R_Bibb_Medical_Modelling_The_Application_of_Adv.pdf

6.96 Model of one of the samples supported by the crate.
Case studies 251
contour-based formats can be dramatically more effi cient. However, current
stereolithography users have no functions within the preparation software
(3D Lightyear TM ) for the verifi cation, translation and orientation or crucially
support generation of contour formats, specifi cally the SLC. This is
despite the fact that the necessary code for each of these functions exists
elsewhere (C-Sup, VerSLC).
These problems meant that to successfully build these models necessitated
the utilisation and combination of several different pieces of software
where appropriate and a thorough understanding of the stereolithography
process. Objects that appear unfeasible for the standard practices of STL
fi le and automatic support generation may in fact be perfectly possible if
they are considered carefully (there is always more than one way around a
problem). For example, these models were made possible because (1) the
nature of the objects suggested that they would form self-supporting and
self-draining structures in the inner volume and (2) the SLC fi le format was
used.