Title: Mesh optimisation for spatial wireframe robotic 3D printing

Authors: Lei Yu; Dan Luo

Addresses: Architecture School, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China ' Architecture School, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China

Abstract: Most of the polygon meshing system and related algorithm are developed for geometrical optimisation with rarely any practical consideration such as material performance and fabrication process. This paper intends to propose a different approach for mesh optimisation that took practical elements such as material quality, fabrication sequence, and technical restriction into the consideration, developing a novel meshing algorithm. Through our novel nonlinear optimisation process, a data-intensive smart polygon mesh network system is generated that is optimised for a highly efficient construction process in coordination with a robotic fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printing system. The mesh network developed from such process and algorithm is structurally rational, cost-efficient with far less construction time.

Keywords: mesh optimisation; fused deposition modelling; FDM; robotic fabrication; 3D printing framework; spatial extrusion; digital computation; digital fabrication; rapid prototyping.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRAPIDM.2018.092904

International Journal of Rapid Manufacturing, 2018 Vol.7 No.2/3, pp.169 - 185

Received: 03 May 2017
Accepted: 09 Oct 2017
Published online: 02 Jul 2018 *

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