What is Rapid Prototyping?

Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM)
Helisys, now defunct and succeeded by Cubic Technologies, was the first producer but also several other manufacturers provide this technology. :Layers of paper or other materials are cut and bonded to form a part.

Laminate
The cured thermoset matrix or the cooled fiber-reinforced composite (with a thermoplastic matrix).

Laser Additive Manufacturing (LAM)
A laser powder forming rapid prototyping process developed by AeroMet Corporation. It's mainly aimed at producing large parts from reactive materials such as titanium for aerospace applications.

Laser Scanning
The use of a laser to collect dimensional data in the form of a "point cloud."

Layered Structure
Structure and arrangement of the individual layers (laminate) of a fiber- reinforced composite.

Lexan®
The trademark for a transparent polymeric material used in such things as storm doors and windows. light-resistance The ability of a plastics material to resist fading after exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light. Nearly all plastics tend to darken under these conditions.

Line-of-Sight
The extent to which a laser scanner or other measurement device can capture 3D data from its vantage point. Only points which can be "seen" by the laser will be captured.

Living Hinge
A living hinge is a hinge or flexure bearing with no moving parts. It is generally a thin section of the material that bends to allow movement. The lack of any friction or wear is critical to the hinge design. Living hinge prototypes are most often made from polypropylene-like resins, such as MDD 900 Series, due to excellent fatigue resistance and tear strength.

Locking Force
Force required to close the mold while being filled or during the hardening phase (in the case of thermosets).

Lustrous
Shining, luminous.