Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM), is based upon the subtraction of materials as successive layers are formed. This is in contrast to other rapid prototype technologies, which are based upon the addition of layers.

In this system the model is formed from successive layers of heat bonded sheet material, typically paper. The sliced CAD data is used to control a laser which cuts the perimeter (only) of each slice in the sheet material. A typical LOM machine is illustrated below.

The waste material around the slice is left in place to support the next layer of the model but to assist with subsequent removal, it is cross-hatched by the laser to form blocks.

Once each layer is complete a new sheet of material is heat bonded on top of it and the laser cuts the next slice. The final model has the appearance of soft wood.