lamination

Lamination is a manufacturing process in which two or more layers of material are bonded together to form a composite with enhanced properties such as strength, rigidity, durability, or barrier performance. The layers, or plies, can be wood veneers, metal sheets, polymer films, glass, or paper, and the bonding is achieved by adhesives, heat, pressure, or a combination of these.

Common techniques include hot-press lamination, cold-press lamination, roll-to-roll lamination, and vacuum-assisted methods. Adhesives vary by application and can be thermosetting resins (phenolic, polyurethane, epoxy), thermoplastic films, or interlayer materials such as polyvinyl butyral in laminated glass. Some laminates rely on thermoplastic fusion or interlayer curing during heat.

Laminated wood such as plywood or cross-laminated timber uses layers of veneer bonded with resin adhesives to improve stability and strength. Laminated glass uses interlayers like PVB or polycarbonate to hold shattering fragments together. Magnetic laminations consist of thin metal sheets stacked to reduce eddy current losses in transformer cores. Polymer film laminates combine barrier and decorative properties for packaging.

Uses span electrical engineering (transformer and motor cores), construction (structural timber products), safety glazing, packaging, and consumer electronics. In addition, laminated composites are used in aerospace and automotive components where anisotropy and weight savings are important.

Design considerations include interfacial adhesion, thermal expansion compatibility, moisture resistance, delamination risk, and end-of-life recyclability. Quality control often involves lamination testing, bond line inspection, and durability testing under humidity and temperature cycling.