Rapid Prototyping Interface for 3D Solid Parts

建议开发一种简单明了的语言，用作实体自由成形制造中的数字接口。 这种语言被称为“SIF”，意为“固体交换格式”，灵感来自CIF，加州理工学院用于LSI布局描述的中间形式。 SIF的作用是以一种与制造过程无关的方式描述所需的理想固体零件。 还提出为这种交换语言所需的一些关键工具创建基础，特别是创建工艺规划所需的2.5D层的鲁棒切片工具，以及将验证SIF文件中指定的形状确实是闭合实体、具有所需的拓扑和几何属性、并且仅指定包含某些最小特征尺寸和间隔的可实现特征。 最后，它建议开发各种测试结构，将测试的鲁棒性的分析和转换工具的工作，从SIF输入不同的SFF制造工艺，并监测个别生产运行的质量。

It is proposed to develop a simple and clear language for use as a digital interface in Solid Free-Form Fabrication. This language is called "SIF" for "Solid Interchange Format" inspired by CIF, the Caltech Intermediate Form for LSI layout description. The role of SIF would be to describe the ideal solid part desired, in a fabrication-process-independent way. It is further proposed to create a foundation for some of the key tools needed with such an exchange language, in particular, a robust slicing tool to create 2.5D layers needed for process planning, as well as checker programs that will verify that the shape specified in the SIF file is indeed a closed solid, has the required topological and geometric properties, and specifies only realizable features containing certain minimum feature sizes and separations. Finally, it is proposed to develop test structures of various kinds that will test the robustness of analysis and conversion tools working from SIF input for different SFF fabrication processes and to monitor the quality of individual production runs.