Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Interface between CAD and Rapid Prototyping systems. Part 1: A study of existing interfaces

  • Published:
The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Rapid prototyping processes produce parts layer by layer directly from the CAD model. The processes proceed by first slicing the geometric model of a part into layers. A standard interface is necessary to convey varied geometric descriptions from numerous CAD packages to Rapid Prototyping (RP) systems. The STL (STereoLithography) format is the most commonly used interface for this purpose. Unfortunately, it is an approximate model and is frequently not robust. Therefore, other interfaces are proposed to be used for RP systems.

This paper, Part 1, will discuss several existing interfaces including the STL file for the RP systems. The strengths and weaknesses of these formats when used for RP systems are analysed. Furthermore, a new improved format is proposed by the authors in Part 2. In that paper, the design considerations and data structure of the new format are introduced.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. J. Darrah and M. Wieglus, “A new CAD model format for SFF machine?”The Proceedings of Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium, pp. 121–125, 1990.

  2. R. T. Wohlers, “CAD meets rapid prototyping”,Computer Aided Engineering, pp. 66–73, April 1992.

  3. J. H. Bohn and M. J. Wozny, “Automatic CAD-model repair shell-closure”.Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium, pp. 86–94, 1992.

  4. I. Makela and A. Dolenc, “Some efficient procedures for correcting triangulated models”,Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium, pp. 126–134, 1993.

  5. K. F. Leong, C. K. Chua and Y. M. Ng, “A study of stereolithography file errors and repair. Part 1. Generic solution”,International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 12, pp. 407–414, 1996

    Google Scholar 

  6. K. F. Leong, C. K. Chua and Y. M. Ng, “A study of stereolithography file errors and repair. Part 2. Special cases”,International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 12, pp. 415–422, 1996

    Google Scholar 

  7. K. Reed, D. Harrvd and W. Conroy,Initial Graphics Exchanges Specification (IGES) version 5.0, CAD-CAM Data Exchange Technical Centre, 1990.

  8. J. H. Li, “Improving stereolithography parts quality — practical solutions”,Proceedings of 3rd International Conference on Rapid Prototyping, pp. 171–179, 1992.

  9. J. Owen,STEP An Introduction, Information Geometers, 1993.

  10. S. Bloor, J. Brown, A. Dolenc, J. Owen and W. Steger, “Data exchange for rapid prototyping”,Summary of EARP investigation presented at Rapid prototyping and manufacturing Research Forum, University of Warwick, Coventry, October, 1994.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Danek Group, “Fused deposition modelling used to aid in design of spinal implants”,Rapid Prototyping Report,14(8), 1994.

  12. I. E. Zank, “Experience of beta users group with Stratasys rapid manufacturing method”,3rd International Conference on Rapid Prototyping, 1992.

  13. B. Swaelens and J. P. Kruth, “Medical application of rapid prototyping techniques”,4th International Conference on Rapid Prototyping, 14–17 June, pp. 107–120, 1993.

  14. W. Vancraen, B. Swawlwns and J. Pauwels, “Contour interfacing in rapid prototyping — tools that make it work”,Proceedings of the 3rd European Conference on Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing, pp. 25–33, 1994.

  15. Brite EuRam, Common layer interface (CLI), Version 1.31.Brite EuRam Project BE2578 “RPT — Development and Integration of Rapid Prototyping Techniques for the Automotive Industry”, 1994.

  16. M. J. Wozny, “Systems issues in solid freeform fabrication”,Proceedings of Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium, pp. 1–15, 1992, Texas, USA.

  17. S. J. Rock and M. J. Wozny, “A flexible file format for solid freeform fabrication”,Proceedings of Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium, pp. 155–160, 1991, Texas, USA.

  18. A. Dolenc and I. Malela, “Leaf: a data exchange format for LMT processes”,3rd International Conference on Rapid Prototyping, pp. 4–12, 1992, Dayton, USA.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Nanyang Technology University, Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore

    Chua Chee Kai, Gan G. K. Jacob & Tong Mei

Authors
  1. Chua Chee Kai
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Gan G. K. Jacob
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Tong Mei
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Kai, C.C., Jacob, G.G.K. & Mei, T. Interface between CAD and Rapid Prototyping systems. Part 1: A study of existing interfaces. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 13, 566–570 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01176300

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01176300

Keywords

Search

Navigation