To list,
Albert Young said: Basically, we began with the HPGL language
utilizing such commands as X, Y, Z, pin-up,
pin-down, and speed, and then we added line
pattern.
A question for Albert: HPGL1 or HPGL2?
Concerning a new STL format, To my knowledge, every 3D CAD system,
surface modeler and solid modeling system can output an HPGL or
PostScript format plot file and most if not all can produce an
accurate slice or cross section through the object or objects in
native format. Most of these same programs can support the
color/texture information used in photorealistic rendering. So...Why
not use the CAD/Sculpt/Modeler program to create the data set for the
machines to follow instead of re-inventing the wheel?
As the "layer thickness" of many of the current machines gets smaller,
the need for extra information in the build file is being eliminated.
Near flat and flat triangles become meaningless if there is uniformity
in the fill/hatch and overlap in the boundry trace, so why not just
define the boundry only.
The data defining the fill/hatch should be a constant (material
specific table) within the machine that is called for by the boundry
conditions of that layer. (Different material properties from the same
resin for each part?)
The photorealistic attributes of the object could then be mapped to
the slice/section as the slice is generated, and either added during
the build by a secondary coloration process or by means of resin
material science (dyes sensitive to threshhold levels of energy or
frequency could be in the resins).
The result is that the triangle approximation of the contoured surface
is eliminated and you are working with the model in native format so
design changes re-use the existing data sets.
What am I missing? The model accuracy (shape, color, texture,...) is
now a function of the design software. The machines that produce the
parts are then just like the 2d printers of today, if all you want is
black and white at 200dpi, that's what you buy. If you want high speed
realistic color output you pay more and buy a faster/higher resolution
machine.
Sincerely,
Larry Blasch
System Administrator for Engineering Services
OPW Fueling Components
P.O. Box 405003
Cincinnati, OH 45240-5003 USA
Voice: (513) 870-3356
Fax: (513) 870-3338
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Disclaimer...The views expressed are personal opinion and not those of
OPW Fueling Components.
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* "Always remember you're unique, just like everyone else." *
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