Key takeaways:
Mondragon offers both large-area and multi-stack laminators, reflecting different approaches to module throughput and processing
The large-area model processes more modules per cycle, while the multi-stack system distributes lamination across multiple chambers
Both systems follow similar lamination processes with cycle times of 7-10 minutes and support standard mainstream module configurations
For the TaiyangNews Market Survey on Solar Module Production Equipment 2026, Mondragon Assembly shared information about its 2 models. The latest of the duo is a 2020 model: LAM2787, a large-area laminator that uses a silicone membrane. LAM1627PAD is the company’s other listed product, available since 2016, and a multi-stack laminator that uses a metal plate as the press. As a large-area laminator, LAM2787 has a total usable lamination area of 2,700 × 8,700 mm, accommodating 6 to 7 modules. In comparison, the multi-stack product has a lamination area of 2,700 × 1,600 mm, with 8 stacks and a single opening per stack. The maximum thickness and weight per laminate for the large-area laminator are 20 mm and 75 kg, whereas they are 10 mm and 50 kg for the other variant. Both have an external vacuum system with a customizable built-in feature, and one heating zone for the large-area model, and one heating zone per stack for the multi-stack variant. LAM2787 uses oil and electric heating, while LAM1627PAD uses only electric heating. Both feature 5 temperature control points, have a similar temperature range of 50 to 175°C, and are rated with a temperature uniformity tolerance of ±1.5°C across the metal plate. The large-area laminator offers optional double-sided heating, whereas the multi-stack variant has it built in. Both models have a controlled cooling mechanism. LAM2787 has a built-in pin-lifting system, which is not available for the LAM1627PAD. Coming to the tool footprint, the large-area laminator measures 36,300 × 7,340 × 3,430 mm and weighs 150 tons, while the 8-stack model measures 22,470 × 6,240 × 2,930 mm and weighs 120 tons.
Lamination is achieved in 3 stages: evacuation & pre-heating of the chamber in the first stage, followed by heat press & curing, and cooling. The process is in line with other laminators in this survey. These laminators are compatible with both glass-glass and glass-backsheet configurations. The defined processing temperature range is 130 to 150°C, at a pressure of below 2 mbar. The average cycle time for these models is 7 to 10 minutes, depending on the encapsulant. However, the company states that while LAM2787 processes 100 modules per hour on average, the multi-stack product processes 60 modules per hour. Both tools have a mechanical yield of 99% and are rated with 95% system availability. The lamination has a gel content of at least 75%, which obviously varies depending on the material and lamination process parameters as mentioned earlier. The changeover time for different module sizes for both laminators is specified as 15 minutes. The membrane change time for Mondragon’s LAM2787 is 2 hours, the highest, with an average of 5,000 cycles per silicone membrane, the lowest, among the laminators in this survey.
The text is an edited excerpt from TaiyangNews’ Market Survey on Solar Module Production Equipment 2026, which can be downloaded for free here.