Laminate types

Different types of laminate

Laminates are constructed in different ways to suit different load scenarios. The different types of laminate are therefore tailored to the combination of stresses associated with their intended application. By choosing carefully from the range of types that is available, users can make full use of the Material and ensure the laminate is suitable for the specific application.

The following features help to distinguish between laminate types:

• Unidirectional layers (UD) - fibres are all aligned in one direction
• Crossed-fibre laminate - fibres are oriented at 0° and 90°
• Shear laminate - fibres are oriented at angles of ± 45° (used exclusively to counter shear stress)
• Counterbalanced angle laminate - fibre layers are arranged in pairs at the same angle but with opposite signs for biaxial loading scenarios
• Aircraft laminate - fibres are oriented in three or more different directions

All laminates are built up to the desired thickness by stacking layers one on top of the other.