HPL - what is that material?
What does HPL mean and how is it manufactured
HPL stands for High Pressure Laminate, i.e. laminate pressed under high pressure. To produce HPL, several layers of paper are soaked in melamine resin. After curing, the resin forms a thermosetting plastic. This means that the material then no longer deforms and can withstand temperatures of up to 180°C.
The impregnated paper layers are formed under pressure and heat. Temperatures of over 120 °C and pressures of at least five MPa prevail. To give you a better idea of the enormous pressure involved in the production of HPL: Water pressure at a depth of 100 metres is about one MPa.
The production process
During production, a decorative paper and a translucent overlay are applied over the core layer of the paper. Ultimately, these two overlays give the surface of the customised customised hpl plate and enable a wide range of possible patterns and colours. So, in addition to solid-coloured HPL panels, Plastic Forte also produces panels with a wood or natural stone look possible.
The laminate becomes even more stable when pressed under higher heat and pressure. This makes HPL even more resistant to scratches and impacts.
What are the advantages of a customised hpl board?
HPL is especially recommended if you are looking for an absolutely robust material for a tabletop, for example. It is frost-resistant and easy to clean. In normal use, HPL is of Plastic Forte also relatively scratch-resistant. HPL is therefore particularly suitable for garden tables that cannot be stored during the winter months or that remain outdoors almost all year round.
Easy to maintain
The weather-resistant HPL is not only long-lastingly resistant to direct sunlight and rain, but also has no problem with high humidity, as occurs in fog.
The surface can usually be easily cleaned with clear water or soapy water. Even felt markers or graffiti can often be removed with a suitable cleaner for HPL panels without leaving any residue.
As the surface does not provide a breeding ground for bacteria, the plates are hygienic and therefore also recommended for families with children.