Compact

1. What is Compact (Solid Phenolic)?

Compact, also known as Solid Phenolic, is a rigid and dense sheet material made multiple layers of Kraft paper (brown or black) that have been impregnated with Phenolic resin and then compressed under high heat (150℃) and pressure (1430psi). The outer surface is coated with a decorative paper that has been impregnated with Melamine resin.

Currently, Compact is becoming increasingly popular and highly regarded by investors, construction companies, and interior decorators due to its hardness, durability in high oxidative and humid environments, water resistance (100%), fire resistance, acid resistance, mold, and bacteria resistance, making it safe for health and eco-friendly. It is also easy to clean, transport, and install.

2. What is HPL Laminate?

HPL (High Pressure Laminate) is, in fact, a type of laminate sheet. It is a surface material composed of multiple layers of Kraft paper, decorative paper on top, and a bonding agent.

HPL's surface is aesthetically pleasing and has superior durability, making it widely used in various interior products. This surface material can withstand heat, chemical, and physical impact effectively. HPL's durability is superior to that of melamine-impregnated decorative paper due to its multilayer structure. Additionally, the diversity in design, wood grain to decorative patterns, allows users to have various options for different interior styles.

2.1. Composition of Laminates

Laminate sheets are constructed with three main components: overlay layer (top surface), decorative paper layer, and Kraft paper layer.

• The overlay layer of HPL is made pure cellulose, which is coated on the surface of the decorative paper to create hardness and shine. This protective layer limits the possibility of scratches, impacts, physical (collision) or chemical damage on the surface. The overlay layer also helps prevent the infiltration of termites or various types of bacteria, ensuring the surface does not fade, is waterproof, and easy to clean.
• The decorative paper layer is essentially regular decorative paper. After printing patterns on the paper, it is impregnated with melamine resin. Then, this paper layer, along with the overlay, is pressed onto the Kraft paper layer under specific temperature and pressure.
• The Kraft paper layer usually consists of at least three layers. It comprises multiple layers of Kraft paper stacked on top of each other and tightly compressed under high temperature and pressure. The quality and cost of laminate sheets also depend on the number of Kraft paper layers used in the pressing process. Therefore, manufacturers adjust the number of paper layers to achieve the appropriate thickness required for the design. Kraft paper is composed of paper pulp and additives, with technical specifications related to tensile strength, elongation, and mechanical properties of the paper.

2.2. Advantages

• Laminate surfaces offer a diverse range of designs, not limited to wood grains. They provide architects and interior designers with more options in terms of styles, patterns, and colors, including wood grains, decorative patterns (fabric, leather, concrete, stone, etc.), and solid colors.
• The surface of laminate sheets creates depth, providing a realistic and tactile experience due to the advantage of the multilayer structure.
• Particularly, the post-forming laminate can be easily curved, suitable for highly aesthetic curved interior details, adding flexibility and softness to the space. There are also modern and luxurious high-gloss laminate options.
• Laminate is a surface material with scratch, abrasion, and color-fade resistance. This advantage ensures that your furniture remains durable and beautiful for a long time. Cleaning the HPL surface is also simple, easy, and time-saving compared to other surfaces.
• Laminate is a finished surface that can be used independently and separately industrial wood panels, typically in the decoration category.

3. Compact Laminate Sheets

Compact HPL or compact laminate sheets are alternative names for laminate sheets. This material is considered a substitute for melamine surfaces. While melamine-impregnated decorative paper consists of only one layer, compact HPL consists of at least five layers (1 overlay layer, 1 decorative paper layer, and at least 3 Kraft paper layers). Therefore, melamine paper is also referred to as LPL (Low Pressure Laminate).

In addition, the processing of compact laminate sheets requires a modern technology line. HPL is processed using cold pressing technology with a 3-roll press machine. This line uses PUR adhesive as the bonding agent between the laminate sheet and the substrate. This technology is suitable for processing thin surfaces, sheet forms such as aluminum, acrylic, or even rolls like PVC, VFB. Particularly, the surface-coating line with PUR adhesive is suitable for processing on plastic wood.

4. Get a quote

The cost of compact HPL sheets in the market is relatively stable. Thanks to its special structure and superior quality, compact HPL has a higher price than conventional surfaces like melamine.

The price of HPL sheets may vary depending on the design, color, and thickness of the sheet. Consumers should also purchase reputable suppliers to ensure the quality of the furniture for the project. To receive a detailed and up-to-date price list of Minh Long compact HPL sheets, customers please contact the hotline 1900 636 668.

5. Applications

Compact HPL sheets have a wide range of applications in interior and exterior design and various other fields.

• Used for wooden doors: Door panels using compact HPL are lightweight, reduce warping, and offer a variety of designs, making them quite popular.

• Kitchen cabinets and other interior furniture such as tables, counters, etc.: Furniture items in the kitchen, such as kitchen cabinets and shelves, often use HPL surfaces due to their robustness, scratch resistance, and effective abrasion resistance.

• Laminate flooring: This premium type of flooring provides a high-quality experience for each project. The wood grain laminate surface creates depth, and the excellent surface quality minimizes physical impacts or chemical changes caused by environmental factors.

• Photo laminates: Images printed on laminate wood reduce warping, termite damage, or fading. This material is durable and ensures the longevity of the product.

Compact HPL sheets pressed on industrial wood substrates such as particleboard, MDF, HDF, etc., are currently supplied by Minh Long Wood. For detailed information about the product and the price, please contact the hotline 1900 636 668.