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。     

A CAM-based path generation method for rapid prototyping applications

A wide range of rapid prototyping (RP) methods are available commercially. Even though the hardware and production materials of these RP methods differ, their production techniques are built on the same idea: layer-by-layer material additive manufacturing. Whatever the material is used, it is deposited, vulcanized, or melted by following a pre-determined path, and each layer is stowed on the previous one to create the 3D model which is designed by using a computer-aided design program. The path which is followed while creating the model is very crucial. In this paper, a novel idea for path generation for RP processes is introduced. This new method is based on computer numerical controlled milling operation. Although the RP process and the milling process are completely opposite of each other since one of them is an additive and the other one is a subtractive method, the paths which are followed for these operations are very similar and based on the same idea: The progress goes on layer by layer. In this novel method, cutter location source files are used to create paths for RP processes. Examples of the prototypes produced by using this new method are also presented in the paper.     

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.     

Exact Tool Sizing for Feature Accessibility

This paper presents an algorithm for calculating the volume of a 2D-profile, accessible by a given diameter of milling cutter. The method is independent of the generation of cutter tool paths, and exploits facilities commonly found in kernel modellers. Exact results are obtained despite the simplicity of the procedure. As a proof of the concept, the algorithms have been implemented in the Heriot-Watt University feature recogniser as a pre-processor for a part programming system. The aim of these algorithms is to assist and optimise the selection of multiple tools for the machining of complex components. The methodology has applications in process planning research where it is currently common to assume that a single tool will machine each feature. Although cutter selection is a critical step in planning the manufacture of components, computer-aided process planning (CAPP) systems rarely make any attempt to analyse the trade-offs involved. Perhaps this is because, traditionally, exact tool accessibility calculations have been viewed as a side effect of generating a cutter tool path. Consequently, accessibility calculations are not carried out explicitly but they appear implicitly in the results of a complex geometric algorithm (i.e. cutter path generation). Because this implicit checking of tool accessibility is carried out, downstream from the higher-level reasoning about set-up and sequencing, the results are generally available only after a detailed process plan has been generated.     

考虑潜在起点的RP路径排序问题研究

充分考虑路径排序问题的一般性,建立了快速成形中扫描填充加工路径排序优化问题的两种完整数学计算模型,提出并证明了路径的遍历策略及简化定理。引入路径潜在起点的概念,设计了基于所有路径潜在起点（而非仅仅原始起点）的全局贪婪搜索求解算法。该算法不仅适用于所有路径排序问题,而且因为扩大了搜索范围,避免了一般贪婪算法对路径内节点初始排列次序的依赖性,求出了路径排序问题的全局更优解。     

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.     

快速成形制造实体分层软件中填充扫描轨迹的研究与实现

着重分析了填充扫描轨迹算法,和以牺牲空间为代价的时间优化算法。提出了一种轮廓线线段主动搜索扫描线的填充思想,较大程度地提高了填充扫描速度。同时给出了两种算法的性能比较和实例运行效果,为自主开发RP软件技术作了有益的尝试。     

Grind-free tool path generation for five-axis surface machining

This paper discusses automatic tool path generation for five-axis filleted end mill finish-surface machining. A new method of automatic five-axis tool path generation is introduced called Grind-Free (GF) tool path generation. GF surfaces result from tool paths that avoid gouging and have scallops that are within the surface profile or waviness tolerances. New algorithms are presented for determining tool forward step and tool path step-over that produce a GF surface. Gouge-free tool paths can be generated directly from CAD data based solely on local and global machining constraints. The proposed methodology for GF tool path generation has been implemented in the C language using the CODE/Robline system. Surfaces were machined on a Boston Digital 505 five-axis milling machine to confirm this method.     

Gouge-free voxel-based machining for parallel processors

Manufacturers produce complex parts by utilizing computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software to generate tool paths for a machine tool to follow. CAM systems traditionally rely on parametric surface representations of the parts and complex algorithms to produce the tool paths. This paper presents a new path generation framework that is based on parallel algorithms and hardware that utilizes voxel models. The use of new parallel algorithms allows rapid calculations of tool paths automatically from the voxel model. The core components of this framework are a method of generating digital voxel models from tessellated surface models, a method to obtain digital surface information by a parallel ray-casting approach, and a new approach to calculate gouge-free tool paths in parallel from surface information and generalized cutting geometry. The performance of utilizing digital models within this framework is then discussed with respect to timing and actual cutting results.     

Study of Trapped Material in Rapid Prototyping Parts

Since the launch of the first commercial system in 1988, rapid prototyping (RP) technology is fast being accepted in the fields of product design and development, in the tool and die making industry and recently, for biomedical applications. Although, in theory, RP is able to produce an object of any complexity, problems such as having material trapped inside parts with hollow features still frequently occur during normal operation. This research project seeks to achieve a better understanding of the formation of trapped material inside RP parts, with the eventual aim of developing an algorithm to avoid this problem. In this paper, the causes and effects of trapped material will be discussed for stereolithography apparatus (SLA), solid ground curing (SGC), selective laser sintering (SLS), and laminated object manufacturing (LOM). Finally, current remedies will be presented.     

Cutting path generation of linear hotwire cutter for VLM-ST

Most rapid prototyping (RP) processes adopt a solid CAD model, which will be sliced into thin layers of constant thickness in the building direction. Each cross-sectional layer is successively deposited and, simultaneously, bonded onto the previous layer; eventually, the stacked layers form a physical part of the model. A new thick-layered RP process, the transfer-type variable lamination manufacturing process using expandable polystyrene foam sheets (VLM-ST), has been developed to reduce building time by employing thick layers and to improve the surface finish of parts with a sloping surface. This paper describes the method to generate the unit shape layer (USL), the cutting path data of the four-axis hotwire cutter for the VLM-ST process. The USL is the basic unit of cutting and building in the VLM-ST process and it is also the basic unit of cutting path data of each layer. The USL includes data such as layer thickness, positional coordinates, side angles of each layer, and reference shape. The method to generate the USL is as follows: (1) the mid-slice of each layer is generated from the CAD model, (2) each mid-slice is converted into a simply-connected domain, (3) the rotation angle of the hotwire of the cutting system is calculated for each layer, and (4) the reference shape of each layer is generated for manual stacking. The procedure to generate the cutting path data of the linear hotwire cutter for VLM-ST was practically applied and verified for various three-dimensional shapes.     

A heuristic algorithm for cell formation problems with consideration of multiple production factors

For the design of manufacturing cells, numerous mathematical models and various algorithms have been extensively investigated in the literature. However, most of the proposed models and algorithms have more or fewer drawbacks on the issues with real-life situations. In this paper, we propose a mathematical model that incorporates multiple key real-life production factors simultaneously, namely, production volume, batch size, alternative process routings and perfect coefficient of each routing, cell size, unit cost of intercell/intracell movements, and path coefficient of material flows. Then, to solve this NP-hard model, we develop a heuristic algorithm with three stages: (1) form the temporary machine group plan according to the alternative process routings of each part, (2) select the appropriate process routing of each part with respect to the over-all material movement cost, and (3) configure the regular manufacturing cells based on the appropriate process routing. A simple numerical example and an industrial case are used to test the computational performance of the proposed algorithm. The test results imply that it is useful for manufacturing cell design in both quality and speed.     

Tool paths and cutting technology in computer-aided process planning

This paper reports on the development of a module to calculate automatically tool paths and cutting conditions for metal cutting operations. Process planning must select correct cutting conditions to minimise disturbances on the shop floor owing to tooling problems. Tool path and cutting condition algorithms to generate reliable NC programs have been designed. The algorithms have been implemented in the framework of a generative computer-aided process planning system, called PART. Geometrical requirements to avoid chipping of cutting teeth are considered in tool-path calculation. The cutting conditions are calculated using metal cutting process models. A method has been developed to calculate cutting forces for milling operations based on experimental data of cutting forces in turning. In the process models, various constraints of the machine tool, cutting tool, and the workpiece are considered.     

Iso-parametric CNC tool path optimization based on adaptive grid generation

The iso-parametric tool path is broadly used in CAM systems to machine sculptured surfaces. To satisfy tolerance constraints CAM systems usually adopt the smallest intervals across discrete tool paths, leading often to overlap and inefficient tool path. This paper presents a novel optimization scheme based on adaptive grid that can produce the optimal tool path on the basis of iso-parametric tool path and introduces the numerical method of generating the adaptive grid. When the generated optimal tool path has the same number of discrete tool path as the iso-parametric tool path, the optimal tool path will produce smaller machining errors. Or when the generated optimal tool path produces the same errors as the iso-parametric tool path, the optimal tool path will have fewer discrete tool paths and higher efficiency. This optimization scheme is robust, concise, and easy to be integrated into CAM systems to produce the optimal tool path automatically.     

Optimum tool path generation for 2.5D direction-parallel milling with incomplete mesh model

Many mechanical parts are manufactured by milling machines. Hence, geometrically efficient algorithms for tool path generation, along with physical considerations for better machining productivity with guaranteed machining safety, are the most important issues in milling. In this paper, an optimized path generation algorithm for direction-parallel milling, a process commonly used in the roughing stage as well as the finishing stage and based on an incomplete 2-manifold mesh model, namely, an inexact polyhedron widely used in recent commercialized CAM software systems, is presented. First of all, a geometrically efficient tool path generation algorithm using an intersection points-graph is introduced. Although the tool paths obtained from geometric information have been successful in forming desired shapes, physical process concerns such as cutting forces and chatters have seldom been considered. In order to cope with these problems, an optimized tool path that maintains a constant MRR for constant cutting forces and avoidance of chatter vibrations, is introduced, and verified experimental results are presented. Additional tool path segments are appended to the basic tool path by means of a pixel-based simulation technique. The algorithm was implemented for two-dimensional contiguous end milling operations with flat end mills, and cutting tests measured the spindle current, which reflects machining characteristics, to verify the proposed method.     

Incomplete two-manifold mesh-based tool path generation

This paper presents a new paradigm for three-axis tool path generation based on an incomplete two-manifold mesh model; namely, an inexact polyhedron. When geometric data is transferred from one system to another system and tessellated for tool path generation, the model does not have any topological data between meshes and facets. In contrast to the existing polyhedral machining approach, the proposed method generates tool paths from an incomplete two-manifold mesh model. In order to generate gouge-free tool paths, cutter-location meshes (CL-meshes) are generated by offsetting boundary edges, boundary vertices, and facets. The CL-meshes are sliced by machining planes and the calculated intersections are sorted, trimmed, and linked. The grid method is used to reduce the computing time when range searching problems arise. The method is fully implemented and verified by machining an incomplete two-manifold mesh model.     

基于遗传算法的笔式加工刀具路径优化

为缩短笔式加工时间和提高加工效率,提出了一种新的基于遗传算法的刀具路径优化方法。笔式加工的特点决定了生成的刀具路径为一系列离散的切削路径段,为了精简搜索数目,将每段刀具路径看作两个遗传基因。使用十进制码构造分段染色体模型,采用改进的遗传算法对笔式加工分段路径进行优化排序,得到刀具路径排布的近似最优解。实验结果表明:改进的自适应遗传算法比一般遗传算法搜索速度提高若干倍,可以明显缩短加工路径的总长度。     

The implementation of adaptive isoplanar tool path generation for the machining of free-form surfaces

Machining of steep regions is an important research topic in the machining of free-form surfaces. A new tool path generation algorithm to adaptively machine free-form surfaces has been recently developed. However, similarly to many newly emerged methods, so far it has not been used in industry because no commercial platform is currently available and the user-developed system is not robust enough for industrial applications. To solve this problem, this paper presents a new implementation method by integrating it in a commercial CAD/CAM system (Pro/Engineer). With this strategy, other than conducts detailed computations for parameters, such as scallop heights and forward steps, or designing the non-cutting functions such as engaging and retracting methods, which are routines in every tool path generation process, the implementation utilizes existing tool path generation templates in Pro/E to generate the required tool paths. This makes the tool path generation process easier and the tool paths generated more practicable because the integration is relieved of the time-consuming routine calculation and the entire cutting and non-cutting functions in the commercial system are transparent to users. Based on the API of Pro/E, the new tool path generation method was successfully implemented and cutting tests were conducted. Not losing generality, the implementation could also be conducted in other commercial systems as similar templates are available in these systems as well.     

采用Voronoi图生成任意形状凹槽的刀具轨迹

为了自动生成任意形状凹槽的刀具轨迹 ,采用Voronoi图为基础的曲线置偏方法 ,避免传统的置偏算法所遇到的拓扑问题 ,提供了一种以Voronoi图为基础的简便有效的算法 ,可用来处理带“岛屿”的任意形状凹槽的刀具轨迹生成。     

Algorithms and machining experiments to reduce depth errors in servo scanning 3D micro EDM

In servo-scanning 3D micro electro discharge machining (SS-3D MEDM), the depth errors of 3D micro cavities are accumulated layer by layer due to the contour scanning process with keeping discharge gap for compensating axial electrode wear in real time. In this research, the errors’ causes were analyzed, and then a layer depth constrained algorithm (LDCA) and an S-curve accelerating algorithm (SCAA) were proposed to reduce the depth errors. By LDCA, over-cutting errors can be avoided by controlling a tool-electrode feed maximum at every scanning spot. As a supplementary algorithm for LDCA, SCAA can compensate insufficient-machining errors at start and end of scanning paths. Implementation process and control strategy of the algorithms were also described. The purpose of this research is to efficiently machine complex 3D micro-cavities with high accuracies of shape and surface. By use of computer-aided manufacturing software of Pro/Engineer to plan complex 3D scanning paths, machining experiments were carried out to verify the proposed algorithms. The experimental results show: Typical 3D micro cavities <800 μm can be automatically machined, and the machining accuracies of micro surfaces and edges are obviously improved, and the depth errors can be controlled within 2 μm, and the material removal rate reaches 2.0 × 10⁴ μm³/s with tool electrode of ∅80 μm and its rotational speed of 1000 r/min. In addition, the 3D micro cavities designed on unknown edge or hollow workpieces can be successfully formed.