My attempt to make fast console slicer for STL files.
The final goal.
1) STLice should read ascii STL files.
2) STLice is a console application.
3) STLice generate contours and final path to generate g-code.
4) STLice should scale STL model with independent scale factors along x,y,z axii.
5) STLice should be able to slice multiple models to be printed at the same time.
Each model could have own scale factor(s).
6) Optional: Generate code for multiple extuders on the base of color information of model.
Input: STL file Print parameters
STL file format:
solid name
facet normal ni nj nk outer loop vertex v1x v1y v1z vertex v2x v2y v2z vertex v3x v3y v3z endloop endfacet
endsolid name
The main algorithm:
1) Load points + projection of normals (could be up to 3 normals for each point)
1.5) Load connection between points. (Joints.)
1.6) Scale models and place them accordingly if there are many models.
2) Sort all vortex by Z.
3) Find min max for x,y,z for all vortex.
Loop to create contours:
4) Start from minimal Z.
5) Look for all joints to the upper dots.
6) Find intersection of all joints with horizontal plane.
7) Save layer, update connection between existing points and newly created.
8) Proceed for all layers.
If Z spacing between points is too high, reduce the mesh along Z axis before start of procedure
The sliser should be able to print 90 degree overhanging part.
To implement this feature the model should be analised on overhanging and some special path
generation should be applied.
In case of overhanging the printing goes into multilayer mode, it means that the upper layers are printing
to create a shell which will keep overhanging layers and the hot end should have some clearence to
be able work with not finished layer, adding overhanging parts after adding strenthen layers.