Robust and efficient algorithms for rapid prototyping of heterogeneous objects

Abstract

Purpose - Apart from the geometries to be dealt with, rapid prototyping (RP) of heterogeneous objects requires additional material information to be processed. This generally involves a large amount of information to be processed simultaneously. The robustness and efficiency problems, which seem less critical in homogeneous solid fabrications, become an issue. The direct impetus of this paper is to present robust and efficient algorithms for RP of heterogeneous objects. Design/methodology/approach - The robustness is benefited from using the proposed non-manifold heterogeneous cellular model, which guarantees gap-free material depositions around material interfaces. The efficiency enhancement is achieved by eliminating repetitive boundary intersections and using a heuristic material interrogation approach. Findings - By using the proposed algorithms, the robustness and efficiency of RP of heterogeneous objects can be improved. It is found that an average 30 percent efficiency improvement is obtained using the proposed heuristic material interrogation approach. Originality/value - Non-manifold heterogeneous cell representation (HC-Rep) is used in RP fields for the first time. Based on the HC-Rep, the robustness and efficiency of RP of heterogeneous object is addressed in this paper. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.