Puristuslaminaation

Puristuslaminaatio, or compression lamination, is a manufacturing process in which multiple layers of material are bonded together under controlled pressure, often with heat, to form a single solid panel or laminate. The technique is commonly associated with wood products such as veneers or thin boards, but it is also used for composites and textiles.

During the process, layers are arranged with an adhesive between them. The stack is placed in a hydraulic or pneumatic press, where heat and pressure are applied for a set time. The adhesive cures and bonds the layers as they harden, reducing voids and improving contact. The temperature, pressure, and dwell time depend on the material and adhesive system.

Common materials include plywood and laminated veneer lumber (LVL) made from wood veneers, as well as cross-laminated timber (CLT) formed from cross-oriented layers. In composite manufacturing, prepreg fabrics or unidirectional plies are stacked and cured under pressure. Adhesives used range from melamine- and urea-formaldehyde for wood products to epoxy resins for composites.

Puristuslaminaatio offers high strength and dimensional stability, good weather resistance with appropriate resins, and design flexibility. Limitations include energy consumption, equipment requirements for uniform pressure, and potential environmental considerations related to adhesive emissions. Quality control often targets panel thickness uniformity, delamination resistance, and internal void content.

Historically, lamination under pressure has evolved from simple press-and-bond methods to continuous hot-press lines and automated control systems, enabling large-scale production of plywood, LVL, CLT, and composite laminates used in construction and manufacturing.