Steam bending uses the application of moisture to soften wood to become more pliable. Using steam on some woods such as plywood can be delaminated by the process. Once shaped, the wood is held in place by a former, and the moisture is taken out using air like normal seasoning. This technique can be used in large and small scale production lines, and the products range from wooden jewellery to producing ribs in a traditionally made boat hull.
Shown on the right, this picture shows the steam being applied to the wood and the bending process taking place. Once the wood is bent, it is clamped down and left till rigid.
Laminated Wood
Laminates are made up of layers of material bonded together. This is extremely strong as the glue is stronger than the wood itself so binding the two substances together makes a very stable and strong engineeing material.
As shown to the left, the layers of wood make the product strong in one direction and weak in the other. Grains can be lined up so that the wood becomes stronger. Laminated wood is stable and good looking and is used on a variety of products from CD racks to furniture but also for structural items such as beams in buildings.Josh out.
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