A new method for locating candidate substrates for multi axis hybrid manufacturing systems

Purpose This study aims to introduce a new method for locating candidate substrates in part models and evaluating their feasibility. Design/methodology/approach Slices of an STL model along candidate directions are evaluated for the fitting of regular cylindrical and rectangular stock. Next, the part model is skeletonized and tested for collision assuming deposition growth of features from the candidate substrate. Findings The method is successfully able to find feasible substrates and conduct collision simulation for a variety of part models. Research limitations/implications The algorithm is limited to cylindrical and rectangular substrates and only considers collision between the substrate and the deposition head. Originality/value This method represents a new approach to solving a portion of the hybrid manufacturing process planning problem.