Optimization method of preheating process in rapid prototyping based on image analysis
基于图像分析的快速成型预热优化方法*

To against the demerits of temperature measurement and control for powder bed in preheating process, this paper presented an optimization method of preheating process in rapid prototyping (RP) based on image analysis. By utilizing Windows application programming interface (API) functions, it analysed the image of powder bed on-line by adopting VB and secondary development technology. Grayscale histogram and preheating effect index of image were calculated out to compare with the standard index. The preeating process was real-time controlled by comparison result. It presented two realization algorithms based on mobile heat source and fixed heat source. The hardware and software implementation of this method were modular designed, and could be used in existing RP machine and control program. The result of case study shows that the accuracy and mechanical strength of products are high by using this method in RP preheating process, which can improve the processing efficiency, as well as decreased the failure times.