What are the challenges and opportunities of laminated object manufacturing in the context of industry 4.0?

1 How does LOM work?

LOM works by cutting and bonding thin sheets of material with a laser or a knife, and stacking them on top of each other to form a solid object. The excess material is either removed manually or by a cross-hatching process that creates perforations for easy peeling. The final model can be sanded, painted, or coated to improve its appearance and durability. LOM can produce models with complex shapes, large sizes, and high accuracy, using a variety of materials such as paper, plastic, metal, ceramic, or composite.

2 What are the benefits of LOM?

One of the main benefits of LOM is its low cost and high speed. LOM uses common and inexpensive materials that are widely available and easy to handle. It also requires less energy and maintenance than other additive manufacturing techniques. LOM can produce models in a matter of hours or days, depending on the size and complexity of the design. LOM models are also lightweight and recyclable, which reduces the environmental impact and waste generation.

3 What are the challenges of LOM?

One of the main challenges of LOM is its limited resolution and quality. LOM models often have visible layers, edges, and gaps that affect their aesthetic and functional performance. LOM models are also prone to warping, curling, and delamination due to the thermal and mechanical stresses of the process. LOM models are not suitable for applications that require high strength, stiffness, or temperature resistance, as they tend to be brittle and fragile. LOM models also have a limited shelf life, as they can degrade over time due to moisture, UV light, or oxidation.

4 How does LOM fit in industry 4.0?

Industry 4.0 is the term used to describe the integration of digital technologies, data, and automation in the manufacturing sector. LOM can play a role in industry 4.0 by enabling rapid prototyping, testing, and validation of new products and concepts. LOM can also facilitate customization, personalization, and innovation, as it allows for the creation of unique and complex models with minimal constraints and resources. LOM can also support education, training, and communication, as it can produce realistic and tangible models that can enhance learning and collaboration.

5 What are the opportunities for LOM?

One of the opportunities for LOM is to improve its performance and quality by using advanced materials, software, and sensors. For example, LOM can use smart materials that can change their properties or functions in response to external stimuli, such as temperature, light, or electricity. LOM can also use software that can optimize the design, slicing, and bonding parameters to reduce errors and waste. LOM can also use sensors that can monitor and control the process conditions and the model characteristics, such as temperature, humidity, or deformation.

6 What are the trends for LOM?

One of the trends for LOM is to combine it with other additive manufacturing techniques or processes to create hybrid models that can offer enhanced features and functions. For example, LOM can be integrated with 3D printing, CNC machining, injection molding, or casting to create models that can have different materials, textures, colors, or finishes. LOM can also be combined with electronics, robotics, or biotechnology to create models that can have interactive, dynamic, or biological capabilities.