Abstract: Separation of individual laminations is performed by positioning a row of the laminations against a metal tray or similar supporting surface. The opposite ends of the row are engaged between platens which are oriented parallel to each other at a first angle relative to the axis of the row. While compressing the row between the platens, a force is applied against a side of the row to compact it against the supporting surface. The row is the engaged between platens that are oriented parallel to each other but at a second angle relative to the axis of the row, and a compacting force is again applied while the row is compressed between the platens. At least one of the first and second angles is an oblique angle.