Compact graph representation for Solid Freeform Fabrication (SFF)

Solid Freeform Fabrication (SFF) processes offer the capability of fully au tomated production of parts. Current processes like SLA (stereolithography) trade accuracy and material properties to achieve this. A new set of proce sses is emerging that can deliver production-grade parts using a combinatio n 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 pre sents a part representation formalism that captures the basic elements of t he manufacturing process and allows for automated algorithms to produce via ble process plans. These ideas have been applied to the Shape Deposition Ma nufacturing (SDM) process developed at Stanford University and Carnegie Mel lon University.