Laminated object manufacturing
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:
- 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 Stereolithography and Selective laser sintering but no milling step is necessary.
- Relatively large parts may be made, because no chemical reaction is necessary.[1][2]
References
- ^ "Laminated Object Manufacturing." April 10, 2006.http://home.att.net/~castleisland/lom.htm (accessed April 19, 2008).
- ^ "Rapid Prototyping: LOM." http://www.efunda.com/processes/rapid_prototyping/lom.cfm (accessed April 19, 2008).