Search the courses, subjects, tracks, games and features, or jump straight to a page.
Learn it your way
A short class with Sarah and her students. The other ways are under More.
Sign up free to listen. Transcripts are free to read.
Today, we're going to discuss Laminated Object Manufacturing, or LOM. This is a unique process in 3D printing that uses layers of adhesive-coated sheets. Can anyone tell me what types of materials can be used in LOM?
Can we use things like paper or plastic?
Absolutely! LOM can utilize paper, plastic, and even metal laminates. Each of these materials is coated with adhesive to bond together when layers are added. So, how does the bonding process happen?
Is it heat and pressure that do that?
That's right! The sheets are bonded together with heat and pressure before being cut into shape. This brings us to our next point: how are these shapes cut?
I think a laser or a blade is used to cut them?
Correct! The cutting is done by a computer-controlled system, either by laser or blade. Remember this acronym: LAM - Laminated ADhesive Manufacturing, which helps recall the process involves layers of adhesive being bonded and shaped. To summarize, LOM uses adhesive-coated sheets that are bonded with heat/pressure and then cut to shape.
Now that we understand the process, let’s talk about the advantages of LOM. What do you think could be the benefits?
Maybe it's fast and low-cost for making large parts?
That's definitely one major advantage! LOM can create large parts quickly and at a lower cost than many other methods. But what are some limitations?
I remember reading something about how it’s limited to certain materials.
Exactly! LOM is limited to sheet materials like paper and plastic. It also lacks precision and has a lower surface finish compared to other processes. So, to summarize, LOM is fast and low-cost, but it has limited material options and finish quality.
Let’s delve into the applications of LOM. Can anyone list some specific uses for this manufacturing process?
I think it’s used for making prototypes, right?
Yes! LOM is excellent for creating large prototypes and architectural models. It's also suitable for investment casting patterns. So why might someone choose LOM over other methods for these applications?
Because it saves time and money?
Correct! The speed and cost-effectiveness make it a popular choice for organizations looking to produce large models quickly. In summary, LOM is applied in various fields, especially where cost and speed are prioritized.
Next, let’s look at the equipment used in LOM. What are some key components necessary for the LOM process?
There's a sheet feeder, right?
Absolutely! Along with a sheet feeder, there's a heated roller laminator and a laser cutting system. Can anyone think about why these components are important?
I guess they all work together to bond and shape the sheets?
Exactly! These components enable the bonding of sheets and precise cutting to create the end product. Remember the acronym SHL for Sheet, Heat, and Laser, which highlights these essential components. So, in summary, the main equipment used in LOM consists of a sheet feeder, heated roller, and laser cutter.
Paper, plastic, and metal swell, cut and bond, they work so well.
Imagine a carpenter who builds houses, not with wood, but with layers of paper glued together. The faster he goes, the more structures he can make, but they aren't always as perfect as wood.
LAM - Layers, Adhesive, Manufacturing.
SHL - Sheet, Heat, Laser.
Term
What is LOM?
Click to flip
Term
What materials can LOM utilize?
Click to flip
Term
Advantages of LOM?
Click to flip
Term
Disadvantages of LOM?
Click to flip
An additive manufacturing process that creates 3D objects by layering adhesive-coated sheets and cutting them into desired shapes.
Layers of material coated in adhesive that bond together when heated and pressed.
The thickness of each layer applied in the LOM process, typically ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 mm.
The surface on which the layers are built up to create the final 3D object.
A computer-controlled system that cuts shapes from the adhesive-coated sheets using a laser.
Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) is an additive manufacturing process that utilizes layers of adhesive-coated sheets to create 3D objects by cutting shapes with a laser or blade.
LOM is an additive manufacturing technique characterized by bonding layers of adhesive-coated sheets together, typically made from paper, plastic, or metal. The process involves heating and cutting these sheets into cross-sectional shapes, allowing for the creation of large-scale prototypes and models at a low cost, although it has limitations in terms of material types and finish quality.
Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) is an innovative additive manufacturing approach that constructs three-dimensional objects by layering adhesive-coated sheets made of materials such as paper, plastic, or metal. The process begins with a sheet being fed into a machine, where it is bonded to the previous layer using heat and pressure. A computer-controlled laser or blade cuts the defined cross-sectional shape from the layer, and upon completion of the cutting, the excess material serves as temporary support until the entire object is finished.
The cycle of layering continues, with the build platform lowering after each completed layer, eventually creating a 3D object. LOM's key components include a sheet feeder, a heated roller laminator, a laser cutting system, and a build platform. The layer thickness typically ranges from 0.1 to 0.3 mm, allowing users to create large parts quickly and at a low-cost.
LOM is particularly well-suited for producing large prototypes, architectural models, and investment casting patterns. It offers advantages such as rapid build speeds, low material costs, and the lack of necessary support structures due to the inherent support provided by the layers. However, it is limited to using sheet materials, does not provide high dimensional accuracy or surface finish, and the manual removal of waste material can increase post-processing time. Ultimately, LOM serves specific needs in additive manufacturing where speed and cost-effectiveness are prioritized over fine detail and internal complexity.