Research on Algorithm of Optimized Sub-regional Scanning Path Generation for RPM

Rapid prototyping is a technology of layered manufacturing; therefore, the scanning path of certain layer is quite important. An algorithm of sub-regional scanning path generation is presented in the paper. The algorithm divides complex sectional contours into some simple non-hole sub-region, the scanning path in every sub-region is continuous and the sub-regions are scanned in turn. At the same while, the scanning path is optimized in two ways. The first one is that the joining path between the regions is optimized, which is effective on decreasing the vacant path. The second one is that the scanning path out of place at extreme points in a sub-region is optimized. The experiment shows the proposed algorithm not only improve the machine equality but also advancing the machine efficiency.