Development and implementation of a software for wire arc additive manufacturing preprocessing planning: trajectory planning and machine code generation

Abstract To overcome a shortage of flexible and low-cost solutions for wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) preprocessing, this work’s objective was to develop validate an in-house computational programme in open-source environment WAAM preprocessing planning. Algorithms reading STL (stereolithography) files implementing rotation, slicing, trajectory planning, machine code generation were elaborated implemented the Scilab (free open-source). A graphical interface developed facilitate user interaction, with 5 options path The functionality each work step is detailed. For validation software, single multiple-layer prints, different geometrical complexity printing challenges, built CNC table geared by generated code. criteria deposition imperfection, morphological, dimensional tolerances. outputs showed that parts successfully printed. Therefore, demonstrates provides necessary resources companies universities implement and/or algorithms planning generating trajectories WAAM. Moreover, emerging ideas can be reasonably easily such not always possible commercial packages.