Generating sparse self-supporting wireframe models for 3D printing using mesh simplification

Generating sparse self-supporting wireframe models for 3D printing using mesh simplification

Liu, Xiuping (Dalian University of Technology)
Lin, Liping (Dalian University of Technology)
Wu, J. (TU Delft Materials and Manufacturing)
Wang, W. (TU Delft Materials and Manufacturing; Dalian University of Technology)
Yin, Baocai (Dalian University of Technology)
Wang, C.C. (TU Delft Materials and Manufacturing)

2018

Wireframe models are becoming a popular option in 3D printing. Generating sparse wireframe models using classic mesh simplification methods leads to models that require a lot of support structures in the layer-upon-layer additive process. In this paper we present a mesh simplification method that takes into account the overhang angle. Specifically, we propose a metric for self-supportability. By combining this novel metric together with the classic error metrics for mesh simplification, our method generates sparse wireframe models that need much less supports. Moreover, the operations of vertex position optimization and edge flipping are used to further increase self-supportability of the wireframe models. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method on a number of 3D models.

3D printing
Mesh simplification
Self-supporting
Wireframe models

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:918eae0b-9e3f-4bec-884f-74f4e04dab09

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gmod.2018.05.001

2020-06-15

1524-0703

Graphical Models, 98, 14-23

Accepted author manuscript

Institutional Repository

journal article

© 2018 Xiuping Liu, Liping Lin, J. Wu, W. Wang, Baocai Yin, C.C. Wang