Abstract: Generating tool path data for use in additive manufacturing comprises providing object design data in which at least part of the object is represented abstractly using lines and/or surfaces. The lines and/or surfaces can then be used to provide tool path data for the build layers of an additive manufacturing apparatus. The tool paths can be reconfigured to reduce the overall distance travelled and/or travel time when the additive manufacturing apparatus implements the tool path data. An additive manufacturing parameter for a structural feature of the object can also be selected based on the geometry of the structural feature and specified in the tool path data.

Abstract: Generating tool path data for an additive manufacturing apparatus comprises providing object design data in which at least a part of a physical object is represented by a line. A section of the line is then sliced using an intermediate slicing layer that is provided between first and second physical build layers of the additive manufacturing apparatus. The slicing generates an intermediate layer point at the intersection of the section of the line and the intermediate slicing layer, with the intermediate layer point being located between the first and second physical build layers. The intermediate layer point is then projected to a projected build layer point that lies within a physical build layer of the additive manufacturing apparatus. The projected build layer point is used to provide tool path data for that physical build layer. A similar process can be used in which the physical object is represented by a surface.

Abstract: Generating tool path data for use in additive manufacturing comprises providing object design data in which at least part of the object is represented abstractly using lines and/or surfaces. The lines and/or surfaces can then be used to provide tool path data for the build layers of an additive manufacturing apparatus. The tool paths can be reconfigured to reduce the overall distance travelled and/or travel time when the additive manufacturing apparatus implements the tool path data. An additive manufacturing parameter for a structural feature of the object can also be selected based on the geometry of the structural feature and specified in the tool path data.