Methods for manufacturing thin walled enclosures and related system and apparatus

摘要

A manufacturing system is provided. The manufacturing system may include a manufacturing apparatus and a dispensing apparatus. The dispensing apparatus may be configured to dispense a support material to act as a temporary fixture to support a component during manufacturing operations conducted thereon. The dispensing apparatus may dispense the support material in a liquid phase, and the support material may thereafter transition to a solid phase to support the component. After completion of the manufacturing operations, the component may be returned to the dispensing apparatus, wherein the component may be dipped in a heat transfer fluid that may cause the support material to transition back to the liquid phase for reuse. Related apparatuses and methods are also provided.

主权项

1. A method for reusing a support material by a dispensing apparatus, the method comprising:
dispensing the support material while in a liquid phase onto a component; causing the support material to transition from the liquid phase to a solid phase such that the support material is bonded to the component during a machining operation;
andsubsequent to the machining operation, recovering the support material by submerging the component in a heat transfer fluid retained by the dispensing apparatus, to cause the support material to revert to the liquid phase for reuse.