Computer Integrated Adaptive Slicing and Vision Technologies for High Performance Rapid Prototyping System

This paper discusses the application of adaptive slicing algorithm and computer vision technology on Rapid Prototyping (RP) system to enhance fabrication performance of Model Maker (MM) RP system. Usually, the layer number determines the RP system performance in terms of fabrication time and accuracy. In this research, a new practically adaptive slicing algorithm is developed and easily implemented for RP system, because it only recalculates the scanning path according to the criterion of adjacent profile variation. The experimental results of the proposed adaptive slicing algorithm show that saving of 54% fabrication time is achieved and the model accuracy is still remained in the same level. MM presents a problem of stability because of a tiny nozzle. Computer vision technology is employed in this paper to on line inspect the layer accuracy and defect of a model fabricated by RP system. The results of vision inspection is used to close-loop monitor the process to increase the processing stability and accuracy. These new practically adaptive slicing algorithm and machine vision technology are implemented in the commercial Model Maker (MM) RP system to increase its fabrication speed, accuracy and stability, but not accuracy sacrifice. Hence, the performance of the MM RP system can be significantly enhanced using vision and practically adaptive slicing techniques.The support of this research by the National Science Council of Taiwan, ROC under grant NSC-88-2212-E-011-026.Mechanical Engineerin