Surface roughness analysis in layered forming processes

One of the main factors in present-day techniques for layered forming is characterization of the surface roughness obtainable in these manufacturing processes. To characterize effective roughness, a study of the roughness average (R_a) obtained through use of these manufacturing processes was carried out. This enabled us to establish two possible manufacturing strategies: manufacturing at constant layer height, and manufacturing with roughness confined within given limiting values. Moreover, to compare the theoretical models proposed with experimental values, prototype parts were manufactured using stereolithography technique, and an experimental analysis of resulting surface roughness was carried out. © 2000 Elsevier Science inc. All rights reserved.