Abstract
In order to reduce the lead-time and cost, the technology of rapid prototyping (RP) has been widely used. A new rapid prototyping process, transfer-type variable lamination manufacturing process by using expandable polystyrene foam (VLM-ST), has been developed to reduce building time, apparatus cost and additional post-processing. At the same time, VLM Slicer, the CAD/CAM software for VLM-ST has been developed. In this study, algorithms for accuracy improvement of VLM-ST, which include offset and overrun of a cutting path and generation of a reference shape are developed. Offset algorithm improves cutting accuracy, overrun algorithm enables the VLM-ST process to make a shape of sharp edge and reference shape generation algorithm adds additional shape which makes off-line lamination easier. In addition, proposed algorithms are applied to practical CAD models for verification.
