Point cloud model simplification method for ring forgings based on single median error metric

The boundary dimension of ring forgings is an important factor to ensure the machining quality. However, point cloud models of ring forgings obtained by three-dimensional laser scanner have a large amount of data and many redundant points, resulting in dimensional errors in the simplification processing of three-dimensional point cloud models of ring forgings. Therefore, this paper proposes an improved point cloud data simplification method of single median error metric based on firefly algorithm. Firstly, the point cloud data are preliminarily simplified by the improved farthest sampling method to improve the efficiency of the subsequent simplification process. Secondly, the triangle collapse algorithm is improved by using the proposed single median error metric. The single median error of the triangle is regarded as the objective function by the firefly algorithm, and the optimal solution of the single median error function is solved by using the mutual attraction relationship between fireflies. Finally, through the simplification experiment of the point cloud model of ring forging, it is verified that the algorithm can reduce the amount of point cloud data of annular forging and the dimensional error between the forging and the original model. The simplification method proposed is feasible according to the experimental results.