Direct Slicing from AutoCAD Solid Models for Rapid Prototyping

To meet the requirement of faster and precise slicing in rapid prototyping, a direct slicing approach from AutoCAD solid models is proposed. The sliced layers are saved in ASCII DXF files. Lines, arcs and circles are used to describe the section contours. This approach can be used in stereolithography, selective laser sintering, fused deposition modelling, and other rapid prototyping processes, e.g. laminated object manufactu-ing.