From GCode to STL: Reconstruct Models from 3D Printing as a Service

[摘要] The authors present a method to reverse engineer 3D printer specific machine instructions (GCode) to a point cloud representation and then a STL (Stereolithography) file format. GCode is a machine code that is used for 3D printing among other applications, such as CNC routers. Such code files contain instructions for the 3D printer to move and control its actuator, in case of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), the printhead that extrudes semi-molten plastics. The reverse engineering method presented here is based on the digital simulation of the extrusion process of FDM type 3D printing. The reconstructed models and pointclouds do not accommodate for hollow structures, such as holes or cavities. The implementation is performed in Python and relies on open source software and libraries, such as Matplotlib and OpenCV. The reconstruction is performed on the model's extrusion boundary and considers mechanical imprecision. The complete reconstruction mechanism is available as a RESTful (Representational State Transfer) Web service.

[发布机构] TWT GmbH Science and Innovation, Stuttgart; D-70565, Germany^1;University of Stuttgart, Institute of Computer-aided Product Development Systems, Stuttgart; D-70569, Germany^2

[效力级别] 无线电电子学

[关键词] Digital simulation;Extrusion process;Fused deposition modeling;Hollow structure;Machine codes;Machine instructions;Molten plastics;Representational state transfer