STL_Process: A .STL-based preprocessor for robot path planning in manufacturing and quality control processes

One of the most commonly used file formats in manufacturing industry is .STL. We developed a semi-automated C++ -based preprocessor with a command line interface and an OpenGL-based visual module to extract topological features from simplified 3D volumes presented in .STL file format. The preprocessor evaluates input 3D models in five major steps: (i) edge identification, (ii) 2D regional grouping, (iii) region characterization, (iv) 3D sub-volume extraction and (v) virtual cross-section generation. It has been designed to aid online robot programming by offering an intuitive and user-friendly system to robot operators for planning additive and subtractive mechanical operations, as well as improve non-destructive quality control activities.