Development of 3D printing entity slicing software

Based on STL (stereo lithography) format file and with Microsoft Visual C(++) 6.0 programming language, a 3D printing slicing software appropriate for the surface strengthening of the parts has been developed, which includes three functions: 3D model import, model slicing and data export. Through the grouping of STL model triangle facets before slicing, the judgment times of the relationship between the triangle facets and the cutting planes are reduced, and the slicing efficiency is improved. Aiming at the fact that the surface should be strengthened when the part is formed by using of 3D printing process, the function of identifying and marking the surface of the geometric entity is accomplished in the slicing software, which can strengthen the surface of the part according to the user’s requirements. The developed slicing software can provide an entity slicing file for 3D printing equipment. The related functions can be adjusted and improved according to user’s needs, which makes the software convenient and flexible to use.