function, such as the program code  244  being executed by the processor  240  to perform a desired operation or function. The program code  244  is any coded instructions that is (e.g., computer readable and/or machine readable. The memory  242  is any a non-transitory computer readable and/or machine readable medium, such as a hard disk drive, flash memory, read-only memory, a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a cache, random-access memory, and/or any other storage device or storage disk in which information is stored for any duration (e.g., for extended time periods, permanently, for brief instances, for temporarily buffering, and/or for caching of the information). 
     In one or more examples, the computing device  110  is adapted to perform various transforms (e.g., rigid body transforms and/or coordinate frame transforms) and/or other data manipulation operations (e.g., global best fit operations) to virtually compare the real-time model  112  to the as-built model  116 . For example, the computing device  110  determines at least one of a translation and a rotation required to transform the real-time model  112  to the as-built model  116 . In one or more examples, the translation and/or rotation determined by the transform is used by the computing device  110  to appropriately reposition the workpiece holders  222 , such that the composite workpiece  102  is appropriately indexed. In one or more examples, the translation and/or rotation determined by the transform is used by the computing device  110  to determine a modification for the numerical control location  140  of one or more of the numerical control contacts  136 , such that the real-time shape  114  of the composite workpiece  102  is conformed to the as-built shape  118  of the composite workpiece  102 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  14   , in one or more examples, the system  100  includes a machine tool  134 . The machine tool  134  is positioned (e.g., located and/or oriented) in one of the work cells  202  (e.g., the second work cell  206 ). The machine tool  134  performs at least one machining operation on the composite workpiece  102  while the composite workpiece  102  is indexed and held in the as-built shape  118  by the workpiece holders  222 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3 ,  4 ,  13  and  14   , in one or more examples, the system  100  includes a damping apparatus  174 . In one or more examples, the damping apparatus  174  is positioned (e.g., located and/or oriented) between a directly adjacent pair of the workpiece holders  222 . The damping apparatus  174  is coupled to the composite workpiece  102 . In one or more examples, the damping apparatus  174  is coupled to the first surface  144  of the composite workpiece  102  while the composite workpiece  102  is held (e.g., clamped and conformed) by the workpiece holders  222  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS.  4 ,  13  and  14   ). The damping apparatus  174  reduces vibration in the composite workpiece  102  during the machining operation performed by the machine tool  134  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  14   ). Coupling the damping apparatus  174  to the composite workpiece  102  increases a mass of the composite workpiece  102  at a localized area of the composite workpiece  102 , thereby reducing the vibrations induced in the composite workpiece  102  by the machine tool  134 . 
     Referring again to  FIG.  14   , in one or more examples, the second metrology system  108  digitizes the composite workpiece  102  during and/or after performing the post-cure processing operation and while the composite workpiece  102  is held by the workpiece holders  222 . In one or more examples, the second metrology system  108  generates as-machined measurement data  176  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  2   ) after the machining operation, for example, performed by the machine tool  134 . Accordingly, the second metrology system  108  may also be referred to as an as-machined metrology system. The as-machined measurement data  176  represents at least a portion of the composite workpiece  102  while the composite workpiece  102  is held by the workpiece holders  222  and has the as-machined shape  178  after the machining operation. 
     In an example, the second metrology system  108  digitizes at least the second surface  238  of the composite workpiece  102  such that the as-machined measurement data  176  represents the shape, contour, previous features (e.g., prior formed edges, holes, etc.) and newly added features (e.g., newly formed edges, holes, etc.) of the second surface  238  of the composite workpiece  102 . In another example, the second metrology system  108  digitizes the first surface  144  and the second surface  238  of the composite workpiece  102  such that the real-time measurement data  132  represents the shape, contour, previous features (e.g., prior formed edges, holes, etc.), and newly added features (e.g., newly formed edges, holes, etc.) of the first surface  144  and the second surface  238  of the composite workpiece  102 . 
     In one or more examples, the as-machined measurement data  176  is used to generate an as-machined model  180  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  2   ) that is representative of the composite workpiece  102  having the as-machined shape  178 . Accordingly, the as-machined model  180  represents an update to the as-built model  116 , which includes features formed during the machining operation. 
     In one or more examples, the computing device  110  is operable to generate the as-machined model  180  from the as-machined measurement data  176  generated by the second metrology system  108 . The as-machined model  180  is representative of the composite workpiece  102  having the as-machined shape  178 , for example, having the as-built shape  118  and newly added features as held by the workpiece holders  222 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1  and  17   , in one or more examples, at least a portion of the system  100  is associated with the third work cell  208 . In one or more examples, the third work cell  208  receives the composite workpiece  102  from the second work cell  206  after the machining operation is performed in the second work cell  206  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  16   ). 
     In one or more examples, the system  100  includes a plurality of second workpiece holders  182 . In one or more examples, the workpiece holder  106  (e.g., as described herein above and shown in  FIGS.  5 - 11   ) is an example of at least one of the second workpiece holders  182 . In some examples, each one of the second workpiece holders  182  is substantially the same, for example, includes substantially the same features and/or operates substantially the same, as the workpiece holder  106 . In other examples, one or more of the second workpiece holders  182  is different, for example, includes different features and/or operates different, than as the example of the workpiece holder  106 . 
     The second workpiece holders  182  clamp the composite workpiece  102  and hold the composite workpiece  102  in the third work cell  208  for performance of a subsequent post-cure processing operation. For example, with the composite workpiece  102  held by the second workpiece holders  182 , the second workpiece holders  182  appropriately position the composite workpiece  102  in the third work cell  208  for performance of the subsequent post-cure processing operation (e.g., machining, drilling, trimming, etc.). 
     In one or more examples, the second workpiece holders  182  are selectively controlled to index the composite workpiece  102  in the third work cell  208 , based on a comparison of the real-time model  112 , generated in the third work cell  208 , to the as-machined model  180 , generated in the second work cell  206 . Alternatively, the second workpiece holders  182  are selectively controlled to index the composite workpiece  102  in the third work cell  208 , based on a comparison of the real-time model  112 , generated in the third work cell  208 , to the as-built model  116 , generated in the first work cell  204 . 
     In one or more examples, the second workpiece holders  182  are selectively controlled to conform the composite workpiece  102  to the as-machined shape  178 , based on a comparison of the real-time model  112 , generated in the third work cell  208 , to the as-machined model  180 , generated in the second work cell  206 . Alternatively, the second workpiece holders  182  are selectively controlled to conform the composite workpiece  102  to the as-built shape  118 , based on a comparison of the real-time model  112 , generated in the third work cell  208 , to the as-built model  116 , generated in the first work cell  204 . 
     It can be appreciated that this process may be repeated as the composite workpiece  102  moves through the other work cells  202  of the manufacturing environment  200 . For example, workpiece holders associated with each one of the work cells  202  hold the composite workpiece  102  during performance of a subsequent post-cure processing operation, index the composite workpiece  102  before performing the subsequent post-cure processing operation, and conform the composite workpiece  102  to the as-built shape  118 , or to the as-machined shape  178  of an immediately prior one of the work cells  202 , before performing the subsequent post-cure processing operation. Additionally, the as-machined model  180  may be generated or updated after each subsequent post-cure processing operation, such that, upon completion of all post-cure processing operations, the as-machined model  180  represents the composite workpiece  102  having the as-built shape  118  and all the machined features. As such, the composite workpiece  102  fabricated in this manner may be used for determinant assembly or predictive assembly of another structure, such as the wing  1220  of the aircraft  1200  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  20   ). 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  13 ,  14 ,  16  and  17   , in one or more examples, the system  100  includes an overhead workpiece handler  166 . The overhead workpiece handler  166  is coupled to the composite workpiece  102 . The overhead workpiece handler  166  supports the composite workpiece  102  while transporting the composite workpiece  102  between the work cells  202 . 
     In one or more examples, with the composite workpiece  102  released from the clamp  120  of each one of the workpiece holders  222 , the overhead workpiece handler  166  transports the composite workpiece  102  between the work cells  202  of the manufacturing environment  200 . For example, the overhead workpiece handler  166  transports the composite workpiece  102  from the second work cell  206 , following the post-cure processing operation, to the third work cell  208  for performance of a subsequent processing operation, and so on. In one or more examples, the overhead workpiece handler  166  carries the composite workpiece in the approximately vertical orientation. 
     In one or more examples, the overhead workpiece handler  166  also supports the composite workpiece  102  during the post-cure processing operation and while the composite workpiece  102  is held by the workpiece holders  222  (or the second workpiece holders  182 , third workpiece holders, etc.). For example, the overhead workpiece handler  166  supports the composite workpiece  102  during periods where at least a portion of the composite workpiece  102  is unclamped from at least one of the workpiece holders  222 , for example, during relocating or reorienting at least one of the workpiece holders  222  relative to the composite workpiece  102  or during adjustment of at least one of the numerical control contacts  136  of at least one of the workpiece holders  222  to conform the composite workpiece  102  to the as-built shape  118 . 
     In one or more examples, with the composite workpiece  102  coupled to the overhead workpiece handler  166  and released from the clamp  120  of the workpiece holder  106  (e.g., at least one of the workpiece holders  222 ), the drive mechanism  130  of the workpiece holder  106  rotates the clamp  120  about the second rotation axis  186  relative to the base  128  of the workpiece holder  106  to angularly orient the first jaw  122  and the second jaw  126  of the clamp  120  relative to the composite workpiece  102 . 
     In one or more examples, with the composite workpiece  102  coupled to the overhead workpiece handler  166  and held by the clamp  120  of the workpiece holder  106  (e.g., at least one of the workpiece holders  222 ), the drive mechanism  130  of the workpiece holder  106  linearly moves the clamp  120  along the first translation axis  188  to horizontally position the composite workpiece  102  in one of the work cells  202 . 
     In one or more examples, with the composite workpiece  102  coupled to the overhead workpiece handler  166  and released from the clamp  120  of the workpiece holder  106  (e.g., at least one of the workpiece holders  222 ), the workpiece holder  106  linearly moves along the second translation axis  190  to position the first jaw  122  and the second jaw  126  of the clamp  120  relative to the composite workpiece  102 . 
     In one or more examples, the overhead workpiece handler  166  includes a support beam  168  and a plurality of hangers  170 . The hangers  170  are connected to the support beam  168  and to the composite workpiece  102  such that the composite workpiece  102  is suspended from the support beam  168 , such as in the approximately vertical orientation. 
     In one or more examples, the hangers  170  are connected to the composite workpiece  102  at, or using, holes  248  machined in the composite workpiece, such that the composite workpiece  102  is suspended from the hangers  170  by the holes  248 . In one or more examples, the holes  248  are machined through the composite workpiece  102  while the composite workpiece  102  is on the tool  150  (e.g., in the first work cell  204 ) and has the as-built shape  118 . In one or more examples, the holes  248  are represented in the as-built model  116  and in the real-time model  112  and are used as alignment features during comparison (e.g., transform) of the real-time model  112  to the as-built model  116  for indexing the composite workpiece  102  and/or for conforming the composite workpiece  102  to the as-built shape  118 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  12  and  15   , in one or more examples, the system  100  includes a material handler  194 . The material handler  194  demolds (e.g., separates and removes) the composite workpiece  102  from the tool  150 . In one or more examples, the material handler  194  transports the composite workpiece  102  directly to the workpiece holders  222  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  15   ). For example, the material handler  194  demolds the composite workpiece  102  from the tool  150  in the first work cell  204  and transports the composite workpiece  102  to the workpiece holders  222  associated with the second work cell  206 . In one or more examples, the composite workpiece  102  is coupled to the overhead workpiece handler  166  while the composite workpiece  102  is held by the workpiece holders  222 , for example, in the second work cell  206 . 
     In one or more examples, the material handler  194  transports the composite workpiece  102  in the approximately horizontal orientation. The clamp  120  of the workpiece holder  106  (e.g., each one of the workpiece holders  222 ) receives the composite workpiece  102  from the material handler  194  with the composite workpiece  102  in the approximately horizontal orientation. 
     In one or more examples, the overhead workpiece handler  166  receives the composite workpiece  102  from the material handler  194  and transports the composite workpiece  102  from the first work cell  204  to the second work cell  206 . 
     The present disclosure is also directed to a method for handling the composite workpiece  102  using the system  100 . The present disclosure is further directed to the composite workpiece  102  manufactured using the system  100 . The present disclosure is additionally directed to the system  100  for handling the composite workpiece  102  that includes the workpiece holder  106  (e.g., at least one of the workpiece holders  222 ). The present disclosure is also directed to the workpiece holder  106 , such as the plurality of workpiece holders  222 , for handling the composite workpiece  102 , for example, in at least one of the work cells  202  of the manufacturing environment  200 . 
     Referring generally to  FIGS.  1 - 17    and particularly to  FIG.  18   , by way of examples, the present disclosure is also directed to a method  1000  for handling the composite workpiece  102 . The method  1000  for handling the composite workpiece  102  is implements during, or forms a portion of, a method for post-cure processing of the composite workpiece  102 . In one or more examples, the method  1000  is implemented using the system  100 . 
     Generally, the method  1000  includes, or begins with, a step of forming a composite layup on a tool surface of the tool  150 . Alternatively, the method  1000  includes a step of forming the composite layup on a dedicate layup tool and a step of transferring the composite layup to the tool  150  for curing. The method  1000  also includes a step of curing the composite layup (e.g., an uncured or “green” composite) on the tool  150  to form the composite workpiece  102  (e.g., a cured composite). 
     In one or more examples, the method  1000  includes a step of performing at least one (e.g., an initial) post-cure processing operation on the composite workpiece  102  while the composite workpiece  102  is on the tool  150  and has the as-built shape  118 . For example, the holes  248  may be machined (e.g., drilled) through the composite workpiece  102 , while the composite workpiece  102  is on the tool  150  and has the as-built shape  118 . 
     In one or more examples, the method  1000  includes a step of digitizing at least a portion of the composite workpiece  102  while the composite workpiece  102  is on the tool  150 . In one or more examples, the step of digitizing the composite workpiece  102  includes a step of (block  1002 ) generating the as-built measurement data  146  for the composite workpiece  102 . In one or more examples, the as-built measurement data  146  is generated using the first metrology system  148 . In one or more examples, the as-built measurement data  146  is generated while the composite workpiece  102  is on the tool  150  and has the as-built shape  118 . In one or more examples, the step of digitizing at least a portion of the composite workpiece  102  includes a step of generating the as-built model  116  using the as-built measurement data  146 . 
     In one or more examples, the method  1000  includes a step of demolding the composite workpiece  102  from the tool  150 . In one or more examples, the step of demolding the composite workpiece  102  includes a step of separating the composite workpiece  102  from the tool surface and a step of removing the composite workpiece  102  from the tool  150 . In one or more examples, the step of demolding is preformed automatically or semi-automatically using the material handler  194 . In one or more examples, the step of demolding is performed manually. 
     In one or more examples, the method  1000  includes a step of (block  1004 ) transporting the composite workpiece  102 . For example, the composite workpiece  102  is transported from one of the work cells  202  (e.g., the first work cell  204 ) to another one of the work cells  202  (e.g., the second work cell  206 ) of the manufacturing environment  200 . 
     In one or more examples, the composite workpiece  102  is transported from one of the work cells  202  (e.g., the first work cell  204 ) to another one of the work cells  202  (e.g., the second work cell  206 ) using the material handler  194 . In one or more examples, the composite workpiece  102  is transported from one of the work cells  202  (e.g., the second work cell  206 ) to another one of the work cells  202  (e.g., the third work cell  208 ) using the overhead workpiece handler  166 . 
     In one or more examples, the method  1000  includes a step of (block  1006 ) holding the composite workpiece  102 . In one or more examples, the composite workpiece  102  is held using the workpiece holder  106  (e.g., at least one of the workpiece holders  222 ). For example, the composite workpiece  102  is held in one of the work cells  202  (e.g., the second work cell  206 ) using the workpiece holders  222 . 
     In one or more examples, according to the method  1000 , the step of (block  1006 ) holding the composite workpiece  102  includes a step of clamping the composite workpiece  102  using the clamp  120  of the workpiece holder  106  (e.g., each one of the workpiece holders  222 ). For example, the composite workpiece  102  is clamped between the first jaw  122  and the second jaw  126  of the clamp  120  of the workpiece holder  106  (e.g., at least one of the workpiece holders  222 ). 
     In one or more examples, the method  1000  includes a step of (block  1008 ) indexing the composite workpiece  102 . In one or more examples, the composite workpiece  102  is indexed using the workpiece holder  106  (e.g., at least one of the workpiece holders  222 ). For example, the composite workpiece  102  is indexed in (e.g., relative to) one of the work cells  202  (e.g., the second work cell  206 ) by selectively controlling the workpiece holder  106  (e.g., at least one of the workpiece holders  222 ). 
     In one or more examples, according to the method  1000 , the step of (block  1008 ) indexing the composite workpiece  102  in the work cell  206  includes a step of positioning the composite workpiece  102  in the indexed position  196  in the work cell  206  based on the virtual indexed position  172  of the as-built model  116  of the composite workpiece  102  in the work cell  206 . 
     In one or more examples, according to the method  1000 , the step of (block  1008 ) indexing the composite workpiece  102  in the work cell  206  also includes a step of generating the real-time model  112  of the composite workpiece  102  that is representative of a real-time position  192  of the composite workpiece  102  in the work cell  206 . The step of (block  1008 ) indexing the composite workpiece  102  in the work cell  206  further includes a step of comparing the real-time position  192  of the real-time model  112  to the virtual indexed position  172  of the as-built model  116 . The step of (block  1008 ) indexing the composite workpiece  102  in the work cell  206  additionally includes a step of repositioning the composite workpiece  102  in the indexed position  196  in the work cell  206  based on a comparison of the real-time position  192  and the virtual indexed position  172 . 
     In one or more examples, according to the method  1000 , the step of (block  1008 ) indexing the composite workpiece  102  includes a step of moving the clamp  120  of the workpiece holder  106  (e.g., at least one of the workpiece holders  222 ) relative to the base  128  of the workpiece holder  106  based on the indexed (e.g., nominal) position of the as-built model  116  of the composite workpiece  102 . 
     In one or more examples, the method  1000  includes a step of (block  1010 ) conforming the composite workpiece  102  to the as-built shape  118  of the composite workpiece  102 . In one or more examples, the composite workpiece  102  is conformed to the as-built shape  118  using the workpiece holder  106  (e.g., at least one of the workpiece holders  222 ). For example, the composite workpiece  102  is conformed to the as-built shape  118  by selectively controlling the workpiece holder  106  (e.g., at least one of the workpiece holders  222 ). 
     In one or more examples, according to the method  1000 , the step of (block  1010 ) conforming the composite workpiece  102  to the as-built shape  118  of the composite workpiece  102  includes a step of determining a plurality of coordinate locations on the first surface  144  of the composite workpiece  102  represented by the as-built model  116  of the composite workpiece  102 . The step of (block  1010 ) conforming the composite workpiece  102  to the as-built shape  118  of the composite workpiece  102  also includes a step of shaping the composite workpiece  102  to align the first surface  144  of the composite workpiece  102  with the plurality of coordinate locations. 
     Generally, the plurality of coordinate locations is representative of a shape or contour of the first surface  144  of the composite workpiece  102  with the composite workpiece  102  in the as-built shape  118 . The step of shaping the composite workpiece  102  to align the first surface  144  of the composite workpiece  102  with the plurality of coordinate locations shapes or positions the first surface  144  of the composite workpiece  102  in the as-built shape  118 . 
     In one or more examples, according to the method  1000 , the step of shaping the composite workpiece  102  to align the first surface  144  of the composite workpiece  102  with the plurality of coordinate locations includes a step of moving each one of the plurality of numerical control contacts  136  relative to the first jaw  122  of the clamp  120  of each one of the plurality of workpiece holders  222  to a corresponding one of the plurality of numerical control locations  140  that correspond to the plurality of coordinate locations on the first surface  144 . The step of shaping the composite workpiece  102  to align the first surface  144  of the composite workpiece  102  with the plurality of coordinate locations also includes a step of moving each one of the plurality of force control contacts  138  relative to the second jaw  126  of the clamp  120  each one of the plurality of workpiece holders  222  to force the first surface  144  of the composite workpiece  102  against the plurality of numerical control contacts  136 . 
     For example, the step of (block  1010 ) conforming the composite workpiece  102  to the as-built shape  118  includes a step of moving each one of numerical control contacts  136  of the workpiece holder  106  (e.g., at least one of the workpiece holders  222 ) relative to the first jaw  122  of the workpiece holder  106 . Each one of the numerical control contacts  136  is moved to the numerical control location  140  based on the as-built shape  118  of the composite workpiece  102 . In one or more examples, the numerical control location  140  of each one of the numerical control contacts  136  corresponds to a coordinate location on the first surface  144  of the composite workpiece  102 , which is represented by the as-built model  116  of the composite workpiece  102 . 
     For example, the step of (block  1010 ) conforming the composite workpiece  102  to the as-built shape  118  also includes a step of moving each one of the force control contacts  138  of the workpiece holder  106  (e.g., at least one of the workpiece holders  222 ) relative to the second jaw  126  of the workpiece holder  106 . Each one of the force control contacts  138  applies (e.g., is moved to apply) the shaping force  142  to the composite workpiece  102 . In one or more examples, the method  1000  also includes a step of limiting the shaping force  142  to be less than or equal to the threshold force. 
     For example, the step of (block  1010 ) conforming the composite workpiece  102  to the as-built shape  118  includes a step of urging, or forcing, the composite workpiece  102  against the numerical control contacts  136  to conform the composite workpiece  102  to the as-built shape  118  of the composite workpiece  102 . 
     In one or more examples, according to the method  1000 , the step of (block  1010 ) conforming the composite workpiece  102  to the as-built shape  118  of the composite workpiece  102  includes a step of generating the real-time model  112  of the composite workpiece  102  that is representative of a real-time shape  114  of the composite workpiece  102  in the work cell  206  as held by the plurality of workpiece holders  222 . The step of (block  1010 ) conforming the composite workpiece  102  to the as-built shape  118  of the composite workpiece  102  also includes a step of comparing the real-time shape  114  of the real-time model  112  to the as-built shape  118  of the as-built model  116 . The step of (block  1010 ) conforming the composite workpiece  102  to the as-built shape  118  of the composite workpiece  102  further includes a step of modifying at least one of the numerical control locations  140  based on a comparison of the real-time model  112  to the as-built model  116 . 
     In one or more examples, the method  1000  includes a step of digitizing at least a portion of the composite workpiece  102  while the composite workpiece  102  is held by the workpiece holders  222 . In one or more examples, the step of digitizing at least a portion of the composite workpiece  102  includes a step of (block  1012 ) generating the real-time measurement data  132  for the composite workpiece  102 . In one or more examples, the real-time measurement data  132  is generated using the second metrology system  108 . In one or more examples, the real-time measurement data  132  is generated while the composite workpiece  102  is held by the workpiece holders  222  and has the real-time shape  114 . In one or more examples, the step of digitizing at least a portion of the composite workpiece  102  includes a step of generating the real-time model  112  using the real-time measurement data  132 . 
     In one or more examples, the method  1000  includes a step of (block  1014 ) comparing the real-time model  112  (or the real-time measurement data  132 ) to the as-built model  116  (or the as-built measurement data  146 ). In one or more examples, step of (block  1014 ) comparing the real-time model  112  to the as-built model  116  includes a step of determining a transform that fits the real-time model  112  to the as-built model  116 . 
     In one or more examples, the method  1000  includes a step of confirming that the composite workpiece  102  is appropriately indexed based on the comparison of the real-time model  112  to the as-built model  116 . In one or more examples, the method  1000  includes a step of confirming that the composite workpiece  102  is conformed to the as-built shape  118  based on the comparison of the real-time model  112  to the as-built model  116 . 
     In one or more examples, the step of (block  1008 ) indexing the composite workpiece  102  includes a step of moving (e.g., repositioning) the clamp  120  of the workpiece holder  106  (e.g., at least one of the workpiece holders  222 ) and/or the base  128  of the workpiece holder  106  based on the comparison of the real-time model  112  to the as-built model  116 . 
     In one or more examples, the step of (block  1010 ) conforming the composite workpiece  102  to the as-built shape  118  includes a step of modifying the numerical control location  140  of at least one of the numerical control contacts  136  of the workpiece holder  106  (e.g., at least one of the of workpiece holders  222 ) based on the comparison of the real-time model  112  to the as-built model  116 . 
     In one or more examples, the method  1000  includes a step of (block  1016 ) performing a machining operation on the composite workpiece  102  while the composite workpiece  102  is held in the indexed position  196  and in the as-built shape  118  by the workpiece holders  222 . In one or more examples, the machining operation is automatically performed using the machine tool  134 , for example, under direction from the computing device  110 . 
     In one or more examples, the method  1000  includes a step of (block  1018 ) reducing vibration in the composite workpiece  102  while performing the machining operation. In one or more examples, vibrations in the composite workpiece  102  are reduced using the damping apparatus  174 , which is coupled to the composite workpiece  102 . 
     In one or more examples, the method  1000  includes a step of coupling the damping apparatus  174  to the composite workpiece  102 . In one or more examples, the damping apparatus  174  is coupled to the composite workpiece  102  between a directly adjacent pair of the workpiece holders  222 . Generally, damping apparatus  174  is coupled to the composite workpiece  102  before performing the step of (block  1016 ) performing the machining operation on the composite workpiece  102 . 
     In one or more examples, the method  1000  includes a step of suspending the composite workpiece  102 , for example, in the approximately vertical orientation. In one or more examples, the composite workpiece  102  is suspended from the overhead workpiece handler  166 . 
     In one or more examples, with the composite workpiece  102  coupled to the overhead workpiece handler  166 , the method  1000  includes a step of unclamping the composite workpiece  102  from the clamp  120  of the workpiece holder  106  (e.g., at least one of the workpiece holders  222 ). The method  1000  includes a step of rotationally moving the clamp  120  of the workpiece holder  106  (e.g., at least one of the workpiece holders  222 ) relative to the base  128  of the workpiece holder  106  to angularly orient the first jaw  122  and the second jaw  126  relative to the composite workpiece  102 . These steps may be used to reposition the clamp  120  so that the composite workpiece  102  is appropriately indexed (e.g., block  1008 ) or so that the composite workpiece  102  appropriately conformed to the as-built shape  118  (e.g., block  1010 ). 
     In one or more examples, with the composite workpiece  102  coupled to the overhead workpiece handler  166 , the method  1000  includes a step of unclamping the composite workpiece  102  from the clamp  120  of the workpiece holder  106  (e.g., at least one of the workpiece holders  222 . The method  1000  includes a step of linearly moving the workpiece holder  106  (e.g., at least one of the workpiece holders  222 ) to position the first jaw  122  and the second jaw  126  of the clamp  120  relative to the composite workpiece  102 . These steps may be used to reposition the clamp  120  so that the composite workpiece  102  is appropriately indexed (e.g., block  1008 ) or so that the composite workpiece  102  appropriately conformed to the as-built shape  118  (e.g., block  1010 ). 
     In one or more examples, the method  1000  includes a step of digitizing at least a portion of the composite workpiece  102  after the machining operation (e.g., block  1016 ). In one or more examples, the step of digitizing at least a portion of the composite workpiece  102  includes a step of (block  1020 ) generating the as-machined measurement data  176  for the composite workpiece  102 . In one or more examples, the as-machined measurement data  176  is generated using the second metrology system  108 . In one or more examples, the as-machined measurement data  176  is generated while the composite workpiece  102  is held by the workpiece holders  222  and has the as-machined shape  178  (e.g., the as-built shape  118  updated with newly added features). In one or more examples, the step of digitizing at least a portion of the composite workpiece  102  includes a step of generating the as-machined model  180  using the as-machined measurement data  176 . 
     In one or more examples, at least a portion of the steps described above are repeated a number of times as the composite workpiece  102  moves through the work cells  202  and a number of post-processing operations are performed on the composite workpiece  102 . 
     The present disclosure is also directed to the system  100  for handling the composite workpiece  102 , which is implemented according to the method  1000 . The present disclosure is further directed to the composite workpiece  102  that is manufacturing according to the method  1000 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  19  and  20   , examples of the system  100 , the method  1000 , and the composite workpiece  102  may be related to, or used in the context of, an aircraft manufacturing and service method  1100 , as shown in the flow diagram of  FIG.  19    and the aircraft  1200 , as schematically illustrated in  FIG.  20   . For example, the aircraft  1200  and/or the aircraft production and service method  1100  may utilize the composite workpiece  102  that is held and machined using the system  100 , described herein and illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 17   , and/or according to the method  1000 , described herein and illustrated in  FIG.  18   . 
     Referring to  FIG.  20   , examples of the aircraft  1200  may include an airframe  1202  having the interior  1206 . The aircraft  1200  also includes a plurality of high-level systems  1204 . Examples of the high-level systems  1204  include one or more of a propulsion system  1208 , an electrical system  1210 , a hydraulic system  1212 , an environmental system  1214 , and a flight control system  1216 . In other examples, the aircraft  1200  may include any number of other types of systems, such as a communications system, a guidance system, a weapons system, and the like. In one or more examples, the composite workpiece  102  made (e.g., held, machined and/or processed) using the system  100  and/or according to the method  1000  forms a component of the airframe  1202 , such as a wing  1220 , a fuselage  1218 , a tail  1224 , a vertical stabilizer  1226 , a horizontal stabilizer  1228  or a panel, a stringer, a spar, or another component thereof. 
     Referring to  FIG.  19   , during pre-production, the service method  1100  includes specification and design of the aircraft  1200  (block  1102 ) and material procurement (block  1104 ). During production of the aircraft  1200 , component and subassembly manufacturing (block  1106 ) and system integration (block  1108 ) of the aircraft  1200  take place. Thereafter, the aircraft  1200  goes through certification and delivery (block  1110 ) to be placed in service (block  1112 ). Routine maintenance and service (block  1114 ) includes modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, etc. of one or more systems of the aircraft  1200 . 
     Each of the processes of the service method  1100  illustrated in  FIG.  19    may be performed or carried out by a system integrator, a third party, and/or an operator (e.g., a customer). For the purposes of this description, a system integrator may include, without limitation, any number of spacecraft manufacturers and major-system subcontractors; a third party may include, without limitation, any number of vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers; and an operator may be an airline, leasing company, military entity, service organization, and so on. 
     Examples of the system  100  and the method  1000  shown and described herein may be employed during any one or more of the stages of the manufacturing and service method  1100  shown in the flow diagram illustrated by  FIG.  19   . In an example, manufacture of the composite workpiece  102  in accordance with the method  1000  and/or using the system  100  may form a portion of component and subassembly manufacturing (block  1106 ) and/or system integration (block  1108 ). Further, the composite workpiece  102  manufactured in accordance with the method  1000  and/or using the system  100  may be utilized in a manner similar to components or subassemblies prepared while the aircraft  1200  is in service (block  1112 ). Also, the composite workpiece  102  manufactured in accordance with the method  1000  and/or using the system  100  may be utilized during system integration (block  1108 ) and certification and delivery (block  1110 ). Similarly, manufacture of the composite workpiece  102  in accordance with the method  1000  and/or using the system  100  may be utilized, for example and without limitation, while the aircraft  1200  is in service (block  1112 ) and during maintenance and service (block  1114 ). For example, spare and or replacement composite parts may be fabricated in accordance with the method  1000  and/or using the system  100 , which may be installed due to a prescribed maintenance cycle or after a realization of damage to a composite part. 
     In can be appreciated that performing at least a portion of the post-cure processing operation on the composite workpiece  102  while the composite workpiece  102  is held, indexed, and conformed to the as-built shape  118  by the workpiece holders (e.g., workpiece holders  222 , second workpiece holders  182 , etc.) in one or more of the work cells  202 , and updating the model of the composite workpiece  102  (e.g., the as-machined model  180 ) after each subsequent post-cure processing operation may improve the accuracy and speed of the processing operation and enable determinant or predictive assembly using the composite workpiece  102 . 
     Although an aerospace example is shown, the examples and principles disclosed herein may be applied to other industries, such as the automotive industry, the space industry, the construction industry, and other design and manufacturing industries. Accordingly, in addition to aircraft, the examples and principles disclosed herein may apply to composite structures, systems, and methods of making the same for other types of vehicles (e.g., land vehicles, marine vehicles, space vehicles, etc.) and stand-alone structures. 
     The preceding detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific examples described by the present disclosure. Other examples having different structures and operations do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. Like reference numerals may refer to the same feature, element, or component in the different drawings. Throughout the present disclosure, any one of a plurality of items may be referred to individually as the item and a plurality of items may be referred to collectively as the items and may be referred to with like reference numerals. Moreover, as used herein, a feature, element, component or step preceded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding a plurality of features, elements, components or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. 
     Illustrative, non-exhaustive examples, which may be, but are not necessarily, claimed, of the subject matter according to the present disclosure are provided above. Reference herein to “example” means that one or more feature, structure, element, component, characteristic, and/or operational step described in connection with the example is included in at least one aspect, embodiment, and/or implementation of the subject matter according to the present disclosure. Thus, the phrases “an example,” “another example,” “one or more examples,” and similar language throughout the present disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example. Further, the subject matter characterizing any one example may, but does not necessarily, include the subject matter characterizing any other example. Moreover, the subject matter characterizing any one example may be, but is not necessarily, combined with the subject matter characterizing any other example. 
     As used herein, a system, apparatus, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware “configured to” perform a specified function is indeed capable of performing the specified function without any alteration, rather than merely having potential to perform the specified function after further modification. In other words, the system, apparatus, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware “configured to” perform a specified function is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the specified function. As used herein, “configured to” denotes existing characteristics of a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that enable the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware to perform the specified function without further modification. For purposes of this disclosure, a system, apparatus, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware described as being “configured to” perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being “adapted to” and/or as being “operative to” perform that function. 
     Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does not require or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower-numbered item, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item. 
     For the purpose of this disclosure, the terms “coupled,” “coupling,” and similar terms refer to two or more elements that are joined, linked, fastened, attached, connected, put in communication, or otherwise associated (e.g., mechanically, electrically, fluidly, optically, electromagnetically) with one another. In various examples, the elements may be associated directly or indirectly. As an example, element A may be directly associated with element B. As another example, element A may be indirectly associated with element B, for example, via another element C. It will be understood that not all associations among the various disclosed elements are necessarily represented. Accordingly, couplings other than those depicted in the figures may also exist. 
     For the purpose of the present disclosure, the term “position” of an item refers to a location of the item in three-dimensional space relative to a fixed reference frame and an angular orientation of the item in three-dimensional space relative to the fixed reference frame. 
     As used herein, relative positional (e.g., locational and/or orientational) terms, such as parallel, perpendicular, horizontal, vertical, and similar terms include approximations of such positional terms (e.g., approximately parallel, approximately perpendicular, approximately, vertical, approximately horizontal, etc.). 
     As used herein, the term “approximately” refers to or represent a condition that is close to, but not exactly, the stated condition that still performs the desired function or achieves the desired result. As an example, the term “approximately” refers to a condition that is within an acceptable predetermined tolerance or accuracy, such as to a condition that is within 10% of the stated condition. However, the term “approximately” does not exclude a condition that is exactly the stated condition. As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to a condition that is essentially the stated condition that performs the desired function or achieves the desired result. 
     Conditional language such as, among others, “can” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, are understood within the context as used to generally convey that a certain example includes, while other examples do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more examples or that one or more examples necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any example. 
       FIGS.  1 - 17  and  20   , referred to above, may represent functional elements, features, or components thereof and do not necessarily imply any particular structure. Accordingly, modifications, additions and/or omissions may be made to the illustrated structure. Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all elements, features, and/or components described and illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 17  and  20   , referred to above, need be included in every example and not all elements, features, and/or components described herein are necessarily depicted in each illustrative example. Accordingly, some of the elements, features, and/or components described and illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 17  and  20    may be combined in various ways without the need to include other features described and illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 17  and  20   , other drawing figures, and/or the accompanying disclosure, even though such combination or combinations are not explicitly illustrated herein. Similarly, additional features not limited to the examples presented, may be combined with some or all of the features shown and described herein. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the schematic illustrations of the examples depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 17  and  20   , referred to above, are not meant to imply structural limitations with respect to the illustrative example. Rather, although one illustrative structure is indicated, it is to be understood that the structure may be modified when appropriate. Accordingly, modifications, additions and/or omissions may be made to the illustrated structure. Furthermore, elements, features, and/or components that serve a similar, or at least substantially similar, purpose are labeled with like numbers in each of  FIGS.  1 - 17  and  20   , and such elements, features, and/or components may not be discussed in detail herein with reference to each of  FIGS.  1 - 17  and  20   . Similarly, all elements, features, and/or components may not be labeled in each of  FIGS.  1 - 17  and  20   , but reference numerals associated therewith may be utilized herein for consistency. 
     In  FIGS.  18  and  19   , referred to above, the blocks may represent operations, steps, and/or portions thereof and lines connecting the various blocks do not imply any particular order or dependency of the operations or portions thereof. It will be understood that not all dependencies among the various disclosed operations are necessarily represented.  FIGS.  18  and  19    and the accompanying disclosure describing the operations of the disclosed methods set forth herein should not be interpreted as necessarily determining a sequence in which the operations are to be performed. Rather, although one illustrative order is indicated, it is to be understood that the sequence of the operations may be modified when appropriate. Accordingly, modifications, additions and/or omissions may be made to the operations illustrated and certain operations may be performed in a different order or simultaneously. Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all operations described need be performed. 
     Further, references throughout the present specification to features, advantages, or similar language used herein do not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the examples disclosed herein should be, or are in, any single example. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an example is included in at least one example. Thus, discussion of features, advantages, and similar language used throughout the present disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example. 
     The described features, advantages, and characteristics of one example may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more other examples. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the examples described herein may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular example. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain examples that may not be present in all examples. Furthermore, although various examples of the system  100 , the workpiece holder  106 , the method  1000 , and the composite workpiece  102  have been shown and described, modifications may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. The present application includes such modifications and is limited only by the scope of the claims.