Clemson Intelligent Design Environment for Stereolithography (CIDES 2.0) User's Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
OVERVIEW OF CAPABILITIES
MENUS
VIEWS
PART INFO
DISPLAY (MOUSE)
INTRODUCTION
The Clemson Intelligent Design Environment for Stereolithography (CIDES 2.0) has been developed at Clemson University. CIDES 2.0 is a user-centered interface between the CAD systems and the RP systems, primarily the SLA. It is designed to allow the user the choice of using either functions within CIDES 2.0 or to transfer files and use the software supplied with the SLA. With CIDES 2.0, the RP user has the capability to work with STL files independently of any CAD package.
CIDES 2.0 is designed to provide a variety of tools which are valuable to the users of RP systems, including the ability to view and modify STL files, generate supports, and slice STL files into SLI files for use on the SLA. It also provides the ability to view SLI and V files. Futhernmore, CIDES 2.0 offers additional translation capabilities that make it valuable for other RP processes
CIDES 2.0 is designed to be easy to use, and is therefore completely menu driven. It has the flavor of a CAD package though not the full functionality.
Although CIDES 2.0 was developed for use with Stereolithography,
the program is designed to be applicable to any layer-based rapid
prototyping system. At the current time it runs only on SGI.
OVERVIEW OF CAPABILITIES
CIDES 2.0 incorporates a number of functions that can be used
before a build. Generally, an STL file can be loaded and viewed,
verified, z-sorted, and moved into positive CAD space as close
to the origin as possible prior to slicing. Further, once this
has been done, a support can be generated and saved. Then the
part can be sliced using the 3D systems slicing software or the
slice algorithms within CIDES 2.0, followed by viewing using CIDES
2.0 to check for defects. Then the part and support files can
be merged and built on the SLA.
There are many other features in CIDES 2.0. In addition to just
viewing a part, CIDES 2.0 will allow you to see it from many angles,
zoom in on an area, and pan over the surface. It will enable
you to change the orientation for a better build and smoother
part. Also, you can mirror the part to build matching pairs. Other features of CIDES 2.0 allow you to slice simple
parts and to view merged files.
MENUS
FILES
This option must done before choosing any other STL file function.
Choosing the files option from the main menu will allow you to
access the following functions:
OPEN
Opening an STL file is the basic way to start using CIDES 2.0.
Opening a file reads it into memory and prepares it for modifications
using CIDES 2.0. This option will open an STL file after deleting
all current files from memory. Once a part has been opened, the
filename will appear on the main screen under PART INFO.
OPEN ADDITIONAL
Opens an additional STL file. You may open as many files as you
like.
Only the first file's name will be displayed in the PART INFO
box.
Although you may have several files open and displayed at one
time, certain functions only operate on the first file opened
or the last file created by CIDES 2.0.
SAVE
It is necessary to save a file once you have modified it using
CIDES 2.0. Save only works on the first file loaded
or created. Once you have chosen to SAVE, the current part will
be saved as the same name. A message will appear informing you
that your file has been saved.
SAVE AS
Once you have chosen to SAVE AS, you will be prompted for the
filename of your STL file. You may write over any current files,
and the system will not warn you if you are about to do so. At
this point, simply type in the name under which you wish to save
the file as, and press OK in the file selection box. You may
save a file as ASCII or binary by clicking on the far right button
marked "binary". A message will appear informing you that your
file has been saved.
TRANSLATE
This sub-menu translates other file formats to file formats compatible
with the SLA.
DXF
This option is used to translate an DXF file to a STL file.
CT
This option is used to read in specialized Computed Tomography
(CT) data directly to slices and is not applicable to the general
user.
This function must be used in conjunction with the Clemson CT
scan reader and thresholder, which will allow the reading of the
raw CT scan data and the elimination of areas from the build.
The Clemson CT scan reader will output a file in a special format,
readable by CIDES 2.0.
CIDES 2.0 will then convert the CT data to a sliced file and automatically
generate a support for the part. The output will be two sliced
files, one for the part and one for the support.
EXIT
This option will exit CIDES 2.0 to the system prompt.
DISPLAY
This option allows you to choose various ways of looking at the
part. It does not make any changes to the part itself.
SHADING
This option changes the appearance of the part.
GOURAUD
This option is a smooth shading of the part. This provides the
most realistic appearance, but it is the slowest to display.
FLAT
This option is a flat shading of the part. In this representation,
you can distinctly see the facets.
WIRE FRAME
This option is a wire frame representation of the part. It is
the fastest to display.
OBJECT LIGHTING
This option changes the lighting of the part.
DISCO LIGHTING
This lighting scheme provides four different colored lights surrounding
the part. Since the lights reflect the normals of the facets,
errors in the STL file are apparent.
SOLID LIGHTING
This lighting scheme provides four white lights surrounding
the part.
MODIFY
This option allows you to modify a part it is useful for optimizing
a build. These options actually change the definition of the
part.
MOVE
This option moves the all parts the specified distance (inches)
in each of the three directions X, Y, and Z. To change the distance
in a given direction, select the text box and enter the desired
distance. Once you have made the changes, select the MOVE button
to perform the actual move. Note that the display will not change,
only the part's physical position changes. The part location
values contained in PART INFO reflects this change If you chose
not to complete the move or have finished all the moves, press
the DONE button.
Figure 1. MOVE Dialog Box
MOVE TO
This option operates on all the files loaded and moves the parts
so that the minimum point of all files is at the point specified.
To change the point, select the appropriate text box and enter
the desired coordinate. Once you have made the changes, select
the MOVE button to perform the actual move. Note that the display
will not change, only the part's physical position changes. The
part location values contained in PART INFO reflects this change
If you chose not to complete the move or have positioned the part
correctly, press the DONE button.
Figure 2. MOVE TO Dialog Box
ROTATE
This option allows you to change the orientation of a part to
improve the build.
The rotation of a part is done about the global coordinate axis.
If more then one part is open, rotation will be done on all the
parts as a group. First enter the ANGLE in degrees and then select
the AXIS (X, Y, or Z) you want to move. Once you have chosen your
axis of rotation and the angle, select the ROTATE button. If
you chose not to complete the rotation or have finished all rotations,
press the DONE button. Please note that rotating a part about
the X axis and then about the Y axis is not necessarily the same
as rotating it about the Y axis and then the X axis.
Figure 3. ROTATE Dialog Box
SCALE
This option modifies the size of the parts loaded but does not
affect the display. You may chose to scale by a factor, or chose
"mm to in", or "in to mm" to convert between English and Metric units. If you select to scale by a factor you must
enter the factor in the text box.
If you choose "mm to in" or "in to mm"
the correct scale factor will be entered into the text box for
you. Once you have chosen your scale factor, select the SCALE
button. If you chose not to complete the scaling or have finished
scaling, press the DONE button.
Figure 4. SCALE Dialog Box
MIRROR
THis option allows for quickly building right and left halves without
the need to create two CAD files. You can choose to mirror around
either the X or Y AXIS. If more then one part is open, mirroring
will be done on all the parts as a group.
OPTIMIZE
This option has functions to help you eliminate common errors
and produce a better part.
VERIFY
This button will completely check an STL file to make sure that
all conventions are followed. Most CAD packages will produce
an acceptable model. Occasionally, though, you may get a corrupt
STL file. This option will correct any simple deficiencies in
the file so that it will slice acceptably. It will NOT fill in
any holes or other geometric deficiencies. You will see a message
whether or not the verification is complete in the message box
at the bottom of the main window.
Z-SORT
Sorting the triangles by height is the first step undertaken by
the slicing algorithm. This option can reduce slice times by as much as 10%. You will see a message whether or not the z-sort is complete in the message
box at the bottom of the main window.
BUILD PREP
This option contains items to prepare your part for building.
SUPPORT PART
This option is used to create supports for parts to be built
on the SLA. It will delete all parts and leaves only the support
loaded.
When you press this option, you will be faced with a large number
of choices. The first chose is six toggle buttons. The first
two, HATCH and NO HATCH will allow you to choose whether or not
you want to hatch the support on the base of the part. Generally,
unless the base is very small, you will want hatching.
The second two toggle buttons, ONE PASS and TWO PASS, allows
you to choose how solid a support you desire. This refers to
how many times the laser will trace the support, and how much
resin it will cure. For most work, a ONE PASS support is sufficient;
however, with the more flexible resins or tall supports, TWO PASS
supports become favorable.
The third two toggle buttons, ON EDGE and BEAM COMP OFFSET, will
allow you to create a support with beam compensation built in.
Slicing with beam compensation greatly increases slice times.
By using this option you can create a support set for a compensated
part and slice it normally.
The next nine variables can be modified by the user. The default
values displayed are for an SLA-250 using Ciba-Giegy 8501-1 Resin
and were arrived at through experimentation at Clemson University.
The nine variables are:
HEIGHT TO PART
This is the distance from the lowest point on the part to the
platform. Taller supports are needed for easier removal from
the platform; shorter supports decrease build time.
DEPTH INTO PART
This is the distance that the support should continue into the
part, which is necessary for proper adhesion. 3D Systems recommends
about 5 layers.
Z-HEIGHT FILTER
This will allow you to support only certain areas of the part.
This is the height, measured from the platform, of the highest
feature of the object that you wish to support.
MAX HATCH DISTANCE
This is the maximum distance between base hatches. The actual
distance will be determined such that there is an even spacing
between each web.
MIN HATCH DISTANCE
This is the minimum distance between base hatches. The hatching
will not be tighter than this distance.
SUPPORT ANGLE
The support angle is measured from the horizontal, and represents
the steepest surface that you wish to have supported.
1ST PASS OFFSET
Generally, a support is moved slightly back from the edge of the
part to make cleanup easier. This sets that distance.
2ND PASS OFFSET
This is the additional distance to move the second support wall
in from the first if 2 PASS is specified. Since the laser beam
is 0.010 inch thick, a support ranging from 0.013 (both supports
on top of each other) to 0.020 inch can be created.
BEAM COMP OFFSET
This is the distance to offset the support for beam compensation.
This should be set to the same number that is used when slicing
the part.
Figure 5. SUPPORT PART Dialog Box
SLICE SUPPORT
This option slices the support using 0.010 inch layers. Sliced supports do not have hatching or fills of any sort.
SLICE PART
This option slices the part. When selecting this option, you
will be presented with several settings to describe the behavior
of the slice.
The ten variables are:
LAYER THICKNESS
This is the thickness of each slice or layer to be built. Typical
SLA values are 0.005 to 0.020 inch.
RESOLUTION
This matches the resolution option for the SLA-250 slice.
HATCH
Hatching describes the fill that makes the part solid. You may
define up to four different hatch angles and corresponding spacings.
These hatches will be applied to every layer in the part.
FILL
Filling describes the pattern of hatching used on flats. You may
define up to four different fill angles and corresponding spacings.
These fills will be applied to every layer in the part.
Figure 6. SLICE PART Dialog Box
BUILD SIM
This option allows you to simulate the build by viewing sliced
or sliced-and-merged files. It will remove any loaded STL files
as part of the file loading process.
VIEW SLI
This option will allow you to view a part layer by layer. This
will enable you to quickly check for slicing errors. If you chose
this option, you must first open a SLI file. Once an SLI file
is opened, a dialog box will appear on the right hand side of the
CIDES main window. In the bottom of the VIEW SLI dialog box, file name, current layer number, height, minimum layer, maximum layer, and total layers in slice dimensions are displayed.
There are 4 buttons to allow you to move through the layers. The first group of buttons will move the display up and down through the part one layer at a time. The second group of buttons allow you to move up and down the part. You may change the speed by using the delay scale (0 fast, 500 slow). You may move to a specific layer by typing the layer number into the Go to Layer text field.
The colored buttons in the middle of the VIEW SLI dialog box are used to
distinguish different types of vectors. These buttons act as
toggles to turn the specific vectors off and on in the display.
This will not affect the file. The vectors are drawn in the
same color as the corresponding button, and the text on the button
follows the conventions of 3D Systems. The possible vector types
are:
LB Layer Border
LH Layer Hatch
FDB Flat Downfacing Border
FDF Flat Downfacing Fill
FDH Flat Downfacing Hatch
FUB Flat Upfacing Border
FUF Flat Upfacing Fill
FUH Flat Upfacing Hatch
NFDB Near Flat Downfacing Border
NFDF Near Flat Downfacing Fill
NFDH Near Flat Downfacing Hatch
NFUB Near Flat Upfacing Border
NFUH Near Flat Upfacing Hatch
NFUF Near Flat Upfacing Fill
Figure 7. VIEW SLICE Dialog Box
Press DONE when you are finished with the file.
VIEW V
This option allows you to view merged files prior to building.
The dialog box for VIEW V is identical to VIEW SLI with the exception that you will be using a V file instead of a SLI file.
ABOUT
This MAIN Menu option provides information about CIDES 2.0.
CIDES
This option presents information about the CIDES code.
INTERFACE
This option presents information about the interface.
VERSION
This option presents information about the version of CIDES.
VIEWS
View offers seven different standard views for looking at the
part. All views are considered to be taken from the viewpoint
of the platform; for example, the top view is looking down on
the part as it would sit on the platform. The seven views are:
TOP
BOTTOM
LEFT
RIGHT
FRONT
BACK
STANDARD
STANDARD is 30° to the right and 60° above the part.
PART INFO
Part Info offers eight different information for a part. The
information is for the most current part. The eight pieces of
information are:
NAME
The current files name.
SIZE
The current files size in terms of X, Y, and Z.
LOCATION
The current location of the part in terms of X, Y and Z in inches.
If the part is located in negative space the values will
appear in red.
NUMBER OF TRIANGLES
The number of triangles in the current part.
NUMBER OF VERTICES
The number of vertices in the current part.
VOLUME
The volume of the current part.
TIME
The amount of time needed to build the current part.
COST
The cost to build the current part.
DISPLAY (MOUSE)
ZOOM
This option will allow you to magnify or reduce the size of the
image of the part on the screen. Holding the middle mouse button
and moving the mouse up and down allows you to zoom in and out.
PAN
This option allows you to change the area of the part being viewed.
Holding the left mouse button and moving the mouse left, right,
up and down allows you to pan left, right, up and down respectively.
ROTATE
This option allows you to change the angle of the part being
viewed. Holding the right mouse button and making circular motions with the
mouse allows you to rotate the part.