I have heard about software packages that use STL files to generate tool
paths automatically. Is anyone familiar with commercially available software
that can be used for that purpose?
What I need is a way to automatically create tool paths for finish machining
(where you use RP to make a near-net shape part and CNC to finish the
part to tolerance). I am working on an approach whereby you use SLS to
create a part that is slightly larger than the desired final product and then use
an STL file to create tools paths for finish machining. I can envision an
approach where you could use a "beam-offset" method for creating the tool
paths (much like you would use for laser beam width compensation on a SLS or
SLA machine) and start out, say, 30 thousandths of an inch from the final
desired dimensions and work in at 5 thousandths increments.
If someone knows of some currently available tools that could help me out, I'd
be appreciative. Otherwise, I'll have to create my own software tools.
Brent
_________________________________________________
Dr. Brent Stucker
Assistant Professor
University of Rhode Island
Dept. of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Gilbreth Hall, 2 East Alumni Ave.
Kingston, RI 02881
ph: (401)874-5187
fax: (401)874-5540
stucker@egr.uri.edu
web: http://www.egr.uri.edu/ime
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