The Laminator Technology Breakthrough in China’s PV Industry

The laminator, though unfamiliar to many, is a core piece of equipment in solar module manufacturing. Its function is to press glass, EVA film, cell strings, and backsheet into a single durable panel through a vacuum hot‑pressing process – essentially acting as a “super iron” that fuses multiple layers together.

The lamination stage directly determines the module’s lifespan and reliability. A good laminator must achieve three goals: no air bubbles, seamless integration, and satisfactory bonding strength.

From Import Dependency to Self‑Sufficiency

More than a decade ago, domestic module makers relied almost entirely on imported laminators, which were expensive, had long delivery cycles, and slow after‑sales service. A single imported dual‑chamber unit cost several million yuan, and the silicone plate – a critical consumable – needed replacement every two to three months, keeping costs high.

The turning point came around 2010, when the Qinhuangdao laminator industrial cluster led domestic manufacturers to tackle vacuum hot‑pressing technology. After over ten years of iteration, locally made laminators now meet or exceed imports in core parameters: temperature control accuracy reaches ±1℃, heating plate uniformity stays within ±1.5℃, ultimate vacuum goes down to 30 Pa, and evacuation time from atmosphere to 120 Pa is reduced to under 120 seconds. Electric heating has also cut long‑term energy costs. Today, domestic laminators hold over 90% of the local market and are exported in volume to Southeast Asia, India, and Europe.

Technological Evolution for the N‑Type

As the industry shifts from P‑type PERC to N‑type TOPCon, HJT, and BC technologies, new encapsulation challenges arise. N‑type cells are more sensitive to moisture, demanding better water resistance and adhesion from encapsulation materials.

This has spurred laminator innovation in several directions: heating methods now combine electric heating with thermal oil for rapid ramp‑up and uniform temperature; multi‑cavity designs (dual‑ or triple‑chamber) have become mainstream, with single‑machine annual capacity reaching up to 500 MW; and equipment is now compatible with films such as EVA, POE, TPO, and PBV, supporting double‑glass and BIPV modules.

Intelligentization and Low‑Carbonization Go Hand in Hand

Looking ahead, the laminator industry is moving towards smarter solutions. IoT technology enables real‑time monitoring and remote diagnostics of temperature, pressure, and vacuum, significantly improving overall equipment effectiveness.

On the other hand, with the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism taking effect, module carbon footprint has become a key export indicator. The laminator’s energy consumption directly affects carbon accounting, making “lower energy consumption and higher efficiency” the focus of next‑generation R&D – including heat recovery, longer‑lasting silicone plates, and modular designs.

Conclusion

From reliance on imports to self‑reliance, from technological catch‑up to standard‑setting, the development of domestic laminators mirrors the rise of China’s PV equipment industry. Driven by N‑type technology upgrades and the global energy transition, this unsung hero continues to evolve. As perovskite tandem cells approach commercialization, the laminator will remain the indispensable core equipment, supporting the industry’s high‑quality growth.