Laminated Stock

Laminated Stock Requirements

  1. Wood Stock:
    • Hardwoods, plywoods, and MDF must be laminated using wood glue – Titebond II or similar.
    • Hardwood surfaces must be properly jointed or planed before laminating.
  2. Foam:
    • Foams should be laminated with water-activated polyurethane glue – Gorilla Glue or similar.
  3. Foreign Objects:
    • Ensure that all laminated stock is free of any foreign objects (e.g., metals – nails, screws, bolts, and dowels).
  4. Clamping:
    • Laminated stock must be clamped for 24 hours prior to milling to allow for proper curing of the adhesive.

Safety Considerations

CNC Milling poorly or improperly laminated stock can pose significant safety risks, including but not limited to:

  • Chipping or Splintering: Inadequate adhesion may cause layers to separate during milling, leading to dangerous projectiles.
  • Tool Damage: Milling through foreign objects (e.g., metals), gaps, or uneven surfaces can damage CNC router bits.

Procedure

Lamination Process:

  1. Surface Preparation: Ensure that all surfaces to be laminated are clean, dry, and free of dust, grease, or any contaminants that could affect adhesion.
  2. Glue Application: Apply an even coat of glue to each internal surface that will be bonded. Use a brush or a spreader to ensure full coverage, paying attention to the edges to avoid gaps.
  3. Align Pieces: Carefully align the pieces to be laminated. Ensure that there are no misalignments or visible gaps between the layers, as these can weaken the bond and pose safety risks during milling.
  4. Clamp the Assembly: Use appropriate clamps to hold the pieces together firmly. Make sure to apply even pressure across the entire surface to ensure complete contact.
  5. Curing Time: Allow the laminated pieces to cure under pressure for at least 24 hours prior to milling. This curing time is essential for achieving a strong bond and ensuring the stability of the laminated stock.
  6. Inspection:
    • Check for Gaps: After the curing period, inspect the laminated stock for any visible gaps. If gaps are present, the bond may not be strong enough for CNC milling, and the assembly should be re-evaluated or re-laminated.
    • Test Strength: Conduct a light test by applying pressure to the bonded edges to ensure that the layers are securely adhered.

User Responsibility Statement

The Digital Fabrication Lab makes a good faith effort to check the conformance of laminated stock to the established requirements. However, as it is not always feasible to visually check for complete compliance after lamination, the user is ultimately responsible for ensuring all requirements are met. The user also accepts responsibility for any damage resulting from non-conformance to the Digital Fabrication Lab’s procedures.