Methods and apparatus for manufacturing operations

摘要

It is disclosed an apparatus (400) for supporting a manufacturing tool (450) relative to a workpiece (402), the apparatus (400) comprising a track assembly (410) adapted to be attached to the workpiece (402); a carriage (420) moveably coupled to the track assembly (410) and moveable relative to the workpiece (402) along a translation axis, the carriage (420) including a tool support (436) adapted to receive and support a manufacturing tool (450); and an opposing-force support assembly (460) operatively coupled to the carriage (420) and adapted to be secured to the workpiece (402) to at least partially counterbalance a manufacturing force exerted on the workpiece (402) by the manufacturing tool (450).