Additive manufacturing is broadly divided into 7 families, and sheet lamination is one of them.
To start with, let’s briefly explain what additive manufacturing is. Then we’ll get into sheet lamination, specifically, along with how it works and what types there are, what applications it has, and what its advantages and disadvantages are.
Additive manufacturing (AM) refers to a manufacturing process in which you create an object through building it one layer at a time. With advanced computer-aided design (CAD) software, you can precisely deposit material layer by layer and then fuse them. The process allows for the creation of designs that are lighter and more complex.
Sheet lamination involves the stacking and laminating of thin sheets of material to build a 3D object. Adhesive or thermal bonding, brazing, and ultrasonic welding are some different lamination methods available. Machining and/or laser cutting produces the final shape.
Sheet lamination is categorized into groups that are based on the build material used or the forming methods applied to the task. Further categorization by the lamination technique is also possible. In addition, there are ways to categorize lamination types by when the shapes are formed.
There are two ways to do this:
Examples of build material include ceramic, metal, paper, plastic, polymer, and woven fiber composites. Parts produced via sheet lamination have the least additive resolution of the seven additive manufacturing (AM) processes, but it has a low cost and a faster manufacturing time.
There are different types of lamination processes for different purposes. Some examples include paper-based techniques for creating full-color prints, metal-based lamination for use in hybrid manufacturing, and techniques for making composite fiber parts and ceramic parts.
Ultimately, the job at hand determines whether sheet lamination is the right choice for you and what type is called for. A good AM company can help you figure those things out.
When you need specialized work like sheet lamination, it can be challenging to find the right company for it, and sometimes that process comes with setbacks. After all, every company’s website says that they’re the best at what they do, but everyone can’t be the best at once.
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