Graph Based Process Planning for Mold Shape Deposition Manufacturing

Mold SDM is an additive-subtractive layered manufacturing process that builds fugitive wax molds for use in secondary processes, such as gelcasting. Several build techniques have been developed to improve part quality and process efficiency. By decomposing models into non-planar layers surface quality is improved and fewer layers are required. The range of buildable features is improved by a two step method of building sharp internal corners via machining. To systematically apply these techniques, automated process planning is needed. We present a graph representation of the part that captures these building strategies and makes them amenable to computer implementation.