Process Planning for Solid Freeform Fabrication Based on Laser-Additive Multi-Axis DepositionProcess Planning for Solid Freeform Fabrication Based on Laser-Additive Multi-Axis Deposition

摘要

This paper describes a new approach for rapid prototyping based on volumetric skeletonization. Contrary to most of the popular techniques for Solid Freeform Fabrication (SSF) based on 2-1/2 -axis layering as planar slices, this approach suggests the growth of the component along all three coordinate axes. While this approach offers many advantages in terms of the elimination of the support structures for the reduction of the staircase effects and the elimination of various post processes for the functional parts, this approach also offers challenges towards process planning. For various complicated shapes it may not be possible to generate the required shape using this approach; however, a hybrid approach which also incorporates the deposition by layers, may offer an optimum solution. Preliminary results are based on the successful laser-based additive deposition along multiple g-vectors. The material properties and the problems of possible porosities are still to be investigated. Advantages, process planning, applications, experimental results, and the challenges of this new method are the subject of this paper.