High pressure laminates: A general introduction of this popular surface material

 


High Pressure Laminates (HPL) have evolved significantly over the years, and manages to meet quite high quality standards. They are among the best-known surface materials in interior design, and are widely recommended by many Vinyl installation professionals around the world. HPL is available in a variety of styles, textures and hues. They can also be designed to imitate the appearance of other materials, like metal or timber.

What is high pressure laminate made of?

The raw materials of HPL include overlay, decorative and Kraft papers, and thermosetting synthetic resins. The decorative paper is fused to multiple sheets of Kraft paper saturated with a synthetic thermosetting resin. A thermosetting process is ideally used to combine these sheets with the use of high pressure and heat. This leads to the creation of flexible, high-density laminate sheets. The final step is to laminate these sheets onto timber substrates.

 While the Kraft paper forms the core material of HPL and determines its thickness, the overlay paper improves its resistance capacity and decorative paper influences its appearance. The resins act as a glue, and the substrate of core material can be plywood, MDF, or particleboard.

Applications of HPL are several, ranging from Table Tops for restaurants to countertops for kitchens. HPL sheets have a relatively high resistance to heat and discoloration, impact, and thermal shock, as well as abrasion, making them particularly suited for commercial settings.

Advantageous features of high pressure laminates 

  • Superior wear resistance: HPL is quite hard-wearing and durable. This surface material is scratch, impact, and abrasion-resistant
  • Low heat conduction: HPL does not become too cold or hot even if its surrounding temperature changes.
  • Needs minimal maintenance: HPL is extremely easy to maintain and clean, making it an ideal surface material for items that require regular cleaning and maintenance. The use of HPL Toilet Partitions & Lockers in educational institutions, gyms, hospitals, malls, and more is quite common.
  • Stylish and innovative: HPL is pretty visually appealing. This surface material is available in a wide range of innovative and modern designs and styles. People can get HPL sheets in varying options of colors and textures to match their space.
  • Versatile: HPL can be applied on varying types of surfaces, either horizontally or vertically. They can also be applied on curved or cylindrical surfaces.

In comparison to other typical lab surface materials, HPL is among the most budget-friendly choice.

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