The History of Laminated Steel

This paper discusses the background and history of “laminated steel” (commonly called “noiseless steel” or MPM). It provides the early development, where it came from, and how it was introduced to North America as a new tool for engineering acoustical solutions. A progressive timeline shows laminated steel from its earliest inception in Europe to its current role in today’s global market. Case histories along with examples of successful applications detail its important contribution in advancing the technology for component damping. Many manufacturing sources as well as end users have been impacted over the decades since it was first introduced. Some of those companies will be noted. The background information for this paper is provided by many of the individuals who were involved in the very early stages of its introduction as well those who are currently working to utilize the technology of laminated steel.