LOM (LAMINATED OBJECT MANUFACTURING)

LOM(Laminated Object Manufacturing) is an outdated prototyping method ever used in foundry industry.

LOM(Laminated Object Manufacturing) is a rapid prototyping system developed by Helisys Inc. In it, layers of adhesive-coated paper, plastic, or metal laminates are successively glued together and cut to shape with a knife or laser cutter.

Highlights of Laminated Object Manufacturing

* Layers of glue-backed paper form the model.
* Low cost: Raw material is readily available.
* Large parts: Because there is no chemical reaction involved, parts can be made quite large.
* Accuracy in z is less than that for SLA and SLS. No milling step.
* Outside of model, cross-hatching removes material.
* Models should be sealed in order to prohibit moisture.
* Before sealing, models have a wood-like texture.
* Not as prevalent as SLA and SLS.

introduction of Laminated Object Manufacturing

The figure below shows the general arrangement of a Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) cell:

Material is usually a paper sheet laminated with adhesive on one side.

The process is performed as follows:

1. Sheet is adhered to a substrate with a heated roller;

2. Laser traces desired dimensions of prototype;

3. Laser cross hatches non-part area to facilitate waste removal;

4. Platform with completed layer moves down out of the way;

5. Fresh sheet of material is rolled into position;

6. Platform moves up into position to receive next layer;

7. The process is repeated.

The excess material supports overhangs and other weak areas of the part during fabrication. The cross-hatching facilitates removal of the excess material. Once completed, the part has a wood-like texture composed of the paper layers. Moisture can be absorbed by the paper, which tends to expand and compromise the dimensional stability. Therefore, most models are sealed with a paint or lacquer to block moisture ingress.

Note:

* Low cost due to readily available raw material;

* Paper models have wood like characteristics, and may be worked and finished accordingly;

* Dimensional accuracy is slightly less than that of Stereolithography and Selective laser sintering but no milling step is necessary;

* Relatively large parts may be made, because no chemical reaction is necessary.