Development of a part-complexity evaluation model for application in additive fabrication technologies

Abstract

With the rapid development and expansion of devices for the production of both traditional (cutting) procedures and layered technologies (also known as 3D printers or rapid prototyping/manufacturing), the question arises of how to find the appropriate production technology. The article describes the basic features of the CAD output file STL. The STL file format is a widelyused file format developed for layered technologies and, as such, a basis for analysing and developing methods when determining the complexity of a model. For the analyses of basic STL data, and complexity determination, several real-life models are presented. Actual manufacturing procedures suitable for the manufacture of unique products or serial production are presented, with accentuation towards layered technologies. Technological test models are analysed based on the fundamental properties of manufacturing and certain manufacturing processes are chosen using complexity estimation. The results are comparable with those choices of manufacturing procedures on the basis of experts' estimates. Complexity evaluation is also used for post-processing time determination for several layered technologies. © 2011 Journal of Mechanical Engineering. All rights reserved.