Research And Development Of Selective Laser Sintering Process Simulation System

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS for short) is a Rapid Prototyping technology invented in the 1980s, which uses computer-controlled laser beam scanning thin-layer and sintering power with a certain speed and energy density according to sub-lever two-dimensional date, accumulating layers, resulting eventually in forming part. Its process involves machinery, materials, powder sintering, laser processing and other related disciplines. This thesis was based on SLS process, developed a machining simulation system platform. This platform could realize the SLS geometric simulation of maching process. The key technology related during the realization process of simulation platform was researched.An interactive 3D simulation environment was built up using Visual C++ and OpenGL. In building a simulation environment, the reality of the simulation process was enhanced by using reasonable illumination model and material. Based on the development of functional requirements, the system achieves 3D graphics'display and synchronization control in a unified multi-window interface.Through the secondary development tool Pro/TOOLKIT, the direct slicing algorithm was achieved. This algorithm proved to be safe, efficient and accurate as avoiding the slice error which was caused by converting the part model to STL file. The slice data was stored by a self-defining text file and displayed by OpenGL graphics.The various scan method was analysized and compared. The function of filling an arbitrary profile with S-shaped scan curves was realized.The 3D static modeling of SLS equipment and dynamic simulation of SLS machining process were implemented. Base on the graphics processing technology of computer graphics such as anti-aliasing, blending and graphics hiding etc., the three-dimensiona static modeling of the SLS equipment was constructed by Pro/E and OpenGL. On the base of analysizing using OpenGL animation technology, the real-time dynamic simulation of SLS machining process was realized by controlling the laser scan in the slice contour of 3D model.This platform possesses a good interaction, real-time performance and portability. Not only can it save resources, but also can be used to verify results of theoretical research and teaching demonstration. It has important theoretical and practical significance for the research of SLS process.