A tool-path generation strategy for wire and arc additive manufacturing

Authors

Donghong Ding, University of WollongongFollow
Zengxi Stephen Pan, University of WollongongFollow
Dominic Cuiuri, University of WollongongFollow
Huijun Li, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

91024

Publication Details

Ding, D., Pan, Z., Cuiuri, D. & Li, H. (2014). A tool-path generation strategy for wire and arc additive manufacturing. International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 73 (1-4), 173-183.

Abstract

This paper presents an algorithm to automatically generate optimal tool-paths for the wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) process for a large class of geometries. The algorithm firstly decomposes 2D geometries into a set of convex polygons based on a divide-and-conquer strategy. Then, for each convex polygon, an optimal scan direction is identified and a continuous tool-path is generated using a combination of zigzag and contour pattern strategies. Finally, all individual sub-paths are connected to form a closed curve. This tool-path generation strategy fulfils the design requirements of WAAM, including simple implementation, a minimized number of starting-stopping points, and high surface accuracy. Compared with the existing hybrid method, the proposed path planning strategy shows better surface accuracy through experiments on a general 3D component.