Definition
A core for an electrical component such as a transformer, inductor, or armature, built from many thin sheets of soft iron or silicon steel that are insulated from each other and stacked together. The thin insulated layers reduce eddy current losses by limiting the circulating currents that would otherwise flow through a solid iron core when exposed to a changing magnetic field.
Plain English
An iron core made from a stack of thin metal sheets pressed together, with each sheet insulated from the next. Building it in layers instead of one solid piece keeps wasted electrical currents inside the metal small, so the part runs cooler and more efficiently.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft electrical and ignition system discussions, especially when learning how transformers, coils, or magnetos are built.
Derivation
Laminated comes from the Latin lamina, meaning a thin plate or layer. A laminated core is literally a core built from layers — which is exactly the point of the design.
Why Pilots Care
Laminated cores are why aircraft generators, alternators, and transformers can operate continuously without overheating. Understanding the design helps pilots recognise why electrical components are rated for specific loads and why cooling and serviceability matter.
Analogy
Think of a ream of paper versus a solid block of wood the same size. Electricity trying to swirl sideways through the stack runs into the gap between every sheet and gets stopped, while in a solid block it would flow freely and waste energy as heat.
Intuition Check
Laminated does not mean plastic-coated here. It means built from many thin metal layers that are separated from each other electrically.
Example Sentence 1
The transformer in the aircraft's inverter uses a laminated core to keep eddy current losses low at 400 Hz.
Example Sentence 2
Mechanics inspected the laminated core for delamination after the electrical system showed irregularities.