View source for Laminating

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=====Description=====
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamination '''Laminating'''] is the layering of one sheet of material over another to create a '''[[Composite]]''' with enhanced properties. This can be done with heat, pressure or with '''[[Adhesive Types|Contact Adhesives]]''' for example.


=====Applications=====

A common everyday application is to use a '''Desktop Laminator''' and '''Laminating Pouches''' to protect photos and documents. The pouches come in various thicknesses and both paper and thin card can be '''Laminated'''. For work in '''[[Design and Technology]]''' even this simple use can be regarded as a manufacturing process. Computer generated work can be printed out and '''Laminated''' to create a wide range of '''[[:Category:Graphics|Graphics Products]]''' such as puzzles, games, cut-out models, tags and labels. Similarly, a piece of '''[[Decoupage]]''' or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collage '''Collage'''] can be laminated to give it some durability if required.


'''Laminates''' are one option for '''[[Kitchen Worktops]]''' and '''[[Kitchen Unit Construction|Kitchen Units]]''' are commonly made from high density '''[[Manufactured Board|Chipboard]]''' faced on both sides with either wood grain or white '''[[Laminate]]'''. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formica_(plastic) '''Formica'''] can be '''Laminated''' to '''[[Manufactured Board|Manufactured Boards]]''' such as '''Ply''', '''MDF''' or '''Chipboard''' using a '''[[Adhesive Types|Contact Adhesive]]''' to provide a smooth, coloured and easy to clean surface where needed.


Real wood [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_veneer '''Veneer'''] is often '''Laminated''' with to a base '''[[Manufactured Board]]''' with '''[[Adhesive Types|P.V.A. Adhesive]]''' and held in a press until dry to create a decorative surface finish and mimic solid wood construction. '''Plywood''' is a '''[[Manufactured Board]]''' which is made entirely by '''Laminating''' together layers of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_veneer '''Veneer''']. They can also be '''Laminated''' around a shaped former to produce curved, '''[[Cold Moulding|Cold Moulded]]''' component.

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<span style="color: green">'''Note:'''
When '''Laminating''' flat sheets, it is important to '''Laminate''' both sides to prevent the board curlling ''(e.g. when '''[[Veneering]]''')'' always add a '''Backing Veneer''' to the reverse side
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