Process build-time estimator algorithm for laminated object manufacturing

A method for estimating the build-time required by the laminated object manufacturing (LOM) process is presented in this paper. The proposed algorithm - taking into account the real process parameters and the information included in the part's STL-file - performs a minimum manipulation of the file, and calculates total volume, total surface area and flat areas involved in fine cross-hatching. A number of experiments performed verify the applicability of the algorithm in process build-time estimation. The time prediction estimates are within 7.6 per cent of the real build-times for the LOM process. It is believed that, through specific minor adjustments, the algorithm could well be employed in process build-time estimation for similar rapid prototyping processes.