Ainr: Automated Intrinsic Non-Rigid Registration for Accuracy Qualification of Complex Freeform Products in 3D Printing

Publication Date

10-7-2025

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Iise Transactions

DOI

10.1080/24725854.2025.2561558

Abstract

Non-rigid shape registration identifies the optimal non-rigid transformation between an actual product and its intended design to characterize their geometric dissimilarities. This transformation is usually determined by iteratively minimizing point-wise distances to match points with point-wise rigid motion. However, freeform products may exhibit complex spatial patterns of shape deviation, leading to premature iteration termination due to tradeoffs among local regions. One solution is to segment the complex design into semantic features and perform segment-wise rigid registration. Segment boundaries are typically placed along high-curvature regions, where deviations are more likely occur in 3D printing. However, since boundaries are generally more prone to registration errors, these segment-based methods may result in inaccurate deviation characterization. To enhance qualification of shape accuracy, we propose AINR-an Automated Intrinsic Non-rigid Registration method that prioritizes high-curvature, deviation-prone regions during both segmentation and registration. We introduce a curvature-informed surface point clustering technique for automated segmentation. Within corresponding segments, high-curvature regions are matched based on similar intrinsic geometries rather than point-wise distances, enabling more flexible and accurate transformations. In particular, the Teichmüller map is adopted to determine the unique, optimal and intrinsic transformation between surface points. The methodology has been validated through simulations and case studies.

Funding Number

CMMI–2328455

Funding Sponsor

National Science Foundation

Keywords

automated shape segmentation, freeform 3D-printed products, non-rigid shape registration, Shape accuracy qualification, Teichmüller map

Department

Industrial and Systems Engineering

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