Abstract: Adaptive slicing algorithms have been emerged endlessly at present; however, a few of them have good performance in the aspect of model characteristics reservation and deviation's reduction. In order to solve this problem, an adaptive slicing algorithm based on volumetric error was proposed. First, the mathematic models were established for 3 different slicing situations which divided into not cross, across to the adjacent and across to the nonadjacent triangle on the prototyping direction. Then, the reservation performance of model characteristics was analyzed and a specific algorithm flow combined the 3 slicing situations and volumetric error formula was given out. Finally, 3 different slicing methods were applied on a component to confirm the validity of volumetric method. Furthermore, the corresponding virtual components were got and compared with the CAD original model. It is concluded that, comparing to the other 2 methods, the volumetric method most fits the CAD contour line and has the most form accuracy with the deviation distances of 0.09 mm and 0.10 mm at the sampling points.