LOM

Step 1

Printing

The LOM machine holds a continuous sheet of material which is pulled across the build platform by a system of feed rollers. Paper sheets are coated with an adhesive. A heated roller passes over the sheet of material onto the build platform, this melts the adhesive and presses it against the platform. A CNC laser or blade cuts the material into the sliced cross-section of 3D geometry. Any extraneous areas of the sheet are sliced into a cross-hatch pattern to allow for easier removal. Once complete, the build platform is lowered by one sheet layer thickness. The process is repeated.

Step 2

Support Removal

Manual Removal: Required and straightforward; surrounding excess material remains as a block and is manually peeled, cut, or broken away. Soluble Support Removal: Non-applicable. Manual Cleaning Note: Removal of excess sheet layers can require careful trimming or fine tools, especially for delicate features.

Step 3

Surface Finishing

Sanding / Polishing: Common for smoothing outer surfaces. Chemical Smoothing / Coating: Applicable for sealing or reinforcing paper-based models (e.g., clear coats, resins, or waxes) Painting / Priming: Frequently applied to improve appearance or to create coloured or branded models. Gloss / Matte Control: Controlled via coatings and surface treatments; raw surfaces are usually matte or layered in texture.

Step 4

Curing / Heat Treatment

UV / Thermal Curing: Non-applicable. Annealing / Stress Relief: Non-applicable.

Step 5

Assembly and Functional Finishing

Gluing or Bonding: Common for joining multiple parts or adding additional structural elements. Drilling / Tapping / CNC: Possible but mechanical assembly may be restricted. Inserts / Fasteners: Rare, due to material limitations; can be added manually if needed for prototyping.

Step 6

Special Treatments

Infiltration / Sealing: Frequently done for paper-based parts to increase strength, moisture resistance, and durability (e.g., wax dipping, resin impregnation.) Functional Coatings: Protective or decorative coatings (e.g., UV protection, paint, lacquer) can be applied. Post-print Functionalisation: Mostly visual or light mechanical in function; parts may be used in molds or display but not typically as mechanical components.