In layered object manufacturing, the object is loaded into the computer as a solid model and is sliced using algorithms. The information on each slice is then sent to a manufacturing unit, which consists of a material delivery or a curing system capable of tracing out the layer. Each layer has an associated thickness and the entire layer has the same cross-section. Once the current layer is ready, the computer sends the information about the next layer to the manufacturing system, which builds it on the existing layers. In this way, the entire object is built layer-by-layer. Unlike other processes, only the outline of the shape need be cut, but areas which are to be free space in the final model are finely cross-hatched by the laser, producing a collection of small cubes in the final model. These provide support for material, which may come on top, and can normally be removed at the end of the process.

	CAD data goes into the LOM ™ System's process controller and the software creates a cross-sectional slice.
The laser cuts the cross-sectional outline in the top layer and then crosshatches the excess material for later removal.
A new layer is bonded to the previously cut layer and a new cross section is created and cut as before. Once all layers have been laminated and cut, excess material is removed to expose the finished model.

Christine FitzGerald, Nate Danielson, Umar Munroe, Matthew Cain, Armando Morreale, Frank DelRio
2-23-98