Compact graph representation for Solid Freeform Fabrication (SFF)

Solid Freeform Fabrication (SFF) processes offer the capability of fully automated production of parts. Current processes like SLA (stereolithography) trade accuracy and material properties to achieve this. A new set of processes is emerging that can deliver production-grade parts using a combination of deposition and shaping techniques. The added complexity of the process makes manufacturing planning and execution more difficult. To achieve the same level of automation that current SFF processes exhibit, this paper presents a part representation formalism that captures the basic elements of the manufacturing process and allows for automated algorithms to produce viable process plans. These ideas have been applied to the Shape Deposition Manufacturing (SDM) process developed at Stanford University and Carnegie Mellon University.