A process planning framework for multi-direction layered deposition

Layered Manufacturing (LM) techniques build a part by adding thin layers of material. In this process overhangs need to be supported by sacrificial supports, resulting in an increase in the build time, wastage of material and requiring costly post-processing. Emerging LM processes with the capability to deposit material along multiple directions have the potential for support-less part fabrication. In this paper we analyse the process planning issues in multi-directional LM. An overview of our research to solve some of the process planning tasks is presented. Key features of our solution methodology include a part decomposition algorithm and the use of spherical maps to select direction vectors for material deposition. Directions for future research and potential applications of multi-directional LM are suggested.