1999 / Solid Freeform Fabrication Proceedings
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Author S. H. Choi, K. T. Kwok, The University of Hong Kong
Source Solid Freeform Fabrication Proceedings, 1999, pp 155-162
Abstract This paper proposes a memory efficient slicing algorithm for Rapid Prototyping (RP) processes. The algorithm is aimed to overcome the constraints of computer memory inherent in the conventional slicing methodologies. It extracts from the Stereolithography (STL) file the facets that intersect with the cutting plane to process the slice data and the topological information. Reading only the facets of the current layer greatly reduces the amount of computer memory required and involves less computationally intensive searching operations. Thus, large STL files of virtually unlimited sizes can be sliced to facilitate the RP process. The algorithm is also relatively fault-tolerant in that inconsistent contour due to defects of the STL file may be more effectively repaired. The topological information of the layer contours can be subsequently processed by further operations, such as hatching, physical fabrication or virtual simulation. To cater for the variations of RP processes, the Common Layer Interface (CLI) format is adopted as the output interface. (Auth abstract) [References: 13]
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