Question: 

Explain in detail about the laminated object manufacturing, its applications, advantages and disadvantages. 

Answer: 

Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) is a rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing process. It creates 3D objects by laminating or stacking thin sheets of material, such as paper, plastic, or metal, and then cutting out the desired shape for each layer. The process is a combination of additive (adding layers) and subtractive (cutting away excess material) manufacturing techniques.

Working Process: 

Step 1: Material Advancement

First, a feeder/collector mechanism advances a sheet of material—typically paper—over the build platform from a supply roll.

Step 2: Bonding the Layer

A heated roller applies pressure to the sheet, bonding it to the previous layer or, for the first layer, to the base. This process ensures that all layers are securely stacked together.

Step 3: Laser Cutting

A focused laser or cutter, guided by an X-Y moving optic head, cuts the outline of the current layer into the material sheet. The laser also cross-hatches the non-part areas to make it easier to remove the waste material later.

Step 4: Platform Lowering

After the cutting is complete, the platform lowers by a small amount, making way for the next layer of material. Simultaneously, a waste take-up roll collects the trimmed, non-part material.

Step 5: Repetition

The process is repeated from Step 1. A new sheet of material is advanced, bonded to the previous layer by the heated roller, and then cut by the laser. The platform rises slightly to meet the new layer, and the cycle continues until the entire object is built. This iterative process of adding and cutting layers forms the final 3D object.

Applications

LOM is particularly suited for creating large, non-complex prototypes and models. Its most common applications include:

• Architectural models: LOM is frequently used to create large-scale, low-cost models of buildings and structures for presentations and design communication.

• Packaging prototypes: It's effective for producing prototypes of packaging and product designs, allowing for quick testing and iteration.

• Casting patterns: LOM can be used to create patterns for sand casting, which are then used to produce metal parts.

• Educational models: Because of its low cost and speed, it's used in educational settings to produce large models for teaching purposes.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages :

• Cost-effective: LOM uses inexpensive and readily available materials, like paper, which makes it an affordable prototyping method.

• Speed: It's a relatively fast process, as the laser or blade cuts an entire layer at once, rather than tracing a single path.

• Large parts: The process can create large parts with an open build area, as it's not constrained by an enclosed chamber.

• No support structures: The unused material surrounding the part provides natural support during the build process, so no additional support structures are needed.

• Safe: The process doesn't involve chemical reactions, making it suitable for a standard office or workshop environment.

Disadvantages :

• Difficulty with complex geometries: LOM is not ideal for parts with complex internal features or intricate designs, as it can be difficult to remove the cross-hatched waste material from hard-to-reach areas.

• Lower dimensional accuracy: The precision of the final object is generally not as high as with other 3D printing technologies like stereolithography (SLA).

• Post-processing: Paper parts often have a wood-like finish and may need to be sanded or sealed with a lacquer to prevent moisture absorption.

• Material limitations: While it can use plastic and metal, it is most commonly used with paper, which may not be suitable for applications requiring high strength or durability.

• Potential for fire: The use of a laser with paper can present a fire hazard.