These laminated materials are uniformly dense, tough, resilient and light in weight. They are nonabsorptive, have low thermal conductivity, and a low coefficient of expansion. Their dielectric strength is excellent and chemically they are inert to oils, brine, most acids, weak alkalies, and many solvents. Structurally they are strong under tension, compression, flexion, or impact; they are easy to machine and are sound absorbing. Gears made of laminated canvas are widely used; they are silent and outwear those made of metal. The development of such gears was brought about by the demand for a positive drive without the clash and clatter resulting from metal to metal contact. The laminated gear absorbs vibrations, eliminates noise, and reduces wear. The laminated material is one-seventh the weight of brass, one-sixth the weight of steel, one-fifth the weight of cast iron and one-half the weight of aluminum. Laminated gear blanks may be cut on automatic machines into helical, spur, bevel, or worm gears. Timing gears in automobiles are frequently of this type; they require no adjustment and seldom need replacement during the life of the motor. The light weight of the material reduces to a minimum flywheel effect on the camshaft. Where lubrication is difficult a graphite impregnated blank may be used. Bearings made from laminated fabric are successfully used in heavy rolling mills where they reduce replacement costs and decrease power consumption. The laminated material possesses strength, smooth surface, density, good load carrying capacity, high impact resistance, nonscoring properties, and is practically frictionless. Power consumption is said to be reduced as much as 40 to 60 percent of that of metal bearings and the life of the laminated bearing has been as much as 10 times that of the metal ones. It replaces Babbitt metal, brass, bronze, white metal, gun metal, or lignum vitae in this application. [Illustration: LAMINATING SHEET PRESS. Source: Bakelite Corporation, 247 Park Avenue, New York, N. Y.] [Illustration: GEARS MADE OF LAMINATED TAR-ACID RESIN. Source: Bakelite Corporation, 247 Park Avenue, New York, N. Y.] [Illustration: COCKTAIL LOUNGE USING TAR-ACID LAMINATED DECORATIVE MATERIAL. Source: Bakelite Corporation, 247 Park Avenue, New York, N. Y.]