Development of Automatic Support Structure Generation System for Effective Building of Stereolithographic Parts

광조형물의 효율적 성형을 위한 지지대 자동 생성 시스템 개발

Stereolithography is a process used to rapidly produce stereolithographic parts directly from three dimensional CAD models. However design methodologies to create components to be built by stereolithography are different from those required by conventional machining processes. As a typical case in point, the support structures are required to support a component at build stage, but are later removed once building and curing are complete. These structures are used to anchor the component to the platform and to prevent sagging or distortion. This paper deals with the Support Map data structure prepared to find the appropriate regions of supports. Interferences between supports and parts, and support structure themselves as well, are checked and thus the system are searching the statically stable regions to remove the surplus support structures. Cross shaped tooth profiles are designed for easy eliminating the support structures.