Time-Optimal Scan Path Planning Based on Analysis of Sliced Geometry

In powder-bed based layered manufacturing, a focused and high power laser beam is guided to travel through pre-defined trajectories with various process parameters such as the scan speed, laser power, and beam diameter to consolidate powdered materials together. The predefined path, therefore, plays a significant role not only on the build part quality but also on the build time. Current path planning strategies are defined only on the layer level. Although, contours on one layer can be significantly different in the geometry shape. This paper proposes an adaptive scan path planning method based on the geometric characteristic of contours. With this approach, the user is able to control and optimize the scan path for contours with different geometric types. An algorithm for determining the scanning direction to minimize the build time is discussed in detail. A path planning approach for non-productive paths illustrates the potential time gain applying more intelligent strategies.Mechanical Engineerin