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An Overview
Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) builds a part in layers by bonding together adhesive-coated sheet material. The first layer is built over a platform constructed from paper and double-sided foam tape. The first layer consists of paper laminated with heat-activated glue and rolled up on spools. The laminated paper is fed over the platform, bonded to the platform by a heated roller, and a laser cuts the outline of the first layer into the paper and then cross-hatches the excess area (the negative space in the part). After the layer is cut, the platform lowers out of the way and fresh paper is advanced. The platform rises to slightly below the previous height, the roller bonds the new layer to the previous layer, and the laser cuts the new layer. This process is repeated until the part is built.
Parts constructed with this technology must be sealed and finished with paint or varnish to prevent moisture damage. This technology requires the use of a chimney or a charcoal filtration system due to a large amount of smoke. The build chamber must also be sealed.
The paper left in the excess area as the result of the cutting serves as a support for the part as building commences eliminating the need for supports. This excess paper is easily removed once the part is built.
In addition to paper some additional materials available for this technology are plastic, water-repellent paper, and ceramic and metal powder tapes.
While Helisys, the company that developed this technology, went out of business in 2001, several companies, including Helisys's successor Cubic Technologies, sell products that implement this technology and variations of it.
Disclaimer
DPT may not provide some of the services and/or techniques presented in the Knowledge Center. For a full list of services we do offer, please visit our rapid prototyping page.
