Laminated

Laminated refers to something constructed by bonding two or more layers of material together. The layers may be of the same or different materials and are held together by adhesives, heat, pressure, or a combination of these. The resulting structure often combines properties of the individual layers, such as increased strength, stability, or dimensional control. The term derives from lamina, meaning thin layer or sheet.

Common forms include laminated wood, laminated glass, metal laminates, and plastic laminates. Laminated wood, including plywood and laminated veneer lumber (LVL), uses layers of wood veneers bonded with adhesives to improve strength and reduce warping. Laminated glass consists of glass sheets bonded by an interlayer (typically polyvinyl butyral or ethylene-vinyl acetate), which holds shards on breakage and provides safety and sound insulation. Plastic laminates, such as high-pressure laminates used on countertops, combine decorative sheets with durable resin cores. Metal laminates may involve bonding thin metal layers for improved properties or corrosion resistance.

Manufacturing and processing may involve hot pressing, cold pressing, or vacuum bagging, and often require specialized adhesives and surface treatments. In electronics, laminated copper-clad sheets form board cores for printed circuit boards. Rapid prototyping methods such as laminated object manufacturing (LOM) build objects layer by layer from sheets of material.

Applications span construction, furniture, automotive glass, signage, packaging, and protective coatings. Laminates can enhance durability, weather resistance, fire performance, or aesthetics, but delamination risk remains if bonding fails or exposure to moisture and heat is excessive. See also lamination.