Laminated Additive Manufacturing

By Pastor Samuel Aka

Additive manufacturing is the use of 3D printers to creating solid free form objects. There are many forms of this type of manufacturing like Stereolitography (SLA) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). Laminated Additive Manufacturing is one of them. Otherwise known as Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM), it goes through a 3D printing process whereby simple geometrics are created with the use of layer by layer materials like papers or at most plastic. This process makes use of high temperature to bond these layers together thereafter making the required shape with the support of rapid tooling. The use of this method in 3-D printing is one of the most sought after when it comes to taking advantage of the benefits of disruptive technologies.

Photo File Credit: cut.ac.za

The bonding of these layers before being sliced in a crosshatch pattern into acceptable shape is what is known as lamination. The object is well crosshatched in the interior part of the object compared to the exterior. Reason being that it will help to make evacuating the object from the 3D printing device very easy. The paper or plastic material goes through an intense heat over and over again with the use of heated feed rollers in a 3D printer. The feed rollers ensure that the adhesive in the layers of any of the materials used is properly melted. It is worthy of note that in order to ensure that the object is properly laminated, there are environmental precautions that must be adhered to. The 3D object after being laminated is then given the proper finishing. The finishing of the 3D printed object can be sanded or coated.

Laminated Object Manufacturing has comparative advantage in 3D printing technologies in the sense that there is no need for the use of chemicals. It is good to know that this form of 3D paper printing does not require much. It is a perfect choice for home fabrication which is often the way to go for SMEs. The materials required are not scarce to purchase which makes it very easy to put up large modeling. Additionally, Laminated Additive Manufacturing has no need for an enclose chamber in the course of its 3D printing process. Besides printing, the use of Laminated Additive Manufacturing is also essential in the designing and construction of 3D prototypes. It is good to make modeling suitable for pattern analysis. Most traditional modeling manufacturer prefers the use of Laminated Object Manufacturing for casting process.

About the Author:

Pastor Samuel Aka is a Christian Clergy, a business consultant with Middle East B2B, and a prolific writer since 2010.