Laminated object manufacturing (LOM) creates 3D prototypes, patterns and scale models of various products from of paper sheets. Each sheet is covered in adhesive and added to the model with a hot roller. After this, a laser cuts away portions of the paper, and more paper is rolled into position.

This process is cheaper than many other prototype creation methods because it uses readily available materials, and the finished model can be stained and finished with wood varnishes. Because no chemical reactions are involved in laminated object manufacturing, large models can be made with ease. When considering commissioning your LOM prototyping, keep this in mind:

1. While laminated object manufacturing is still a useful procedure, recent advances in prototype manufacturing sometimes allow models to be made more quickly and cheaply with other rapid prototyping methods.

2. A finished prototype made with laminated object modeling will have most properties of wood. This can limit your choice of finishing and alteration techniques.

3. There are very few companies left who still use LOM prototyping. It may be harder to find a manufacturer of laminated objects than other similar method manufacturers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Commission a prototype made with traditional laminated object manufacturing systems

The traditional laminated object manufacturing process is still in use today at a handful of companies around the globe. Some specialize in LOM manufacturing, while others offer a variety of methods. Letting one of their experts help you with the model design process can save you money, materials and time.

I recommend: Request a quote from Cubic Technologies, successor of the original inventor of LOM technology. Or, contact Pentz Cast Solutions, which offers a variety of rapid prototype manufacturing methods, including LOM.

Manufacture your product model using a LOM rapid prototyping hybrid process

Many of the most popular methods of prototype creation are variations or hybrids of the original LOM manufacturing process. These sometimes involve changes as small as cutting the paper with a knife instead of a laser, or using vinyl instead of paper to create the model.

I recommend: Use CAM-LEM's hybrid process to make your prototype, or try custom Motion's hybrid prototype process.

Buy laminated object manufacturing systems and produce the prototype yourself

Many companies out there sell LOM manufacturing machinery, parts and even offer maintenance. Not only do companies offer laminated object manufacturing systems, they also offer hybrid systems as well. You can also use an LOM system at home by investing in a hybrid software-based version of manufacturing, which allows you to use a vinyl cutter in conjunction with the software.

I recommend: Buy manufacturing machinery from Mcor Technologies, or check out Boxford's software-based hybrid system.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Laminated object manufacturing generates a lot of smoke, so the place of production must have a chimney or charcoal filtration system. The build chamber must be sealed during production.