An efficient triangle mesh slicing algorithm for all topologies in additive manufacturing
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ORIGINAL ARTICLE
An efficient triangle mesh slicing algorithm for all topologies in additive manufacturing Bethany King 1 & Allan Rennie 1 & Graham Bennett 2 Received: 10 August 2020 / Accepted: 16 November 2020 # The Author(s) 2020
Abstract To date, slicing algorithms for additive manufacturing is the most effective for favourable triangular mesh topologies; worst-case models, where a large percentage of triangles intersect each slice plane, take significantly longer to slice than a like-for-like file. In larger files, this results in a significant slicing duration, when models are both worst cases and contain more than 100,000 triangles. The research presented here introduces a slicing algorithm which can slice worst-case large models effectively. A new algorithm is implemented utilising an efficient contour construction method, with further adaptations, which make the algorithm suitable for all model topologies. Edge matching, which is an advanced sorting method, decreases the number of sorts per edge from n total number of intersections to two, alongside additional micro-optimisations that deliver the enhanced efficient contour construction algorithm. The algorithm was able to slice a worst-case model of 2.5 million triangles in the 1025s. Maximum improvement was measured as 9400% over the standard efficient contour construction method. Improvements were also observed in all parts in excess of 1000 triangles. The slicing algorithm presented offers novel methods that address the failings of other algorithms described in literature to slice worst-case models effectively. Keywords Additive manufacturing . Slicing algorithm . Efficiency . Computational geometry . Rapid prototyping
1 Introduction Additive manufacturing (AM) can be defined as a technology where a three-dimensional (3D) object is constructed by the sequential creation of two-dimensional (2D) layers [1]. The creation of components can be performed using a range of methods and materials; however, all AM processes consist of three distinct stages: (i) construction of a digital model; (ii) application of pre-processing algorithms, converting the model into 2D layers then generating the machine toolpath [2]; and (iii) creation of the part by either depositing or fusing material to the preceding layer. The benefits of AM include increased design possibilities over subtractive manufacturing and increase in efficiency and cost in small volumes [3]. Of the three primary file formats for AM (*.STL, *.AMF, *.3MF) [4, 5], all construct geometry using triangular meshes. * Bethany King [email protected] 1
Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
2
Euriscus Ltd, Chesham, UK
Meshes in AM always consist of tessellated triangles which connect at the vertices, each vertex defined as a 3D floating point coordinate and are ordered counter-clockwise when observing the part from the outside [6]; an associated outwardfacing normal is attributed to each triangle, which can be utilised during slicing or when graphically rendering the part [7]. As technology has advanc
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