A slicing model algorithm based on STL model for additive manufacturing processes

One of the key challenges in additive manufacturing processes is to slice 3D CAD models with a simple and efficient algorithm. This paper proposes a new algorithm of slicing CAD models which are represented in STL format into a set of layers. In this algorithm, the 3D model should be saved as STL format file. According to the required thickness of layers, the 3D model can be sliced into a series of parallel cross-section. The triangular facets are grouped. The intersecting lines between the tangent planes and triangular facets are computed. The intersecting lines with a specific algorithm in the same tangent plane and form the contour of slicing layer are sorted. VB software is used to develop a pre-processing interface. After computing, the algorithm is proved to be effective in practice. It can work well in slicing 3D model and getting the contour edges of every layer.