An Analysis Technique for Layered Manufacturing Based on Quasi-Wavelet Transforms

Abstract

An analysis technique based on the Wavelet transform (WT) has been recently introduced that allows the spatial frequency content of objects produced by layered manufacturing (LM) techniques to be interpreted in terms ofmanufacturable features. (Lee and Thomas, 1997) Using Haar's wavelet as a basis function, layers with vertical edges are modeled exactly. Using analysis, a 3D model can be transformed, filtered, and inverse transformed resulting in an image ofthe part as it would look if constructed from layers of a specific thickness. In order to extend this analysis to construction techniques using higher order edges (ruled surface edges or curved edges), the quasi-wavelet transform (QWT) is introduced. QWT analysis is conceptually the same as WT analysis, except that the basis function can be selected by the user, allowing exact analysis of layered manufacturing techniques using higher order construction algorithms. This work is supported by a grant from the University ofUtah Research Foundation.