Troubleshooting Cold Press Laminating

The following information is a summary of potential issues and recommendations. Check out our complete Lamination Gluing Guide for additional recommendations! 

Issue: Total delamination with little or no substrate failure

‍Possible Causes:

• Pre-cure (no glue transfer) | Recommendation: Increase glue spread
• ‍Low pressure (poor contact)
| Recommendation: Increase pressure
• ‍Short press time
| Recommendation: Increase pressure period

Issue: Spotty bond

Possible Causes:

• Uneven surfaces | Recommendation: Calibrate cores to uniform thickness and/or increase pressure
• Worn Spreader Rolls | Recommendation: Replace or re-groove rolls

Issue: Glue bleeds through face veneers

Possible Causes:

• Excessive glue spread
 | Recommendation: Reduce glue spread
• Excessive pressure | Recommendation: Reduce pressure
• Wrong adhesive type | Recommendation: Contact our technical support team to get the best product recommendation.

Issue: Telegraphing of core defects or banding

Possible Causes:

• Excessive pressure | Recommendation: Reduce pressure
• Uneven or variable thickness | Recommendation: Re-sand core
• Foreign material on core | Recommendation: Pre-clean core

Issue: Warpage of panels

Possible Causes:

• Excessive or unequal spread | Recommendation: Reduce spread, and make sure spread is equal on both sides
• Unbalanced construction | Recommendation: Check grain orientation and number of plies
• Excessive moisture
| Recommendation: 6-8%moisture content recommended

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‍Issue: Brilliant white on glue squeeze-out and/or glue line

‍Possible Causes:

• Chalking caused by low temperature | Recommendation: Raise temperature of plant, wood, and adhesive above the minimum use temperature of the adhesive