Adaptive Slicing for a Multi-Axis Laser Aided Manufacturing Process

Abstract

An adaptive slicing algorithm which can generate optimal slices to achieve deposition without support structures for five-axis hybrid layered manufacturing is presented in this paper. Different from current adaptive slicing, this technique varies not only in layer thickness but also in slicing direction. The Laser Aided Manufacturing Process (LAMP), a five axis system combined material additive and removal process which was developed at the University of Missouri-Rolla, is used as an example. The multiple-degree-of-freedom system allows LAMP to build a part with minimum support structure. However, an automated method for path planning of such a system is necessary. Two techniques have been adapted to build the overhang between two adjacent layers: transition wall and surface tension. This paper addresses the critical slicing algorithm based on the above two techniques. The slicing direction is determined by a marching algorithm which is based on the surface normals of points on the side surface of the current slice.