Return to The Products > Decorative Surfaces

High Pressure Laminates

High pressure laminates (HPL) are also known as plastic laminates. HPL is a one-step process that is produced by fusing together, under heat and pressure, multiple layers of kraft paper saturated with phenolic resin. This sandwich is fused with a layer of melamine saturated decorative paper, which is typically added at the same time the phenolic layers are being fused. Further value can be added to this type of overlay by including a very thin top sheet of clear or translucent alpha-cellulose paper heavily saturated with melamine resins. This additional layer, common in laminate flooring products, is used mainly with print patterns and adds additional wear resistance to the surface.

A relatively new development in HPL technology is the Continuous Press, which uses rolls of resin-saturated papers instead of sheets to produce laminates in a continuous fashion. Only thin laminates can be produced with this process. The laminates are rolled or cut to the desired length as they exit the Continuous Press. The thinner continuous high pressure laminates can be applied to the substrate using a roll press.

High pressure laminates are available in a wide range of solid colors, woodgrain prints, patterns, textures and finishes. They are overlaid on particleboard or MDF substrates for both vertical and horizontal end use applications such as tabletops, counter tops, sink tops, furniture, cabinetry and case goods. There are many types or grades of high pressure laminates engineered for specific performance requirements:

General Purpose - Most widely used HPL and suitable for horizontal and vertical surface applications. Typical thickness range from 0.028” to 0.048” (0.71 to 1.22 mm).

Postforming - Can be formed around curved edges by application of heat and restraint. Maximum thickness is approximately 0.038” (0.97 mm) and can normally be formed to radii as small as 3/8” (9.5 mm).

Backer - HPL produced without a decorative face. Available as standard (most common; slightly thinner than decorative HPL) or regrind (reclaimed HPL with decorative sheet sanded off).

Special Products - Special purpose high pressure laminates include cabinet liners, high-wear, fire-rated, electrostatic dissipative and chemical resistant laminates.