Title: Geometric algorithms for manufacturing of freeform multi-material objects using reconfigurable tools

Authors: Bahattin Koc, S. Pandi Gurusamy

Addresses: Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, 14260 NY, USA. ' Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, 14260 NY, USA

Abstract: In this research, geometric algorithms for representation and fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) freeform multi-material objects using a rapidly reconfigurable moulding process have been presented. The rapidly reconfigurable moulding system consists of many discrete arrays of pins each forming the mould face of a mould block. A new material representation scheme is proposed for freeform multi-material objects. The geometric algorithms detailed in this paper analyse the given multi-material object and decompose it based on the material regions and manufacturability of the regions using silhouette-edge based method. The processing sequence is then determined to fabricate the decomposed multi-material object using the reconfigurable moulding process. Computer implementation and illustrative examples are also presented.

Keywords: reconfigurable tools; multi-material objects; heterogeneous objects; volume decomposition; freeform objects; geometric algorithms; reconfigurable moulding; sequencing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2008.017492

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2008 Vol.14 No.1/2, pp.145 - 173

Published online: 12 Mar 2008 *

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