Reconfigurable tooling using variable stiffness material

摘要

In some embodiments, reconfigurable tooling is provided having an array of actuator columns affixed to a support base. A programmable controller is configured to position the actuator columns. The reconfigurable tooling has a tooling surface which includes a variable stiffness surface capable of controllable states of stiffness, the variable stiffness surface being capable of being deformed by the actuator columns in a soften state, and rigid in a stiff state. In some embodiments, the variable stiffness surface is configurable multiple times.