A Pose-Normalization Method for Casting Voxel Models Using Second-Order Central Moment Matrix

Within the framework of casting process design, the efficient retrieval of three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) models could result in significant time and cost savings. However, this technique still suffers from inefficiency and inaccuracy because of the wide variety of casting models’ poses. In this study, a method for normalizing the poses of casting models is proposed. This method constructs the transformation matrix through the eigendecomposition of the second-order central moment matrix calculated from the voxel casting model. Then the transformation matrix is applied to the casting model to get a normalized pose. An assessment approach for pose normalization is also suggested in the study, which measures the distance between poses normalized based on multiple poses of the same model. The study demonstrates that the pose-normalization approach reliably transforms distinct poses of the same model into a unified pose. The mean distance between normalized poses is 0.016 and the minimum distance is 0.010. The method’s effects improve when the voxel size reduces.