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Optimized mask image projection for solid freeform fabrication

  • Chi Zhou
  • , Yong Chen
  • , Richard A. Waltz
  • , Daniel J. Epstein
  • University of Southern California

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Solid freeform fabrication (SFF) processes based on mask image projection have the potential to be fast and inexpensive. More and more research and commercial systems have been developed based on these processes. For the SFF processes, the mask image planning is an important process planning step. In this paper, we present an optimization based method for mask image planning. It is based on a light intensity blending technique called pixel blending. By intelligently controlling pixels' gray scale values, the SFF processes can achieve a much higher XY resolution and accordingly better part quality. We mathematically define the pixel blending problem and discuss its properties. Based on the formulation, we present several optimization models for solving the problem including a mixed integer programming model, a linear programming model, and a two-stage optimization model. Both simulated and physical experiments for various CAD models are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our method.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationASME 2009 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, IDETC/CIE2009
Pages543-557
Number of pages15
EditionPARTS A AND B
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
EventASME 2009 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, IDETC/CIE2009 - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Aug 30 2009Sep 2 2009

Publication series

NameProceedings of the ASME Design Engineering Technical Conference
NumberPARTS A AND B
Volume5

Conference

ConferenceASME 2009 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, IDETC/CIE2009
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period08/30/0909/2/09

Keywords

  • Linear programming
  • Mask image projection
  • Optimization
  • Pixel blending
  • Solid freeform fabrication

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