A performance assessment of a developed mesh-generating algorithm: A computer-aided design modelling process to support progression within additive manufacturing

Developments in Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies and associated processes have increased the limits of attainable design complexity, yet Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools that may utilise these new potentials have not advanced as rapidly. Research detailed in this paper addresses aspects of automatic geometric design that may support the generation of high resolution, functional, three-dimensional (3D) textures. A 3D CAD model of a surface with complex curvature was modelled to be systematically populated with points using a developed mesh-generation algorithm. Following the successful generation of a mesh the distances between points were analysed, throughout the process, to measure the performance of the algorithm. Equidistance between points was achieved and, if the algorithm was used as intended, would provide an essential foundation for successive texture application processes with minimal manual input required.