Preparation of ‘Ready-Made STL (RMS)’ for build assurance in additive metal manufacturing (AMM): A review

Abstract

In this paper ‘Ready-Made STL (RMS)’ is defined as an STL model sophisticatedly planned and managed in advance in order to provide with all information needed for the build using an additive manufacturing process. Generating ‘RMS’ from a raw STL model for build preparation typically undergoes three main processes for full optimization; diagnosis & repair of model geometry for geometric integrity and validity, modification of designed features for design compatibility, and specification of process parameters tight enough for process feasibility. In addition, as a subsidiary process for aid quality verification before the build, visualization of part build geometry simulated with surface roughness or build layers can also help full assurance of the build. This paper provides an executive review of previous approaches preparing ‘RMS’ models and briefly addresses crucial issues resolved by corresponding approaches for build assurance in additive metal manufacturing as quick, efficient, and zero-fault printing process.