Tool profile and tool path calculation for free-form thick-layered fabrication

• In several application fields, large sized, free-form objects of various soft materials are widely used. Available layered prototyping technologies cannot be applied for fabrication of this kind of objects due to size limitations. The authors have developed a novel approach of layered manufacturing that is the most appropriate for fabrication of objects mentioned. This paper presents the algorithms for a geometrically-based modeling of the profile curve of the flexible blade tool. It also describes the algorithm for direct slicing of the CAD model and for the cusp reduction when the best fitting layer thickness is substituted by standard layer thickness. The remaining part of the paper deals with various issues of tool positioning and tool path calculation. With the developed technology G1 continuity can be achieved in the internal domains of the front faces in longitudinal direction. At the transitions from one layer to the other, quasi G1 continuity can be implemented. In circum...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 1998
• Where: CAD
• Authors: Imre Horváth, Joris S. M. Vergeest, Johan J. Broek, Zoltán Rusák, Bram de Smit
• Keywords: CAD 1998, Fitting Layer Thickness, Layer Thickness, Theoretical Computer Science, Various Soft Materials