Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Powdered metal is blown into a laser beam. Particles that hit the focal point
melt and gradually build up a metal part.
Since more than one nozzle can blow powder into the laser beam at the
same time, multiple base metals can be used simultaneously to “print” alloys
(mixed metals) in tunable ratios. The ratio can even be varied depending on
the position of the head, leading to graded alloys.
Laminated object manufacturing (LOM)
Last but not least, another member of the selective deposition printer side of
the family are laminated object manufacturing printers (LOM). LOM printers
don't use a print head to form layers. Instead, LOM printers, like their name
suggests, laminate thin sheets of material into a single solid three-dimensional
objects.
The LOM process begins with a design ile. Instead of a print head, a knife
or laser beam does the work. Following the design ile's guidance, the cutting
tool slices out the contours of a shape from a thin ilm of paper, plastic or
metal. Imagine taking a coffee cup, setting it down on a sheet of paper, and
cutting out its outline in the shape of the cup's base.
After the cutting instrument is done with a sheet, the LOM printer whisks
the cut-out aside and lays out a fresh sheet of adhesive ilm to cut the next lay-
ers. The printer stacks together the cut layers of paper, plastic or metal. When
the cross sections of the object have all been cut out, the printer laminates and
presses the layers of cutouts to fuse them into a solid 3D object. Some models
