Three-Axis Linear Gantry

The term laminate comes from the Latin word lamina, meaning layer, board, or sheet. Laminate flooring consists of a core board, often a medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or high-density fiberboard (HDF), and several layers of paper for appearance and wear resistance. These paper layers (decorative paper, overlay, backing) are impregnated with special resins (usually melamine resins) before being laid onto the core board in the coating station and permanently bonded in a short-cycle press.

The three-axis linear gantry from WELSCH INDUSTRIAL is equipped with a trolley that can move horizontally in the x and y directions. It is driven by a servo motor and controlled with extreme precision. The third degree of freedom is achieved here by a rotatably movable arm. The entire assembly is perfectly synchronized with the speed of the carrier plate to pick up and place the paper at the precise moment and in the correct position.

The suction bar is the actual tool that picks up and moves the paper, equipped with numerous individual vacuum suction cups that can be partially controlled. Because the papers are impregnated with thermosetting resins (melamine resin) and are therefore very delicate, the lifting and placing process must be very smooth and uniform to prevent tears, creases, or air bubbles.