What Is High Pressure Laminate (HPL)?

What is high pressure laminate (HPL)?

HPL is a manufactured composite material.

It consists of printed decoration paper fused to multiple sheets (6-8 pieces) of Kraft paper saturated with a synthetic thermosetting resin.

A curing or thermosetting process combines the sheets using heat and high pressure (more than 1,000 PSI) to form flexible, single, high-density laminate sheets. Occasionally, manufacturers may reinforce the layers with metal layers or mesh. The final step is to laminate the sheets onto wood substrates.

HPL is available in various colors, textures and styles. You can easily use it to imitate the appearance of other materials such as wood or metal.

The countertop surface patterns on the laminates are saturated with melanin-based resins to provide higher resistance to abrasion, thermal shock and impact, heat and discoloration.

What is high pressure laminate made of?

The raw materials include Kraft, printed decorative and overlay papers, and thermosetting synthetic resins.

Kraft paper is the core material and determines the product thickness. The decorative paper determines the design and color, while the overlay paper improves the resistance of materials regarding abrasion, scratch and heat.

The resins including phenolic or melamine act as the glue. The substrate of core material includes particleboard, MDF, and plywood.

High Pressure Laminate (HPL) Specifications

Various types or grades of HPL work for different uses and specific performance requirements. These include:

General Purpose HPL: Most commonly used and suitable for horizontal and vertical surface applications. The typical thickness ranges from 0.028″ to 0.048″ (0.71 to 1.22 mm).
Postforming HPL: The application of heat and restraint allows the type of HPL to form around curved edges. The maximum thickness is around 0.038″ (0.97 mm).
Backer HPL: These are produced without a decorative surface; thus, they tend to be slightly thinner than the decorative HLPs. They are also available as regrind—reclaimed HPL with decorative sheet sanded off.
Special purpose HPL: These improve the aesthetic appeal and enhance the physical performance. They include chemical resistant, fire-rated, and electrostatic dissipative laminates.

What is high pressure laminate used for?

HPL slabs are best-suited for countertop in general function labs with dry working conditions requiring durable, high-pressure resistance surfaces. These labs typically include product testing and technology.

Other highlights and applications:

HPL is a standard finish in areas requiring low static generation, frequent access, or ease of maintenance, including retail outlets, hospitals, and clinics.
It’s easy to clean making it ideal for places and applications where high levels of hygiene are paramount, such as laboratories, hospitals and kitchens. Stainless steel is also good for this application.
Residential and commercial applications, including walls and partitions, ceilings, furniture, benchtops, countertops, and external fitting
Electrical devices, mechanical, oil, gas and power generation

Pros and cons of HPL laminate versus solid surface

Solid surfaces are composites of different materials, including polymer resins or layers of fused acrylics. A solid surface counter is resistant to heat, water, discoloration, and abrasion. However, it can still warp, crack or discolor when exposed to temperatures above 1600C.

Compared to solid surfaces, the advantages of HPL include:

Superior wear resistance: HPL is durable. Its impact, scratch, and abrasion-resistant
Low heat conduction: It doesn’t become too hot or cold even when the surrounding temps change.
Heat resistant: While HPL cannot handle intense heat exposures. However, you can still use them for heat applications with a threshold of 275° for suspended periods.
Require minimal maintenance: It’s easy to clean and maintain, thus ideal for surfaces that need regular cleaning and maintenance.
Stylish and innovative: HPL is visually appealing and is available in modern and innovative designs with a contemporary look. They are also available in various options, patterns, textures and colors to match your space.
Versatile: HPL can be used on different types of surfaces vertically or horizontally—also on curved or cylindrical surfaces. They are affordable: Compared to other typical lab surface materials, they are the most economical option.

Disadvantages of HPL surfaces include:

They cannot handle extreme heat.
They have a low resistance to bacteria, chemicals, corrosive, fungal, water, moisture, and scratches.

What material is best suited for applications involving high heat?

The best work surface or benchtop material for your lab depends on the applications within the lab environment. It is possible to find a sweet-spot in terms of performance and cost. Additionally, most materials have pros and cons.

For example, stainless steel has a high heat tolerance and can withstand temperatures of up to 15000 F. It is also great for medical and healthcare environments. However, it is very expensive and susceptible to scratches and dents.

Epoxy resin offers high resistance to bacteria, chemicals, and heat, but has low scratch resistance. It’s also very expensive, has long lead times and is difficult to fabricate in the field.

When choosing the right countertop for your lab, consider the type of work you will be doing. This will help protect your investment and prolong the longevity of work surfaces.

How can CFI help?

Your needs determine the ideal surface material for your lab. CFI can assist you in assessing your current and future needs and giving you access to high-quality materials to suit all your needs. We also offer lab design build consulting.

Lab countertops are a long-term investment. Thus, it is crucial to make a choice that will stand the test of time and the rigors of your work.

FAQ: Is high pressure laminate durable?

Yes. HPLs are incredibly durable and designed to withstand daily use while still looking aesthetically pleasing. HPL is a solid choice for laboratory countertops that need a durable finish but do not require special chemical resistance or extreme applications. The special-purpose grades work well for high-demand applications that may require additional chemical and wear resistance.

What is the difference between HPL and LPL?

Low Pressure Laminate (LPL) is also known as melamine or Thermally Fused Melamine, (TFM) or Thermally Fused Laminate (TFL).

Manufacturers create LPL using heat and pressure to bond 1-2 Kraft papers onto a particle board or MDF using heat-activated glue. The difference between HPL and LPL include:

HPL LPL Manufacturing process A multi-step process bonds 6-8 layers of kraft paper saturated with resin, decorative paper and a transparent overlay to form a sheet of laminate paper. It involves 1-2 melamine paper bonded directly to a substrate HPL is purchased separately from the substrate. Durability It is more durable and impact-resistant, thus great for high-traffic areas. Low impact or low wear resistance Application Ideal for horizontal and vertical applications, including curved and cylindrical surfaces. Vertical applications Price More expensive compared to LPL Cheaper Maintenance Easy to maintain and very hygienic Easily maintained

What is considered a heat resistant surface?

Heat-resistant surfaces do not burn, melt, or heat up quickly when you place hot items on them or when temps change. They tend to minimize heat damage because they have a high heat endurance. They can withstand high temperatures without warping, cracking, or discoloration.

What is the most heat resistant countertop?

The most heat-resistant countertops include those made from natural stones (such as granite), concrete, and metals (such as stainless steel) or man made (poured & molded) epoxy resin

Are epoxy surfaces heat resistant?

Yes. Epoxy resin surfaces can withstand a great deal of heat exposure (above 3500F) without experiencing heat damage. They are ideal for most extreme lab conditions where you need additional heat resistance and the ability to use open flames on your lab countertops.

They are best suited for labs that perform heavy industrial and chemical testing and use harsh chemicals, open flames, and technology that create extreme heat. However, it is one of the most expensive countertops when comparing options.

FunderMax Vs TRESPA lab tops, which one is better?

Did you know that FunderMax and Trespa are just name brands? These are the manufacturer’s of the phenolic sheets and each project requires a custom process to CNC per the drawings and requirements for each job.

Phenolic resin countertops are made by saturating layers of natural Kraft paper with phenolic resin. They are processed under extreme heat to form a solid surface composite panel. FunderMax and TRESPA are the most common brands of phenolic resin, and each has its unique properties.

TRESPA’s non-thermal Electron Beam Curing (EBC) technology provides color stability and chemical and scratch resistance. This phenolic panel is impervious to chemical attack, and repeated cleaning never detracts from functionality or appearance. It is easily accessible with reduced lead times, and it’s easier to install.

On the other hand, FunderMax boards provide excellent countertops for applications requiring high resistance paneling and constant cleaning. They provide a higher impact, scratch, and abrasion resistance than EBC or melamine Surfaces. As always, the better one depends on your lab application and environment but both are very comparable options.

How can CFI help?

Choosing the right material for your application is critical. Our experts will work with you to help properly select the correct material for your needs. This can help protect your investment and keep lab work surfaces from failing early. Get in touch with our lab design build experts today.

Why Use High Pressure Laminates: Application & Advantages of HPL

High pressure laminate (HPL) can give your house building not only a well-furnished look but also provides an extra layer of protection with the ability to hold the pressure of heavy objects on the surface.

HPL laminates are specially designed and developed for the surface areas where high pressure objects are placed. You can choose from a wide range of laminates but HPL is designed and manufactured with an extraordinary quality to make it special. This can be best suitable for your building space, let’s find out why.

High Pressure Laminate Application

Mostly HPL is used at commercial spaces or the place where there is high pressure on the surface area. From benchtops to counters, HPL can be used for spaces like flooring, panels, countertops, and interior walls, with end-use applications in offices, schools, restaurants, airports, hospitals, shops, hotels, retail stores, and other commercial places.

Apart from these preferred spaces, HPL is used for various other commercial spaces where decoration is required with durability and high-resistance. HPL comes with variety and can be chosen for different building structures. As there are various benefits you need to know while choosing the right HPL for your home or offices.

Six Benefits of High Pressure Laminate

As we already know HPL laminates are mainly designed and developed for commercial surfaces and spaces where heavy objects are placed. We need to understand why using high pressure laminates has various advantages that are discussed below.

#1 Provides High Durability

Durability is the top feature of the high pressure laminates. To bear the weight of high pressure objects it is made impact-resistant, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant. The surface areas like cabinet doors, reception areas, cubicles, and check-out stands are laminated with HPL to make them useful and attractive.

#2 Low Heat Conduction

Another benefit of using high pressure laminates is the conductivity of heat. Yes, it is neither become too hot during summers nor get too cold during the winters. You can install HPL at a place where temperature levels remain high to keep it protected from becoming warm or remains normal in extremely cold conditions.

#3 Moisture & Waterproof Resistance

Laminates are manufactured with additional layers of plastic sheets to make it waterproof. This feature is another advantage for the users to install the HPL at the surface areas where the moisture level is usually high. It is resistant to humidity and moisture suitable for spaces highly exposed to such an atmosphere.

#4 Stylish & Innovative Designs

Along with durability and extreme atmosphere resistance, if you are looking for modern and stylish laminate sheets, HPL is the best option you can choose. Manufactured in modern and innovative designs with a stylish look, HPL is available with wide-ranging options to match your favorite spaces like wall panels, furniture, cabinets, etc.

#5 Low and Easy Maintenance

Another advantage of high pressure laminate is easy to clean and maintain. You can use liquid cleaner and a sponge to remove the blemish on such laminates. Due to stain and heat resistance, HPL laminates are easy to clean using a microfiber or a glass cleaner. The maintenance of high pressure laminates is comparatively low, making it one of the preferred choices for the customers looking for surface need regular cleaning and maintenance.

#6 Versatile Applicability

The best advantage of HPL is that it can be used for different types of surface areas. Yes HPL is flexible to install vertically as well as horizontally at various places. You can use it at different shows, sizes and structures of spaces such as commercial as well as residential buildings having different types of customized requirements. You can use the HPL in spaces like walls, cupboard doors, partitions, shelving units, lobbies, and cubicles.

If you consider the high pressure laminate advantages you can see it could be the most versatile type of laminate that can be used for different spaces. It can give the most innovative look to your entire building with durability and a smooth surface.

Choose Bloom High Pressure Laminates for Your Building

Bloom Dekor is India’s leading manufacturers of all types of laminates including high-pressure laminates for commercial as well as residential buildings. We also make specialized types of laminates like color core laminates, compact laminates, interior & exterior laminates, postperforming laminates, marker & chalk-grade laminates.

Also Read: What are the Different Types of Laminates Manufactured by Bloom

We are making high-quality laminates made with fine-grade materials at the lowest pricing. We are also exporting the laminates overseas with a presence in more than twenty nations. If you are looking to become the distributor, wholesaler, or supplier of our laminates you can get in touch with us, we will assist you with the best deals.

upwards of forty years have proven to be reddit christian dior 780399 1 thought leader.cheap zf rolex datejust m126301 0009 rolex calibre 2836 2813 mens automatic at the pursuit of a perfect loveliness in the process the very best combination to do with effectiveness authentic wonderful build.

Pros And Cons Of HPL Laminate

High pressure laminate (HPL) countertops are a great choice for laboratory works surfaces and industrial spaces that rely on durable surfaces but also do not require a material that can withstand extreme applications.

HPL tops are also very affordable, compared to other materials often used for lab countertops.

No matter which type of material you choose, you should view it as a long-term investment. That’s because your application may change over time, and the work you do in the future may require a different type of countertop than you currently use in your facility’s workstations.

It’s also important to ensure any purchase you make has a high return on investment that will withstand the rigors of your work.

HPL tops are a great option for non-extreme applications that still require a high level of functionality and durability. They feature a melamine resin layer that is placed over decorative surface paper. This is then bonded to a core of multiple layers of kraft paper impregnated with phenolic resin.

This construction provides many benefits, but it’s important to understand the limitations of this surface material as well so that you can determine which type of countertop is best for your workspace.

Below we’ll explore the pros and cons of high pressure laminate tops, including their cost, what their limits are and the best applications for their use.

Pros Of HPL Laminate

The Price Is Affordable

The price of HPL can vary on numerous factors. These include the color, design and even the manufacturer you are working with.

A typical brand may range from $25 to $40 per square foot.

Compared to other choices for industrial workbench tops, they are generally the most economical option.

Heat Exposure Is Still Possible

Although HPL cannot be exposed to extreme heat exposure, this type of material can still be used in applications where some heat sources are present.

The threshold for heat exposure is 275° for suspended periods of time. Anything over this temperature is not recommended for HPL tops.

Decorative Options Are Available

While many industrial countertop materials only feature one look or few looks, one of the best benefits of HPL is that you can customize the look of your product.

Not only can you choose from a palette of colors, you can choose from a variety of designs as well, such as marble and wood looks.

Cons of HPL Laminate

Extremes Should Be Avoided

One of the biggest drawbacks of high pressure laminate countertops is that they cannot be used in extreme environments.

That means they have a low resistance to bacteria, chemicals and corrosion. They also have a low fungal resistance and do not hold up well in environments where water and moisture is present.

If your laboratory or manufacturing space includes equipment that can easily scratch the countertop surfaces, you may want to consider another material since HPL has a low scratch resistance compared to other materials like epoxy resin and phenolic resin.

Limitations To Application

Because you should avoid extreme environments when using HPL countertops, as outlined above, this also limits what type of application for which high pressure laminate tops are recommended.

Labs where abrasive chemicals are routinely used, for example, should not install HPL tops.

The best applications, on the other hand, for high pressure laminate tops are environments like product testing and technology labs, as well as dry environments that perform general function and require work surfaces that are functional and durable.

Bottom Line

There are a lot of options available to you when it comes to choosing your laboratory or industrial countertop. When it comes time to replace your countertops or install new ones thanks to an upgrade in your workspace, high pressure laminate is a great choice if the conditions are right.

A high-quality industrial furniture manufacturer can assist you with determining not only what your current needs are, but what your future needs might be as well. It’s important that the manufacturer you work with provides a high-quality product that not only fits your budget, but is durable and withstands any wear and tear your application may impose.

Make sure the manufacturer you work with also will help streamline the process should you decide to customize your high pressure laminate tops with a decorative design. This process should not sacrifice any cleanliness requirements for your space, and should not prolong the time frame of receiving your materials so much so that this key benefit of HPL becomes detrimental.

Before choosing a manufacturer that produces high pressure laminate or other countertop materials available, check out our article, 6 Things To Look For When Evaluating Lab Casework Manufacturers, which details must-have qualities for a company you partner with to design the right tops for your space.