Laminating decorative composite sheet, e.g. for floors or table tops, involves positioning of decorative layer and press tool under computer control

摘要

The decorative layer is cut from a fabric and the repeat patter picked up by a camera. It is then positioned on the backing and located under the press tool in the correct position, optionally together with a top wear layer, as guided by computer control. The sheet is then laminated under heat and pressure. A comparison camera array can check the placing of the pattern after removal from the press and use the data for statistical process control. The decorative layer can contain markings to facilitate comparisons. The materials are humidity and temperature controlled before use. The decorative layer can be stretched during impregnation to compensate for shrinkage during lamination.