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A research study has been recently undertaken in Auckland University of
Technology by Bin Huang [26], who has done preliminary investigation for
developing a software procedure for curved layer fused deposition modelling. A
detailed understanding of modelling of 3D surface, fitting a surface model and setting
data points is required for the implementation of curved layer slicing. For its practical
implementation, the curved layer algorithm needs to be integrated with a hardware
system.
The most important task in developing a curved layer slicing algorithm is to gather
important key point data. Accuracy of the data points from the surface translates to a
solid construction of subsequent curved layers. Data generation from the surface can
be done by any of the common methods like surface modelling, STL file and G and
M codes. A Curved surface can be expressed either by using a mathematical model
or by a series of data points. Mathematical models can be used to calculate surface
point data. Based on key point data, computation and calculation of coordinates on
any number of surface points is allowed by mathematical models.
The desired shape is first made with the choice of any three dimensional modelling
application available in the market. Another method of obtaining a three dimensional
model is by using a laser scanning machine. The three dimensional model is loaded
into a manufacturing software. This software then generates the g and m codes on
basis of top surface of the part. To get the actual motion of a deposition nozzle, the
3axis milling simulator mode is chosen to generate the g and m codes. The diameter
of the nozzle head is given as the size of the ball cutter.
Different software‟s in the market may do this kind of output generation which is
desired but they key is to get the correct data which needs to be used in deposition.
To overcome this, the files may be stored in a similar extension which can be read or
interchanged between two or three different software‟s like STL, IGES, etc. The g
and m codes help us to give the required co-ordinates of the surface points which
can be then saved. The manufacturing software also gives a lot of instructions
pertaining to the milling of the part which may not be exactly necessary in our case.
To avoid any no movement phase of the machine, the parts not necessary for the
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