Systems and methods for detecting contact during a process

A system, comprising:

• a manufacturing apparatus configured to perform a process on an article, wherein the manufacturing apparatus includes a first component and a second component, wherein the first component is configured to contact the article during the process and the second component is configured to not contact the article during the process, wherein the first component and the second component are in contact with each other during the process;
• a signal transmitter configured to generate and apply an input signal to the article during the process such that the input signal is conducted through the article, wherein the first component is formed of a first material that is insulative to the input signal and the second component is formed of a second material that is conductive to the input signal;
• a signal receiver configured to monitor at least the second component of the manufacturing apparatus to detect conduction of the input signal through the second component during the process resulting from an unintended contact between the second component and the article, wherein the signal receiver is configured to continue monitoring for the input signal as long as the process is being performed and the input signal has not been detected;
• and
• a signal processor configured to determine whether contact has occurred between the second component of the manufacturing apparatus and the article during the process in response to detection of the input signal by the signal receiver.