The hybrid stereolithography (SLA) process integrates a laser scanning-based system and a mask projection-based system. Multiple laser paths are used to scan the border of a 2D pattern, whereas a mask image is adopted to solidify the interior area. By integrating merits of two subsystems, the hybrid SLA process can achieve high surface quality without sacrificing productivity. For the hybrid system, closed polygonal contours are required to direct the laser scanning, and a binary image is also needed for the mask projection. We proposed a novel image-based slicing method. This approach can convert a 3D model into a series of binary images directly, and each image is corresponding to the cross section of the model at a specific height. Based on the resultant binary image, we use an image processing method to gradually shrink the pattern in the image. Boundaries of the shrunk image are traced and then restored as polygons to direct the laser spot movement. The final shrunk image serves as the input for the mask projection. Experimental results of test cases demonstrate that the proposed method is substantially more efficient than the traditional approaches. Its accuracy is also studied and discussed.
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July 2017
Research-Article
Image-Based Slicing and Tool Path Planning for Hybrid Stereolithography Additive Manufacturing
Hang Ye,
Hang Ye
Department of Industrial and
Systems Engineering,
University at Buffalo,
The State University of New York,
Buffalo, NY 14260
e-mail: hye2@buffalo.edu
Systems Engineering,
University at Buffalo,
The State University of New York,
Buffalo, NY 14260
e-mail: hye2@buffalo.edu
Search for other works by this author on:
Chi Zhou,
Chi Zhou
Department of Industrial and
Systems Engineering,
University at Buffalo,
The State University of New York,
Buffalo, NY 14260
e-mail: chizhou@buffalo.edu
Systems Engineering,
University at Buffalo,
The State University of New York,
Buffalo, NY 14260
e-mail: chizhou@buffalo.edu
Search for other works by this author on:
Wenyao Xu
Wenyao Xu
Department of Computer Science
and Engineering,
University at Buffalo,
The State University of New York,
Buffalo, NY 14260
e-mail: wenyaoxu@buffalo.edu
and Engineering,
University at Buffalo,
The State University of New York,
Buffalo, NY 14260
e-mail: wenyaoxu@buffalo.edu
Search for other works by this author on:
Hang Ye
Department of Industrial and
Systems Engineering,
University at Buffalo,
The State University of New York,
Buffalo, NY 14260
e-mail: hye2@buffalo.edu
Systems Engineering,
University at Buffalo,
The State University of New York,
Buffalo, NY 14260
e-mail: hye2@buffalo.edu
Chi Zhou
Department of Industrial and
Systems Engineering,
University at Buffalo,
The State University of New York,
Buffalo, NY 14260
e-mail: chizhou@buffalo.edu
Systems Engineering,
University at Buffalo,
The State University of New York,
Buffalo, NY 14260
e-mail: chizhou@buffalo.edu
Wenyao Xu
Department of Computer Science
and Engineering,
University at Buffalo,
The State University of New York,
Buffalo, NY 14260
e-mail: wenyaoxu@buffalo.edu
and Engineering,
University at Buffalo,
The State University of New York,
Buffalo, NY 14260
e-mail: wenyaoxu@buffalo.edu
1Corresponding author.
Manuscript received September 21, 2016; final manuscript received December 21, 2016; published online March 8, 2017. Assoc. Editor: Zhijian J. Pei.
J. Manuf. Sci. Eng. Jul 2017, 139(7): 071006 (9 pages)
Published Online: March 8, 2017
Article history
Received:
September 21, 2016
Revised:
December 21, 2016
Citation
Ye, H., Zhou, C., and Xu, W. (March 8, 2017). "Image-Based Slicing and Tool Path Planning for Hybrid Stereolithography Additive Manufacturing." ASME. J. Manuf. Sci. Eng. July 2017; 139(7): 071006. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4035795
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