Slicing strategies to obtain accuracy of feature relation in rapidly prototyped parts

A new slicing method and its associated algorithm to ensure unilateral tolerance over the whole prototype are proposed in this paper. The proper slicing rule is selected according to the inner product of the part's normal vector on STL file and working direction. together with the desired function of the part to be manufactured. To reduce error, proper solutions for geometric shapes that lose their qualities easily, such as peaks, valleys, flat areas and fine features, are presented. In addition, the amounts of tolerance volume and effective cusp are computed to facilitate post-processing of the part. Finally, slicing procedures are proposed and experimentally verified. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.