Industrial laminating: materials and applications
Industrial laminating is a process in which two or more materials are permanently bonded together to create specific properties. Examples include technical textiles combined with a functional layer of polyether foam or non-woven materials laminated with a breathable, vapour-permeable film. Which materials can be combined and which bonding method is most suitable depends, among other factors, on the properties of the materials and the intended application of the finished product
Adding properties through laminating
Laminating materials makes it possible to add properties that the original material does not have or does not provide sufficiently.
- Self-adhesive properties –> by applying an adhesive layer to a material for installation or further processing.
- Insulation –> by combining materials for thermal or acoustic applications, for example.
- Cushioning –> for example, by combining foam with textiles, films or other materials.
- Protection –> by adding a functional layer to a material.
- Reinforcement –> by combining different layers to create a more stable material structure.
Materials suitable for lamination
A wide range of materials can be combined through laminating. Not every combination places the same demands on the laminating process. Factors such as the thermal properties and dimensional stability of the materials, the required bond strength and subsequent processing steps, such as die-cutting, all play a role.
| Material | Possible Combinations | Examples of Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Technical textiles | Films, foams, adhesive layers and other textiles | Self-adhesive textiles, hook-and-loop fasteners and technical applications |
| Non-wovens | Films, foams, textiles and adhesive layers | Insulation, underfloor heating and industrial applications |
| Felt | Adhesive layers and other functional layers | Bearing felt for construction applications, including use as an intermediate layer between metal components |
| Foam | Textiles, films and other functional layers | Automotive, insulation and artificial turf |
| Rubber | Textiles, foam and other backing layers | Rubber coverings and technical components |
| Films | Textiles, foam and other materials | Protective and functional material combinations |
| Geotextiles | Textiles and other functional layers | Slope reinforcement, artificial turf fields, protection and construction applications |
The importance of choosing the right adhesive layer
When laminating materials, choosing the right materials is not the only important factor. The adhesive system used and the method of application also determine the quality of the final bond.
Depending on the material combination and application, various adhesive systems can be used, including reactive polyurethane (PUR), reactive polyolefin (POR), pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA), PO hot-melt adhesives and EVA hot-melt adhesives.
The choice of adhesive system depends, among other factors, on the materials being bonded, the required adhesion and the conditions in which the laminate will ultimately be used. The adhesive system is therefore selected to suit the specific material combination and application.
Industrial laminating at Kolthoff
Would you like to know whether Kolthoff can laminate your material? Contact us to discuss the possibilities. We will be happy to explore which material combination and adhesive system are suitable for your application.