Multi-Direction Layered Deposition: An Overview of Process Planning Methodologies

Layered Manufacturing (LM) techniques build a part by adding thin layers of material. In many LM processes overhangs require the deposition of sacrificial supports resulting in an increase in the build time, wastage of material and costly post-processing. This has led to the development of LM systems which can deposit material along multiple directions and eliminate the need for supports. We survey the configurations of available multi-direction deposition systems. An overview of the process planning challenges is presented. Literature on process planning methodologies is reviewed.