Specifying non-uniform cusp heights as a potential aid for adaptive slicing

Most adaptive slicing implementations assume a maximum allowable cusp height which applies to the entire part. Practically speaking, however, most parts do not have uniform cusp height requirements. Some faces are required to be smooth while other faces are relatively unimportant. With a uniform cusp height implementation, users must specify the most stringent cusp height which applies to the entire part. However, with non-uniform cusp height specifications, it is possible that further gains in adaptive slicing efficiency can be achieved. This paper presents an approach to specifying non-uniform cusp height requirements. First, a procedure is developed which uses an edge finding algorithm to identify faces on the part. The faces are then rendered using the OpenGL graphics libraries, and the user is prompted to enter the maximum allowable cusp height for each highlighted face. Implementation details and test results are presented.