The Algorithm of Slicing and Obtaining Support Points for Complex Heterogeneous Volume Parameterization Model

Abstract

In order to make three dimensional printing for complex heterogeneous NURBS volume parameterization model (HNURBS volume) possible, a slicing and support points obtaining algorithm is proposed. First, a complex HNURBS volume is constructed, and the continuous and visual expression of material information is realized. The HNURBS volume is sampled by hexahedron element mesh method and intersected with a set of tangent planes. Then the parametric expression of the contours of simply-connected and multi-connected sections and internal material information is obtained by extracting slicing contours. Last, Boolean operations on two adjacent slicing contours are carried out to obtain the location of support points for three dimensional printing model. The example shows that the algorithm can accurately and efficiently generate slicing data and support points of the complex HNURBS volume, which provides technical support for three dimensional printing of the multi-material solid model.