Rapid development of products with curved surfaces based on point cloud data

Based on the three-dimensional reverse engineering (RE), the rapid development of products with curved surfaces is presented. Meanwhile, a new method for reconstruction stereolithography (STL) of models based on point cloud data is proposed. And a generation of finite element mesh from STL is also discussed. Combined with the computer aided engineering (CAE) and rapid prototyping (RP) technology, the development of products with complex curved surfaces, such as automobile cover, plastic mold and man-made bone, is sped up obviously and the boring processes of reconstruction of complex curves and curved surfaces can be avoided. Finally, practical examples of the new methods indicate that the new design method is not only easier to carry out, but also can meet the request of mold design accuracy.