An efficient triangle mesh slicing algorithm for all topologies in additive manufacturing

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.

Hybrid Path Generation Method for Multi-Axis Laser Metal Deposition of Overhanging Thin-Walled Structures

“…In the slicing phase, when each line is intersected with a plane, the two neighboring triangular facets to which it belongs are directly marked. After obtaining the normal vectors of the neighboring triangular facets, the corresponding tool orientation vectors 𝑁 , for each deposition position on the original contour are calculated according to Equation (8).…”

“…There are many slicing algorithms used for layering, and since the proposed composite path is applied on a planar substrate, planar slicing is recalled. Initially, some slicing methods with uniform layer thicknesses were the first to appear [ 6 , 7 , 8 ], aiming not only to obtain layered contours but also to improve the efficiency of computational results. Typically, they optimize the computation in two phases: intersection solving and contour building.…”

A Novel Slicing Strategy for Continuous Printing with a Helix 3D Printer

“…al, and Joshi et. al follow the same steps but each developed a new equation and method to improve and decrease the amount of time for the slicing procedure [3,8,9].…”

A Novel Path Planning Approach for Non-planar Robotic Additive Manufacturing to Build and Repair the Parts of Cylindrical Geometry.

“…In planar slicing [10], the STL CAD model with triangulation is intersected with parallel planes to get the contour of each material layer. Slicing, triangle-plane intersections, polygon generation, contour construction, and contour infilling are significant steps in generating a path for a planar 3D printer; Figure 2a shows the planar 3D printing of plastics by FDM technique.…”