THERE ARE MANY SURPRISING APPLICATIONS FOR LAMINATION IN VEHICLES

When most people think of lamination they probably think of the transparent films on card or paper products. Some may picture flooring. The techniques actually have a lot more applications than those though. There are uses in a vast array of industries. One we want to look at today is vehicles. It can surprise people to learn so many items here are made using laminating services.

Three methods

The basic idea of lamination is you add a protective or decorative layer to finish different materials. There are several components in a vehicle that have laminates. This includes door panels, instrument panels, and more.

Vehicle manufacturers can use three different types of lamination. Let’s go over them.

Firstly is press lamination. This process requires the use of a press, a film, and adhesive. There are hot and cold techniques here. Some use heat to activate the adhesives and then have pressure from the press to create a bond. The other option simply relies on the pressure. The method can apply laminate to all kinds of sheet materials. As a result, it is useful for things like door panels, floors, and seat backs. You can even choose leather or fabric laminates.

The second option is adhesive lamination. Here you rely on the adhesives but don’t use a press to apply them. Normal pressure is enough to create the bond. This method is popular for the exterior with things like vehicle wraps. There are also interior applications though.

Finally we have vacuum lamination. This does not rely on using adhesives to bond the materials. Instead it uses a diaphragm or rubber membrane. Compressed air can fill it, causing expansion. When this happens it presses the film to the part. Some rubber laminators use heat to help with the bonding. It is a great technique that can apply very thin films effectively.

Which to choose?

All three types are effective options for laminating services for automotive applications. However, vacuum lamination has become the most popular. This is because it offers a number of advantages and can overcome some of the issues with the other two.

The most notable thing is there’s no need for adhesives. That means there is no risk of issues like bubbles or sticker stains. The vacuum lamination can produce a high quality, flat finish. The laminate will remain in place until a removal technique is used.

Another advantage is the technique is very flexible. A diaphragm or membrane can adapt to any kind of part. As a result it can apply laminate to a massive array of parts, from arm rests to sun visors and instrument panels.

Finally, the pressure with the vacuum can vary. This means it can adjust to suit the films. If it is a thin delicate one such as a metal film or woodgrain, a lower pressure can ensure it is applied without damage.

Do you want reliable laminating services?

So, as you’ve seen lamination can be useful for creating all manner of parts for vehicles. It can produce high quality finishes for all of them. This can add massive value for the user. The films can last a long time and save a great deal of weight too, improving performance.

For more information on THERE ARE MANY SURPRISING APPLICATIONS FOR LAMINATION IN VEHICLES talk to Foiling Services Ltd