Cabinet Construction
Laminate Types
High Pressure Laminate-HPL
HPL is produced by saturating multiple layers of kraft paper with phenolic resin. A layer of printed décor paper is placed on top of the kraft paper before pressing. The resulting sandwich is fused together under heat and pressure (more than 1,000 PSI). Because phenolic and melamine resins are thermoset plastics, the curing process transforms the resin into plastic by a cross linking process that converts the paper sheets into a single, rigid laminated sheet. Thermo-setting creates strong, irreversible bonds that contribute to HPL’s durability.
Mostly used in high use commercial builds.
Thermally Fused Laminate-TFL
Thermally fused laminate or TFL is made by fusing a resin-impregnated sheet of décor paper directly to a substrate. The décor paper generally weighs between 60 and 130 g/m2 and is the same as the paper used in the production of HPL, making for easy matching across materials. Heat and pressure activate the resin in the saturated décor paper, creating a cross-linked bond with the substrate. This fuses the décor paper to the substrate creating a finished panel ready to be machined. Particleboard and MDF are ideal substrates for TFL because they are consistent, uniform in strength and free of defects.
Usually has a lower price.
Acrylic
Acrylic wood boards are typically made by layering thin sheets of acrylic material over a wooden base. The acrylic sheets are bonded to the wood using adhesive or heat, creating a durable and visually appealing surface. This process allows for the unique combination of the natural look of wood with the sleek finish of acrylic, resulting in a versatile and stylish material for various applications.