The RP process begins when the object is drawn on the screen of a CAD workstation or personal computer to provide the digital data base. Then, in a post-design data processing step, computer software slices the object mathematically into a finite number of horizontal layers in generating an STL (Solid Transfer Language) file. The thickness of the “slices” can range from to in. ( to 13 mm) depending on the RP process selected. The STL file is then converted to a file that is compati- ble with the specific 3D “printer” or processor that will construct the model. The digitized data then guides a laser, X-Y table,.
