Interface between CAD and Rapid Prototyping systems. Part 2: LMI — An improved interface

The STL (STereoLithography) file format, as developed by 3D Systems, has been widely used by most Rapid Prototyping (RP) systems and is supported by all major computer-aided design (CAD) systems. However, it is necessary to improve the STL format to meet the development needs of RP technologies. In Part 1, several existing and proposed formats have been discussed. This paper, Part 2, will present an improved interface between CAD and RP systems. The new interface is a file format that supports the STL format, removes redundant information in the STL format and adds topological information to balance storage and processing cost. In addition to supporting facet boundary models, the new interface supports precise models by using the edge-based boundary representation. This paper discusses the design considerations of the new interface and data structures for both facet models and precise models. Finally, a comparison of the new interface and the STL file format will be made.     

Rapid Prototyping Applications in Medicine. Part 2: STL File Generation and Case Studies

Rapid prototyping (RP) technology has extended traditional manufacturing applications in areas other than product engineering. Using RP to fabricate custom implants and prosthesis for surgical planning and education is now an important area of research. Although, in theory, RP is capable of producing objects of any complexity, designing freeform shapes is difficult using current CAD systems. These CAD systems are geared toward the design of parts manufactured by traditional methods; they do not help designers exploit the expanded opportunities offered by RP technology. Medical data cannot be input into these CAD systems directly for further modification and manipulation. The purpose of this project is to explore a new approach for modelling and prototyping biomedical objects. The work extends from volume modelling to RP and medicine. In Part 1 of two papers, a new approach to modelling complex objects, NURBS-based volume modelling, is proposed. A NURBS representation of volumes is developed to represent not only the surface boundary but also the interior of a 3D object. NURBS-based volume modelling inherits advantages from both NURBS modelling and voxel-based modelling. The key idea of the NURBS-based volume modelling is to exploit the flexibility of NURBS modelling and use the voxelised NURBS volumes as components for constructing complex objects. This paper, Part 2, deals mainly with issues of interfacing volume models to RP systems. A new approach to generate STL files through volume modelling and iso-surface extraction is proposed. This approach guarantees the validity of the final STL file inherently. Software development and case studies are also given.     

Rapid Prototyping Applications in Medicine. Part 1: NURBS-Based Volume Modelling

Rapid prototyping (RP) technology has extended traditional manufacturing applications in areas other than product engineering. Using RP to fabricate custom implants and prostheses for surgical planning and education is now an important area of research. Although, in theory, RP is capable of producing objects of any complexity, designing freeform shapes is difficult using current CAD systems. These CAD systems are geared toward the design of parts manufactured by traditional methods; they do not help designers exploit the extended opportunities offered by RP technology. Medical data cannot be input into these CAD systems directly for further modification and manipulation. The purpose of this project is to explore a new approach for modelling and prototyping biomedical objects. The work extends from volume modelling to RP and medicine. In this paper, Part 1 of two papers, a new approach to modelling complex objects, NURBS-based volume modelling, is proposed. A NURBS representation of volumes is developed to represent not only the surface boundary but also the interior of a 3D object. NURBS-based volume modelling inherits advantages from both NURBS modelling and voxel-based modelling. The key idea of the NURBS-based volume modelling is to exploit the flexibility of NURBS modelling and use the voxelised NURBS volumes as components for constructing complex objects. Part 2 deals mainly with issues of interfacing volume models to RP systems. A new approach to generate STL files through volume modelling and iso-surface extraction is proposed. This approach guarantees the validity of the final STL file inherently. Software development and case studies are also given.     

RP技术中模型转换误差的评价方案研究

快速成型（Rapid Prototyping,RP）技术是一种基于离散／堆积成型原理的新型制造方法,是在计算机的控制与管理下,根据零件的CAD模型,采用材料精确堆积的方法制造零件原型的技术。在RP中,由于成型机的数据接口问题,通常在切片之前需要将CAD模型转换成STL模型,而在模型转换过程中不可避免地会产生精度损失。数据处理误差是所有RP系统都不可避免的共性问题,对于数据处理误差的研究具有普遍的意义。在分析误差产生原因的基础上,提出了一种模型转换误差评价方案,改善了快速成型制件的精度。     

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.     

三维实体零件分层处理软件的研究与开发

STL作为CAD与RP系统之间数据接口的事实标准，所有的RP系统都支持该数据接口。分层处理是目前快速成形制造的首要环节。该分层软件采用STL模型整体拓扑信息的分层处理思想，分层处理效率高。分析了分层处理软件的总体结构和各模块的功能，给出其流程图，最后，为三维实体零件在计算机坐标系和在快速制模设备坐标系中的坐标转换问题，提出新的解决方案。     

基于工业设计和先进制造技术的产品快速开发

提出一种将工业设计与逆向工程（RE）、CAX技术、快速成型和快速模具结合起来的集成开发模式。在该模式下,利用RE技术直接将工业设计获得的实物模型转换为数据模型。数据模型在CAD系统中进行处理,构造曲面模型或STL模型表面、再经过STL模型表面的偏置处理,利用RP和RT技术直接、快速的制作出样件或小批量成品,利用CAM系统还可以输出机械加工需要的数据代码。本文洋细介绍了该模式的组成部分、工作流程以及接口等关键技术,并以一个实例来说明该模式的正确性和高效性。     

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.     

面向快速成型制造的CAD平台内嵌式通用接口

面向快速成型设备的CAD平台中的内嵌式通用接口，可直接在CAD建模环境下零件模型实施自适应直接切片操作，同时生成以片层结构数据为单位的快速成型接口文件，该接口使用NURBS曲线对各截面的片层结构轮廓进行精确地解析重构；依据重构后的NURBS截面轮廓，自动填充功能可精确地生成快速成型设备的X，Y向栅线扫描路径。实验数据表明，与利用STL模型切片获得的得的多义线轮廓对比，经NURBS解析重构后的自适应直接切片轮廓与原始轮廓间的拟合误差降低98％以上，所需的NURBS线段数目减少77％以上。     

一种检验STL文件正确性的新方法

在快速成型技术中,从CAD系统中生成的STL模型常会包含多种错误,在切片之前必须对相应的STL文件进行正确性检验。针对上述问题,提出了一种检验STL文件正确性的新方法,该方法操作方便,界面友好。     

NURBS曲线在快速原型制造系统中的应用

大多数快速原型制造系统采用 STL 文件作为与 CAD系统之间的数据交换接口。但是 ,STL 文件是通过用一系列的三角片逼近实际零件表面而产生的 ,STL 文件本身及其创建过程均存在许多问题。要提高模型的精度 ,就必须增加三角片的数量 ,同时减小三角片的尺寸。这必然造成 STL 文件庞大 ,后续处理时间较长 ,而且易产生缺陷 ,使后续处理不能进行。针对上述问题 ,本文分析了 STL文件的不足 ,提出一种 CAD系统与 RPM系统之间新的数据交换方法。该方法对 CAD系统中的真实模型直接切片 ,将切片后所得到的轮廓数据作为 CAD系统与快速原型制造系统之间的数据交换接口。该切片算法已在“超人 2 0 0 0 CAD/ CAM”系统中实现 ,算法表现稳定     

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.     

CS File – An Improved Interface Between CAD and Rapid Prototyping Systems

The STL file, which is de facto standard for the rapid prototyping industries, has too large a file size. This paper proposes an improved interface between CAD and rapid prototyping systems, i.e. a CS (compressed STL) file that has very low data storage redundancies and is completely compatible with the STL file. The CS file is about a quarter of the size of the original binary STL file, without any model information loss. This is very suitable for file transferring via the Internet. Removing coordinate data of duplicate vertices, bit-compression technology, and a comparison of the size and compressed performance of the STL and the CS are also discussed. ID="A1"Correspondance and offprint requests to: Dr Li-Chao Zhang, Rapid Prototyping Building, State Key Laboratory of Plastic Forming Simulation and Die and Mould Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, PR China. E-mail: elegantteac@yahoo.com     

面向快速成形的复杂曲面重建技术研究

针对快速成形工艺特点,提出了一种基于实物的复杂曲面几何重 建的方法。由此直接生成的快速成形机优化STL接口文件,实现了反求容差与模型网格数的 最佳匹配,避免了由通用软件转换存在的错误和繁复,提高了成形设备的前处理效率,并为 反求工程与快速成形技术的有机集成提供了可靠途径。     

离散数据直接映射STL数据文件

在研究反求工程的输出接口与快速成型输入接口标准与技术的基础上,提出了利用离散数据直接三角剖分,实现STL文件格式方法,并给出具体案例,成功的解决了RE／RP系统数据集成的问题。     

基于STL模型的逆向工程实体建模技术

针对以STL数据表示的零件模型，在分析结构件模型几何特点的基础上，提出了一种以几何体素分离与拓扑关系重建为基础的STL模型逆向工程实体建模技术。通过对三角面片的合并实现平面、柱面、锥面等基本几何体素的分离，并利用Parasolid系统完成体素重构，进一步提取几何体素之间的布尔关系，从而实现含拓扑关系的产品模型重构。利用这一方法，可以实现RE／RP系统与通用CAD系统之间的快速集成，实现产品数据在不同系统之间顺畅传递。     

自由曲面的反求工程与快速原形技术

反求工程与ＲＰ技术相结合的可以为快速产品开发提供关键技术技术;数据获取技术和曲面重建技术。本文首先对这两方面的关键技术的原理与方法进行了分析;然后分析了ＲＰ机驱动数据文件－ＳＴＬ文件格式。提出了不经过格式转换,直接从ＣＡＤ模型以ＳＴＥＰ或ＳＴＬ格式进行切片处理来研究如何提高精度的新思路。     

BJ202X越野车虚拟造型的逆向重构方法比较

将CAS与CAD两类软件相结合,以STEP格式把BJ202X越野车的虚拟造型导入工程软件进行逆向重构,并对四种逆向重构方法进行了比较.重构的模型以STL格式与快速成型软件MAGICS直接对接进行切片和数字化快速成型,从而使得研发周期缩短,成本降低.由此为工程人员提供了一种在CA-TIA软件环境中替代传统油泥模型制作与实物逆向的繁杂工序,直接对虚拟造型进行软件逆向的新方法.