Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for net shaped manufacturing using carbon nanotubes. Generally, an automatic control unit is used to place reaction units in the proper location to produce a component part of carbon nanotubes in a predetermined configuration. The reaction units include a carbon vaporization unit, a carbon feed/injection unit and a gas pressure/temperature control isolation unit. The carbon feed/injection unit advantageously operates to inject carbon based materials (e.g., graphite powder, solid graphite or carbon based gas) into an reaction area at a predetermined rate in which the carbon vaporization unit provides energy capable of dissociating carbon atoms from the injected carbon based material to produce a predetermined concentration of carbon vapor within the reaction area. The gas pressure/temperature control isolation unit operates to control the pressure and temperature of the reaction area to promote the growth of carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for net shaped manufacturing using carbon nanotubes. Generally, an automatic control unit is used to place reaction units in the proper location to produce a component part of carbon nanotubes in a predetermined configuration. The reaction units include a carbon vaporization unit, a carbon feed/injection unit and a gas pressure/temperature control isolation unit. The carbon feed/injection unit advantageously operates to inject carbon based materials (e.g., graphite powder, solid graphite or carbon based gas) into an reaction area at a predetermined rate in which the carbon vaporization unit provides energy capable of dissociating carbon atoms from the injected carbon based material to produce a predetermined concentration of carbon vapor within the reaction area. The gas pressure/temperature control isolation unit operates to control the pressure and temperature of the reaction area to promote the growth of carbon nanotubes.