Five-year experience of industrial operation of the first domestic LOM-based system Karat-200

The paper presents the history of development and technological adjustment of the first Russian system for manufacturing 3D models using LOM algorithm; the experience of this system application is considered and analyzed. The principles of its arrangement, peculiarities of design and distinctions from LOM systems of Helisys type are considered. The main characteristics of the system - efficiency, operation stability, accuracy of model production, physical and mechanical properties of produced models - are investigated. Main kinds of waste and causes for its occurrence are analyzed, and ways of their elimination are found. Relying upon the experience of this system application a technical assignment has been elaborated for production of Karat-400, a LOM system of the next generation.