What does Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) primarily involve?

Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) primarily involves cutting and bonding sheet stock. In the LOM process, layers of material—typically plastic or paper—are cut into desired shapes using a laser or blade and then adhered together using heat or adhesives. This layer-by-layer approach enables the production of three-dimensional objects, making LOM a unique additive manufacturing technique.

The sheets are sequentially added, bonded, and then cut to shape, which distinguishes LOM from other 3D printing techniques that might involve materials in liquid or powdered form. This method allows for fast prototyping and is often cost-effective since it utilizes readily available materials. Understanding this aspect is essential for grasping the fundamental techniques used in additive manufacturing and the various methods available for different applications.