Rapid Prototyping (RP)/Layered Manufacturing (LM) machines typically use a Stereolithography (STL) file as a basis to manufacture parts. However, the conversion of the part CAD file to STL results in the distortion of the part geometry, particularly if the part consists of freeform curved surfaces. Existing algorithms and software tend to reduce this distortion globally, which increases the size and memory requirements of the STL file. This paper presents a new approach for reducing the CAD to STL translation error locally, using chordal error as the criteria. The algorithm presented here compares the STL file to the design surface of the part, expressed as a NURBS surface, and computes the chordal error for multiple points on the STL facets. The point within each STL facet having the largest chordal error is modified to coincide with its corresponding point on the design surface. This replaces the original facet of the STL file with three new facets with significantly lower chordal error than that of the original facet. This Vertex Translation Algorithm (VTA), reduces the chordal error in areas with high curvature and areas having tighter profile tolerance specifications and provides the user the flexibility to selectively modify the STL file according to the tolerance requirements. The algorithm has been validated with the help of a test case.
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ASME 2011 International Manufacturing Science and Engineering Conference
June 13–17, 2011
Corvallis, Oregon, USA
Conference Sponsors:
- Manufacturing Engineering Division
ISBN:
978-0-7918-4430-4
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
A Vertex Translation Algorithm for Adaptive Modification of STL File in Layered Manufacturing Available to Purchase
Gaurav Navangul,
Gaurav Navangul
University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
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Ratnadeep Paul,
Ratnadeep Paul
University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
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Sam Anand
Sam Anand
University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
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Gaurav Navangul
University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Ratnadeep Paul
University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Sam Anand
University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Paper No:
MSEC2011-50283, pp. 435-441; 7 pages
Published Online:
September 14, 2011
Citation
Navangul, G, Paul, R, & Anand, S. "A Vertex Translation Algorithm for Adaptive Modification of STL File in Layered Manufacturing." Proceedings of the ASME 2011 International Manufacturing Science and Engineering Conference. ASME 2011 International Manufacturing Science and Engineering Conference, Volume 1. Corvallis, Oregon, USA. June 13–17, 2011. pp. 435-441. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/MSEC2011-50283
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