Additive manufacturing — Does Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) create solid parts by stacking and bonding sheets (e.g., paper, polymer film, or similar roll/sheet stock) before contour cutting each layer?

Introduction / Context:
Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) is an additive manufacturing method that builds parts from sheets rather than powder beds, liquid resins, or extruded filaments. Knowing the basic mechanism helps in selecting processes based on cost, materials, throughput, and finish requirements.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Claim: LOM produces solids from sheets such as paper or polymer films (e.g., vinyl-like materials).
• Each layer is bonded (thermally or adhesively) and then cut to contour.
• Post-processing includes excess material removal and possible infiltration/finishing.

Concept / Approach:
LOM feeds sheet stock across a build platen, bonds it to the stack, and cuts the outline of the current cross-section. The cycle repeats to accumulate thickness. This contrasts with FDM (extruding filament), SLA/DLP (curing liquid resin), and SLS (sintering powder). Sheet-based methods offer low material costs (e.g., paper) and good build rates for some geometries, with trade-offs in fine feature resolution.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Recognize LOM’s material form: sheet/roll stock.2) Identify the operations: bond layer → cut contour → remove waste.3) Compare with alternative AM processes to confirm distinct mechanism.4) Conclude the statement is correct.

Verification / Alternative check:
Process selection charts place LOM among sheet-lamination technologies; vendor literature and textbooks describe paper-based LOM as a canonical example, with polymer or composite sheets as variants.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Incorrect: Conflicts with the core definition of LOM.
• Photopolymer vats / filament extrusion / powder bed fusion: These are different AM families (vat photopolymerization, material extrusion, powder bed fusion).

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming all AM builds from powders or filaments; overlooking trapped waste material in internal cavities; neglecting kerf width during contour cutting.

Final Answer:
Correct