Towards STEP-based data transfer in layered manufacturing

This paper discusses the informational requirements of layered manufacturing (LM). The most common industrial use of LM today is for rapid prototyping, but we take a wider view of it as a flexible fabrication technology. Its use in building functional metallic parts under computer control has already been demonstrated in the research context. Commercial LM machines for building production parts are in prospect. We report on a study of current and proposed data formats for communication between the various stages of the LM process. They are compared, and attention is given to the issue of their extensibility to meet future needs. In this last respect, particular emphasis is given to materials-related and other nongeometric information needed for fabricating multi-material objects and objects with graded material properties. One conclusion is that the best way forward is the creation of a new Application Protocol for the international standard ISO 10303, specifically to handle layered manufacturing information.