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Performance Evaluation of Various STL File Mesh Refining Algorithms Applied for FDM-RP Process

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Abstract

Layered manufacturing machines use the stereolithography (STL) file to build parts. When a curved surface is converted from a computer aided design (CAD) file to STL, it results in a geometrical distortion and chordal error. Parts manufactured with this file, might not satisfy geometric dimensioning and tolerance requirements due to approximated geometry. Current algorithms built in CAD packages have export options to globally reduce this distortion, which leads to an increase in the file size and pre-processing time. In this work, different mesh subdivision algorithms are applied on STL file of a complex geometric features using MeshLab software. The mesh subdivision algorithms considered in this work are modified butterfly subdivision technique, loops sub division technique and general triangular midpoint sub division technique. A comparative study is made with respect to volume and the build time using the above techniques. It is found that triangular midpoint sub division algorithm is more suitable for the geometry under consideration. Only the wheel cap part is then manufactured on Stratasys MOJO FDM machine. The surface roughness of the part is measured on Talysurf surface roughness tester.

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Acknowledgments

This paper is a revised and expanded version of an article entitled, “Performance Evaluation of various STL File Mesh Refining Algorithms applied for FDM RP process” presented in “International Conference on Additive Manufacturing, 3D scanning and 3D printing” held at Chennai, India during February 6–7, 2015. The authors also would like to acknowledge Mechanical Engineering Department, National Institute of Technology, Warangal, India for providing and allowing using the FDM Rapid prototyping laboratory facility.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College of Engineering, Osmania University, Hyderabad, 500007, Telangana State, India

    Siva Rama Krishna Ledalla & Venkatesh Sriram

  2. iForge3D RP Technologies, Hyderabad, India

    Balaji Tirupathi

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  1. Siva Rama Krishna Ledalla
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  2. Balaji Tirupathi
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  3. Venkatesh Sriram
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Correspondence to Siva Rama Krishna Ledalla.

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Ledalla, S.R.K., Tirupathi, B. & Sriram, V. Performance Evaluation of Various STL File Mesh Refining Algorithms Applied for FDM-RP Process. J. Inst. Eng. India Ser. C 99, 339–346 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40032-016-0303-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40032-016-0303-4

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