Adaptive slicing with sloping layer surfaces

Abstract

Presents an adaptive slicing procedure for improving the geometric accuracy of layered manufacturing techniques which, unlike previous procedures, uses layers with sloping boundary surfaces that closely match the shape of the required surface. This greatly reduces the stair case effect which is characteristic of layered components with square edges. Considers two measures of error, and outlines a method of predicting these measures for sloping layer surfaces. To cater for different manufacturing requirements, presents a method to produce parts with either an inside or outside tolerance, or a combination of both. Finally, considers some problems associated with surface joins, vertices, and inflection points and proposes some solutions.