1. Of an optical fiber, one or more layers of material of lower refractive index, in intimate contact with a core material of higher refractive index.
2. A process of covering one metal with another (usually achieved by pressure rolling, extruding, drawing, or swaging) until a bond is achieved.
Source: from Federal Standard 1037C and from MIL-STD-188
In building construction, cladding may refer to:
The application of one material over another to provide a weather-proof layer intended to control the infiltration of weather elements. Cladding does not necessarily have to provide a water-proof condition but, rather, a control element. This control element may only serve to safely direct water or wind in order to control run-off and prevent infiltration into the building structure. An excellent example of cladding may be found at www.windowcapping.com . The site explains and illustrates some real-world examples of cladding as applied to residential and light commercial development and restoration. This cladding application is often referred to as window capping and is a very specialized field. True seasoned professionals are few and those that have earned a reputation for quality workmanship have likely been involved in this field for over twenty years. Highly skilled workers in this field are sought after and respected.