Laminating

Description

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 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 Graphics Products such as puzzles, games, cut-out models, tags and labels. Similarly, a piece of Decoupage or Collage can be laminated to give it some durability if required.

Laminates are one option for Kitchen Worktops and Kitchen Units are commonly made from high density Chipboard faced on both sides with either wood grain or white Laminate. Formica can be Laminated to Manufactured Boards such as Ply, MDF or Chipboard using a Contact Adhesive to provide a smooth, coloured and easy to clean surface where needed.

Real wood Veneer is often Laminated with to a base Manufactured Board with 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 Veneer. They can also be Laminated around a shaped former to produce curved, Cold Moulded component.

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