An integrated process planning system for layered manufacturing (LM) reduces the time
between design and part fabrication and improves the quality of the final part. Process planning
for most LM processes includes part orientation, support structure generation, slicing, and path
planning. In this paper we describe an integrated process planning system we are developing. Our
software accommodates both novel and traditional design models as input, and supports a variety
of LM processes. The modules described in this paper include Solid Builder Module, which generates
a solid model from design data such as medical images, surface functions, or digital elevation
models; Orientation Module, which determines the optimal build orientation of a part and
automatically generates the support structures required; and Adaptive Slicing Module, which
adaptively slices the part.Mechanical Engineerin
