Laminoitu

Laminoitu is a term used to describe a material that is made by bonding together multiple thin layers, or laminas, to form a single, cohesive piece. In Finnish usage it commonly refers to laminated products and can describe various materials that are assembled from layered sheets to achieve enhanced properties such as strength, stability, or safety.

Common types of laminoitu materials include laminated wood, laminated glass, and laminated metals or plastics. Laminated wood examples include plywood and glued laminated timber (glulam), where thin veneers or thin boards are bonded with adhesives to create a stronger, more stable component. Laminated glass consists of two or more glass plies joined by an interlayer, typically polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), which holds the layers together if the glass breaks. Metal and plastic laminates combine sheets of different metals or polymers to tailor properties such as corrosion resistance, strength, or thermal behavior.

Production generally involves arranging the layers, applying an adhesive or interlayer, and curing under heat and pressure. The choice of adhesive and interlayer, as well as lamination direction and pressure, influence performance, durability, and repair options. Laminoitu products often offer improved strength-to-weight ratio, dimensional stability, and safety characteristics, but can be more costly and may present recycling challenges compared to monolithic materials.

Historically, lamination has a long developmental arc, with plywood and glued timber dating to the 19th and early 20th centuries, and laminated glass emerging in the 1900s as a safety glazing solution.