Shape reconstruction, shape manipulation, and direct generation of input data from point clouds for rapid prototyping

Shape reconstruction from point clouds has received considerable attention in recent years on account of its ability to directly integrate reverse engineering with rapid prototyping. The primary objective of this study is to develop an integrated system that enables one to generate input data for rapid prototyping by constructing complete shape models from point clouds obtained with various measuring devices, including laser scanners, digitizers, and coordinate-measuring machines. We first present a novel approach to reconstructing a shape from point clouds based on implicit surface interpolation combined with domain decomposition. We then propose various related algorithms for generating input data for rapid prototyping, ranging from shape manipulation to complete solid generation. The validity of this new technique is demonstrated for a variety of point clouds with differing degrees of complexity.     

基于NURBS的自由曲面精确拟合方法研究

提出了一类卷曲模型的NURBS曲面建模新方法。借助提出的截面轮廓设计技术,构造了点云数据的系列截面轮廓线,并以蒙皮操作为基础得到了能反映点云基本几何特征的基面。应用参数校正技术,给出了一种合理且比较有效的基面参数化方法,并由此用加权最小二乘算法实现了基于迭代的NURBS曲面的精确拟合。实际的算例结果验证了方法的实用性及精确性,非常适于模具型腔建模。     

Direct Slicing from PowerSHAPE Models for Rapid Prototyping

Rapid prototyping processes produce parts layer by layer directly from CAD models. An efficient method is required to slice the geometric model of a part into layers. Several slicing methods are introduced in this paper: slicing from STL files; tolerate-errors slicing; adaptive slicing; direct slicing; adaptive and direct slicing. PowerSHAPE is a powerful package for building models, and it provided macro language and picture files for its secondary development work. To meet rapid proto-typing slicing demands, the author proposes a direct slicing approach based on PowerSHAPE models. In this method, lines, arcs and Bezier curves are used to describe the section contours. This approach can be used in stereolithography, selective laser sintering, fused deposition modelling, and other rapid prototyping processes, e.g. laminated object manufacturing. It may be the future solution to existing slicing problems.     

Direct slicing of cloud data with guaranteed topology for rapid prototyping

Direct slicing of point cloud is an effective way to integrate reverse engineering and rapid prototyping. However, since the input of the direct slicing process is discrete point data, connections between the points are absent. The lack of global structure may make the process fail to handle complex shapes that have multicontoured slices. Furthermore, it may cause accuracy loss at some important features, e.g., at topology transitions. In order to overcome the above limitations, this paper presents a method to extract topological structure from the point cloud and applies the structure into a moving-least square (MLS) surface-based direct slicing process. In addition to the topology extraction, two modifications are made to improve the efficiency and stability of the process: (1) a variation of the traditional projection-based MLS surface is adopted; (2) a rectification algorithm is presented in 2D contour generation to avoid biased curves when abrupt curvature changes happen. The improved direct slicing method is tested by some case studies including synthetic and scanned data. The efficacy of the algorithm is demonstrated by the results.     

Improved intermediate point curve model for integrating reverse engineering and rapid prototyping

Direct integration of reverse engineering and rapid prototyping removes two intermediate steps of surface fitting from point cloud data and STL file generation from CAD models. Therefore errors introduced due to surface fitting and triangulations are eliminated and also the process of STL data validation and repair is avoided. Intermediate point based curve model (IPCM) method is one of the promising approaches for direct integration of reverse engineering and rapid prototyping however this approach has the limitation that it cannot handle objects, which result in multiple contoured slices. Moreover, IPCM based method is implemented with layers of constant thickness slices, and adaptive slicing with this method is not attempted. The present work is an attempt towards improving the capabilities of IPCM based method by overcoming the above-mentioned two limitations. The new system developed here has been tested on many parts, which demonstrates the capability of the proposed system. An erratum to this article can be found at     

Direct slicing and G-code contour for rapid prototyping machine of UV resin spray using PowerSOLUTION macro commands

Rapid prototyping processes produce parts layer by layer directly from 3D CAD models. An important technique is required to slice the geometric model of a part into layers and to generate a motion code of the cross-sectional contour. Several slicing methods are available, such as slicing from sterolithgraphy (STL) files, tolerate-error slicing, adaptive slicing, direct slicing, and, adaptive and direct slicing. This paper proposes direct slicing from 3D CAD models and generating a G-code contour of each layer using PowerSOLUTION software (Delcam International, Birmingham, UK). PowerSOLUTION includes two main modules: PowerSHAPE is used to build 3D CAD models and PowerMILL is used to produce G-Code tool paths. It provides macro language, picture files and cutting paths for secondary development work.The authors used macro commands to write an interface generating direct slicing from 3D CAD models and G-code contours for all layers. Most well-known controllers in the market accept the G-Code. Therefore, it is easier to apply this scheme in a CNC-machining center to produce rapid prototyping such as laminated object manufacturing (LOM) for complex geometries. The interface was successfully applied the interface to the UV resin spray rapid prototyping (UVRS-RP) machine that was developed to produce RP.     

快速成形中直接切片补偿曲线转接方法研究

对快速成形制造中直接切片补偿曲线转接方法进行了分析,提出了曲线转接时微线条的处理方法;并在AutoCAD环境下利用ARX开发了软件,用提出的方法实现了真实边界中补偿曲线转接。     

基于STL模型的轮廓线自适应分层方法研究

目前,大多数快速成型系统在表达CAD模型时仍采用STL模型。由于快速成型自身的特点,对STL模型进行分层处理是其必由之路。在分析了传统的STL模型分层方法的基础上,提出了一种基于STL模型的轮廓外形线自适应分层的方法,然后通过实例对该自适应分层方法进行了验证,证明了该方法的可行性和正确性。     

选区电化学沉积快速成型轨迹规划

数控选区电化学沉积快速成型是将快速成型技术与电化学沉积技术相结合的一种新型快速成型方法。为保证数控选区电化学沉积快速成型的零件精度,提出了一种基于电化学沉积技术的快速成型工艺的路径生成算法。结合该成型工艺的特点,分析了快速成型领域常用的几种扫描方式,轨迹规划方案分为STL切片处理、轮廓偏置、轮廓填充、数控加工代码生成四个过程,提出了平行交错往复间隙填充法。实验表明该轨迹规划能够达到选区电化学沉积快速成型的要求,制造出高精度、高表明光洁度的零件。     

Recommended slicing positions for adaptive direct slicing by image processing technique

Build time and accuracy are two contradicting issues that have been a major concern in rapid prototyping, and have led to the development of many slicing approaches including those applying adaptive slicing, direct slicing, and adaptive direct slicing concepts. Presented in this paper is an approach for adaptive direct slicing that applies image processing technique to determine appropriate thickness for each sliced layer and to recommend slicing positions on a 3D CAD model. Two orthogonal views of a model are captured and converted to be edge images before being analyzed, and based on the surface complexity on the two edge images, slicing positions are recommended. These positions are passed to the CAD software for slicing activities. This adaptive direct slicing approach has been implemented on LabVIEW platform and compared with uniform direct slicing approach and uniform cusp height approach. The results show that this slicing approach improved slicing performance by reducing the number of layer which has a direct impact on build time while maintaining surface quality at the same level as the thin uniform direct slicing. Since its inputs are the images of a CAD model instead of the model itself, this adaptive direct slicing supports any CAD software.     

基于CNC的自适应直接分层制造方法研究

将RP技术的增材制造理念与数控铣削加工技术相结合,提出了基于CNC机床的金属零件分层制造方法。为解决等厚分层方法存在的缺陷,提出了基于相邻层面积变化比率和轮廓法向矢量的自适应直接分层算法,并在Pro/E软件平台上,利用Pro/TOOLKIT进行了系统的开发。该方法采用定厚板材作为造型材料,在等厚分层的基础上对分层板进行自适应分层切削,有利于保证成型精度和提高成型效率,为复杂形面功能零件的快速成型制造提供了一种有效的方法。     

Dexel-Based Direct Slicing of Multi-Material Assemblies

Slicing is an important procedure in rapid prototyping (RP) pre-processing, and can be grouped into two categories: direct slicing and adaptive slicing. At present, investigations into the use of both direct and adaptive slicing methods are taking place. However, not many direct slicing approaches have been reported in the literature. The methods are also restricted to some solids in CSG or some CAD systems. Also, approaches on adaptive slicing are too complicated. The method proposed in this paper employs dexel encoding for direct slicing multi-material (MM) assemblies in RP. One advantage of using a dexel model is that Boolean operations can be performed simply on 1D line segments. Dexels can also be easily converted to tool paths in RP machines. Compared to the ray representation of CSG trees, dexel models can be extended to represent MM assemblies with material properties. Therefore, the method has high potential for direct slicing. In this paper, traditional dexel models are first extended for rapid manufacturing single solid and MM assemblies. Compared to other adaptive slicing approaches, a much more efficient and simple dexel model, for adaptive refinement in the building direction is then developed. To further improve the surface finish, a layerwise refinement approach is also discussed. Finally, the computational complexity of the proposed method is studied.     

Machine path generation using direct slicing from design-by-feature solid model for rapid prototyping

This paper explains a new machine path generating system that its output is compatible with different rapid prototyping processes. The basis of this system is direct slicing from design-by-feature solid model. Slicing a computer-aided design (CAD) model through intersecting the model with the XY-plane at each Z increment is a well-known method of path generation. Slicing a CAD model is currently conducted through stereolithography (STL) file slicing, direct slicing, and additive direct slicing. A direct slicing approach inside a design-by-feature solid modeler is proposed. Autodesk Inventor solid modeler, as a design-by-feature solid modeler, is used for 3D solid modeling. The proposed system is implemented by Visual Basic codes inside Inventor. In this approach, first protrusion and subtractive features that form a model are extracted. Then, the intersection of each feature and the XY-plane is identified. Then, the internal and external loops are found. Depending on the specific rapid prototyping (RP) process requirements, internal or external hatch are also computed, respectively. Finally, a continuous path in required format is generated. The system reported in this paper has been successfully tested on several complex 3D models created in Inventor. The system offers customized output for different RP processes that need external or internal hatch pattern. The proposed approach for generating RP machine path through feature recognition inside design-by-feature solid modeler overcomes with the problems that are caused by imperfect STL files. Also, this system is capable of generating code compatible with major rapid prototyping processes.     

快速成型技术中分层算法的研究综述

作为快速成型技术中必不可少的环节,根据对零件制造精度和装配要求及效率的侧重不同,多年来多种分层算法已被国内外学者开发出来。在同等加工条件下,根据加工精度要求和层厚变化的不同,将分层算法大致分为等层厚分层算法和适应性分层算法两类。从常用的立体光刻(STL)模型、原始计算机辅助设计(CAD)模型和点云数据3种数据模型入手,简述了两类分层算法的研究和发展;介绍了采用斜边的分层算法、基于区域划分的混合算法、曲面分层算法等先进分层算法;讨论了分层算法中待解决的问题:直接分层算法的文件格式标准和轮廓的精确拟合等问题。最后,总结得出了分层算法未来的研究方向和趋势。     

快速成形表面精度研究

结合快速成形的工作原理及特点,研究分析了影响快速成形表面精度的主要因素,即有分层处理时,原型堆砌产生的原理性误差、成形加工误差及后处理误差等,提出了通过选择合适的分层厚度,减少机器误差,以及采用良好的后续处理和先进的复合快速成形技术等方法提高快速成形的表面精度。     

REVERSE MODELING FOR CONIC BLENDING FEATURE

A novel method to extract conic blending feature in reverse engineering is presented. Different from the methods to recover constant and variable radius blends from unorganized points,it contains not only novel segmentation and feature recognition techniques,but also bias corrected technique to capture more reliable distribution of feature parameters along the spine curve.The segmentation depending on point classification separates the points in the conic blend region from the input point cloud.The available feature parameters of the cross-sectional curves are extracted with the processes of slicing point clouds with planes,conic curve fitting,and parameters estimation and compensation.The extracted parameters and its distribution laws are refined according to statistic theory such as regression analysis and hypothesis test.The proposed method can accurately capture the original design intentions and conveniently guide the reverse modeling process.Application examples are presented to verify the high precision and stability of the proposed method.     

一种基于STEP的CAD模型直接分层方法

提出了一种基于产品模型数据交换标准的3维计算机辅助设计实体模型直接分层方法,零件的原始计算机辅助设计模型以产品模型数据交换标准中性文件的格式输入分层系统,系统提取其几何拓扑信息并重建计算机内部几何模型。用户选择零件的制作方向并指定分层厚度后,系统自动对计算机辅助设计模型进行直接分层,分层结果可直接送到各种快速成型系统加工。基于产品模型数据交换标准的计算机辅助设计模型直接分层不依赖任何特定的计算机辅助设计系统,通用性、灵活性好,而且产品模型数据交换标准文件的数据量大大小于STL文件,有利于网络化设计与制造环境下的数据传输与交换。     

Adaptive direct slicing of a commercial CAD model for use in rapid prototyping

Slicing a 3D graphic model into layers of 2D contour plots is an essential step for all rapid prototyping (RP) machines. Various methods are available, such as stereo lithography (STL) file slicing, direct slicing and adaptive direct slicing. Amongst these, adaptive direct slicing is the most advanced for its capability of adapting the slicing thickness according to the curvature of any contour. In this study, an adaptive direct slicing method complete with the algorithm for calculating the thickness of each layer is proposed. As an illustration of the method, the algorithm was programmed within the commercial CAD software package, PowerSHAPE. The method was shown to be fast and accurate in comparison with STL file slicing and direct slicing, which both used a constant layer thickness. An erratum to this article can be found at     

基于反求工程的快速原型制造技术研究

提出了将两种先进制造技术（RPM/RE）集成的方案,即将测量所得到的表面数据点云直接进行切片处理,根据切片数据提取产品的截面积轮廓信息,然后输出切片数据文件直接用于快速原型制造.     

反求工程中切片数据处理及断面特征曲线全局优化技术

针对基于特征的反求工程中,各种曲面特征处理技术的研究已经比较深入,平面切片数据的特征处理技术研究相对不足的现状,研究并实现了处理切片数据的离散曲率分析、数据分段、特征识别和基于连续性约束的断面特征曲线全局优化技术,使获得的断面特征曲线在满足约束的同时对数据点的逼近误差达到最小。应用实例表明,通过点云切片和断面特征曲线全局优化技术进行反求工程曲面模型重建,可以显著提高曲面重建的效率和曲面的质量。