What is compact laminate and HPL?
Compact Laminate and HPL (High-Pressure Laminate) are two types of strong, high-performance materials that are frequently used in a range of applications, including wall panels, furniture, countertops, and more. While there are some parallels between the two materials, there are also some significant variances.
How HPL created?
Multiple layers of paper or fabric are laminated together with a resin binder at high temperatures and pressures to create HPL. The end result is a material that is strong, impact-resistant, and has great chemical and scratch resistance. HPL is frequently used in commercial environments including schools, hospitals, and restaurants, and is offered in a broad variety of colors and designs.
How compact laminate manufactured?
Contrarily, compact laminate is a solid composite material created by compressing many layers of craft paper that have been impregnated with resin.
Compact laminate vs. HPL
Durability: Compact laminate is a dense, solid material that is exceptionally robust and resistant to impact, moisture, and fire. In comparison to many other materials, it can sustain intensive use and is less prone to display wear and tear over time while HPL is susceptible to heat damage, which can result in warping, discoloration, and delamination. When putting hot objects on HPL surfaces, it's crucial to utilise hot pads or trivets.
Low upkeep: Compact laminate is simple to clean and keep in good condition. It is non-porous, which prevents it from absorbing liquids or stains, and it is scratch- and scuff-resistant. It may be washed with light detergent or soap and water. While HPL sheet is also simple to clean and keep in good condition. It is non-porous, so it won't absorb liquids or stains, and it won't scratch or scuff easily. It is cleanable with soap, water, or a gentle detergent.
Design adaptability: HPL is a versatile material that can be utilized to produce a number of looks and styles because it is offered in a large selection of colors, patterns, and textures. To meet practically any application, it can be chopped and shaped. Although compact laminate might not provide as much design versatility as some other materials, such as natural stone, HPL is still available in a variety of colors and finishes that can be used to produce a variety of designs and styles. Almost any application can be accommodated by cutting and shaping it but with low range of variety and design.
Methods of manufacturing and recycling:
Compact laminate is produced using sustainable methods and is frequently made from natural resources like Kraft paper and resin. When its useful life is over, it can be recycled or used for something else. While HPL is a sturdy material, it might not give as much impact resistance as certain other materials, like solid surface or granite. Dropping heavy objects on HPL surfaces may result in dents, chips, or cracks and cannot be recycling.
Affordability and cost effective: Due to the manufacturing process and the high-quality materials used, compact laminate may be more expensive than other materials like HPL or wood. As HPL is a popular material for projects on a tight budget because it is frequently less expensive than other materials like solid surface or natural stone.
Environmental Friendly:
Overall, the strength, ease of upkeep, hygienic qualities, and environmental friendliness
Because of its capacity to maintain a clean and hygienic surface, it is frequently utilized in high-traffic places, such as public toilets.
Compact laminate is a popular option for a variety of applications, from commercial to residential, due to its overall durability, low maintenance requirements, hygienic nature, and environmental friendliness.
Despite being available in a variety of colors and designs, HPL may not offer as many design options as other materials, such as natural wood. And may not environmental friendly.
Ecologically friendly:
Compared to certain other materials, HPL can be more environmentally friendly because many producers use sustainable manufacturing techniques and materials.
There are certain considerations to make while selecting a compact laminate that is environmentally friendly. Look for items that have received certification from reputable environmental organizations, including the Sustainable Forestry Initiative or the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) (SFI). These certificates guarantee that the product was made using resources from sustainably managed forests and that the manufacturing process adhered to strict environmental guidelines.
It's crucial to think about the manufacturing process and any environmental policies the company may have adopted in addition to the material itself. Look for businesses that have adopted sustainable practices and who have a history of lowering their environmental effect, such as through reducing trash or employing renewable energy sources.
Surface products for interior applications come in a variety of alternatives. But the choices start to become limited when dependability, affordability, or customization are high priorities. Depending on how much endurance and durability your project needs, you'll need to make the best decision. Architects and designers have long recognized the benefits of high-pressure laminate (also known as HPL or phenolic resin) panels for interior applications. However, there are also choices for HPL products.
Less Expensive Up Front
Being less expensive initially than HPL compact panels for interior application is a noteworthy advantage of using compact laminate laid up on a substrate. Nevertheless, with conventional thin HPL lamination, there are expenses such as the price of the decorative sheet, a glue line, a substrate, an additional glue line, a balancing backer sheet, press time, fabrication time, and edge-banding. Compact laminates allow for simple sheet fabrication to size. A designer or architect can offer a clear recommendation for using thin laminate because it has been a well-known and popular solution for decades.
Strength and endurance
HPL compact panels have an additional thickness as a result of the manufacturing process. Compact laminates have a panel core constructed of many layers of kraft paper that have been treated with phenolic resin. The desired color, woodgrain, material grain, or bespoke picture is printed on the exterior layer, also known as the décor layer. To produce a homogenous board, the décor layer and core are put into a press and subjected to high pressure and temperature.
Simplexes of fabrication
HPL compact panels are simpler to construct than compact laminate put up on a substrate since they are made of a single, homogeneous material. The production of the substrate and the assembly of the compact laminate make the laminate process more difficult. Combining the materials raises the cost of fabrication, complexity, and margin for error.
Sustainability
A sustainable option is HPL compact panels. Compact laminate panels from are comprised of 100% recycled core paper for interior application. In other words, the kraft paper core of our interior phenolic panels is made entirely from post-consumer recycled paper, without sacrificing the quality of the final product.
Office equipment
As previously indicated, HPL on a substrate has long been a popular option, especially in the aforementioned applications. However, modern compact laminate panels can be the more durable option.
More beneficial for used in a project:
Thin laminate on a substrate can be an affordable option for your project if you're seeking a cheaper upfront material cost, only require it to survive for a limited time, or don't mind maintenance and delamination repairs.
Compact laminate panels will be the greatest option and offer significantly better value if you require something that is more robust, long-lasting, and simple to build.
Applications
The following are typical applications for HPL compact or compact laminate built up on a substrate:
- Tabletops
- Kitchen cupboards
- Casework
- Wall coverings
