What are the best design practices and guidelines for LOM optimization?

1 Choose the right material

The first step for LOM optimization is to select the most suitable material for your prototype. Depending on your design goals, budget, and specifications, you can choose from different types of materials, such as paper, plastic, or metal. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as weight, stiffness, surface finish, thermal resistance, and environmental impact. You should also consider the availability, cost, and compatibility of the material with your LOM machine and adhesive.

2 Optimize the layer thickness

The layer thickness is another important factor that affects the quality and speed of your LOM prototype. The layer thickness determines the resolution, accuracy, and smoothness of your model. Generally, thinner layers produce finer details and smoother surfaces, but they also increase the processing time and the risk of warping and delamination. Thicker layers reduce the time and cost of fabrication, but they also lower the resolution and accuracy of your model. You should balance the trade-offs between layer thickness and quality according to your design requirements.

3 Avoid overhangs and supports

One of the challenges of LOM is to deal with overhangs and supports. Overhangs are parts of your model that extend beyond the base layer without any support from below. Supports are additional structures that are added to your model to prevent overhangs from collapsing or curling. Both overhangs and supports can affect the quality and efficiency of your LOM prototype. Overhangs can cause sagging, curling, or tearing of the layers, while supports can increase the material waste, processing time, and post-processing effort. You should avoid or minimize overhangs and supports by designing your model with simple and self-supporting shapes, or by orienting your model in a way that reduces the need for supports.

4 Use proper heating and cooling

Heating and cooling are essential processes for LOM that affect the bonding and curing of the layers. Heating is used to activate the adhesive that binds the layers together, while cooling is used to solidify the adhesive and prevent warping and delamination. You should use proper heating and cooling settings for your LOM machine and material to ensure optimal adhesion and stability of your prototype. Too much or too little heating or cooling can cause defects, such as cracks, bubbles, or distortions in your model. You should also monitor the temperature and humidity of your working environment to avoid thermal shocks and moisture absorption.

5 Perform post-processing carefully

Post-processing is the final step for LOM optimization that involves removing the excess material and improving the appearance and functionality of your prototype. Post-processing can include cutting, peeling, sanding, painting, or coating your model. You should perform post-processing carefully and gently to avoid damaging or degrading your prototype. You should use sharp and precise tools to cut and peel the excess material, and smooth and polish the edges and surfaces of your model. You should also use appropriate paints or coatings to protect your model from wear and tear, UV rays, or corrosion.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?