Disassembly problem in rapid prototyping

摘要

Abstract: Multiple parts can be built simultaneously in one R cycle, reducing significantly the build time for clients - an important issue for time compression technologies. Common to all the R approaches is that they are based on sliced 3D, solid CAD-model, and they all add material layer by layer on the part being built. As in any manufacturing process, batch formation is important for increased production. Concurrently with rapid prototyping, a critical issue is the need for disassembly or unpacking of the job mix of multiple parts, after the rapid prototyping cycle. Ikonen et. al. have discussed a bin-packing algorithm based on a genetic algorithm, called GARP. In GARP, the CAD-files of the job mixes are used to evaluate the potential for being packed into the R production volume. This paper addresses the generic unpacking issues for the SLS and other related R technologies. The paper suggests an object-oriented framework for the development of heuristics and algorithms for evaluating the quality of packing obtained by GARP for the unpacking problem.!14