Thermally Fused Laminate Vs High Pressure Laminate

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Thermally fused laminate vs high pressure laminate.

Thermally fused laminate tfl is created by soaking decor paper with resin and allowing it to partially dry. Thermally fused laminate tfl and high pressure laminate hpl. Each is produced differently. When its time to have the look of high pressure laminate hpl with similar performance thermally fused laminate tfl also referred to as thermally fused melamine tfm is often used.

High pressure laminate hpl panels are produced by saturating multiple layers of kraft paper layers with phenolic resin. The partially cured sheet is then stuck to a rigid backing material. The low quality melamine will not last as long as most laminate surfacing. To make this laminate a very high pressure of 1400psi is used over 6 8 layers of kraft paper.

There are two types of laminate that we use pretty often for furniture. The thermal fused melamine surface is thinner than high pressure laminate so it is more vulnerable to scratches and chips. With hpl products the laminate is adhered using 1 000 to 1 500 pounds of pressure per. Choosing the wrong finish can be one of the biggest mistakes buyers make.

These papers have been glued together and finally a melamine plastic is pressed at the top. This designation refers to the process of attaching the laminate to the substrate core. Thermally fused laminate tfl also offers excellent hardness and scratch resistance that can stand up to the high demands of many environments. However the thicker textured thermal fused melamine has the same kind of life expectancy of high pressure laminate.

With the absence of the multiple layers of kraft paper that is found in hpl you will loose some of the impact resistance but also you will have a lower cost. Tfl is a melamine saturated paper that is thermally fused directly to the substrate. Also called high pressure laminate this is popular among common people by the name of formica. Tfl is sufficiently durable and hard wearing for cabinets countertops and shelving.

An additional protective overlay as well as the decor paper are placed on top of the kraft paper before pressing. Also just like laminate the melamine surfaces have lower quality and higher quality products. It s great for vertical applications or low impact. Should you choose a thermofused laminate tfl or a high pressure laminate hpl fo.