Laminated object manufacturing
Encyclopedia
Laminated object manufacturing (LOM) is a rapid prototyping
system developed by Helisys Inc. (Cubic Technologies is now the successor organization of Helisys) 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.
The process is performed as follows:
Note:
Rapid prototyping
Rapid prototyping is the automatic construction of physical objects using additive manufacturing technology. The first techniques for rapid prototyping became available in the late 1980s and were used to produce models and prototype parts. Today, they are used for a much wider range of applications...
system developed by Helisys Inc. (Cubic Technologies is now the successor organization of Helisys) In it, layers of adhesive-coated paper
Paper
Paper is a thin material mainly used for writing upon, printing upon, drawing or for packaging. It is produced by pressing together moist fibers, typically cellulose pulp derived from wood, rags or grasses, and drying them into flexible sheets....
, plastic
Plastic
A plastic material is any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids used in the manufacture of industrial products. Plastics are typically polymers of high molecular mass, and may contain other substances to improve performance and/or reduce production costs...
, or metal
Metal
A metal , is an element, compound, or alloy that is a good conductor of both electricity and heat. Metals are usually malleable and shiny, that is they reflect most of incident light...
laminates are successively glued together and cut to shape with a knife or laser cutter.
The process is performed as follows:
- Sheet is adhered to a substrate with a heated roller.
- Laser traces desired dimensions of prototype.
- Laser cross hatches non-part area to facilitate waste removal.
- Platform with completed layer moves down out of the way.
- Fresh sheet of material is rolled into position.
- Platform moves up into position to receive next layer.
- The process is repeated.
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 StereolithographyStereolithographyStereolithography is an additive manufacturing technology for producing models, prototypes, patterns, and in some cases, production parts.-Technology description:...
and Selective laser sinteringSelective laser sinteringSelective laser sintering is an additive manufacturing technique that uses a high power laser to fuse small particles of plastic, metal , ceramic, or glass powders into a mass that has a desired 3-dimensional shape...
but no milling step is necessary. - Relatively large parts may be made, because no chemical reaction is necessary.