The concept of Laminated Object Manufacture has been around almost since the birth of Rapid Prototyping. Various systems have been developed using a broad selection of materials and using a variety of cutting mechanisms. All LOM technologies are alike in that the component is constructed by laying sheets of material one on top of the other and cutting the cross-section profile into it.

Helisys developed the first paper based LOM system but have since ceased trading. Since then there have been a number of systems developed which use adaptations of the same technology.