STL file generation from measured point data by segmentation and Delaunay triangulation

For the generation of the models in RP, a laser scanner is currently used a lot due to the fast measuring speed and high precision. Direct generation of STL file from the scanned data has a great advantage in that it can reduce the time and error in modeling process. The reduction of the number of point data is important while generating STL file directly from the measured point data with maintaining their precision. A new approach is addressed to reduce the amount of data by segmentation and Delaunay triangulation. Basic experiments are performed to apply the algorithm developed to real models. Different results are incurred by user-defined criteria, and some dominant output characteristics according to the user input are reviewed and analyzed. The program developed in the research generates an STL files efficiently with automated data reduction. Several criteria are specified in order to maintain the characteristics of the feature and satisfy the needs in real workshops. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.