High-pressure laminates (HPL)

HPL (High Pressure Laminate) refers to a high-pressure laminate manufactured under high pressure and elevated temperatures. The panels traditionally consist of several layers of resin-impregnated paper, which are pressed during the production process at temperatures above 120 °C and a pressure of more than 50 MPa to form a compact, extremely resistant material. 

The European standard EN 438 specifies the quality requirements for 'decorative high-pressure laminates'. These panels offer numerous technical properties that make them a particularly versatile, resistant, and durable surface material. These include in particular:

• High impact and shock resistance
• Very good scratch and abrasion resistance 
• Moisture and chemical resistance 
• Good heat resistance 
• Hygienic, easy-to-clean surface

Decorative laminates are available in an almost unlimited variety of designs – from wood and stone reproductions to solid colors and metallic surfaces. 

Due to their suitability for horizontal or vertical use, HPL panels are used in numerous areas:

• Kitchen countertops 
• Table and work surfaces
• Doors and impact protection
• Furniture fronts and interior fittings

The name Duropal stands for one of the most traditional brands in the manufacture of high-quality high-pressure laminates. As one of the first major producers in this field, Duropal played a decisive role in the development of decorative high-pressure laminates (HPL). In 1986, Duropal was integrated into the Pfleiderer Group.

Today, Duropal laminates are among the most high-performance materials in interior design and the furniture industry and are used in areas that place high demands on robustness, hygiene, design, and durability—such as in kitchens, commercial properties, and shopfitting.

The special features of Duropal's range of HPL laminates include:

• A wide variety of decors and structures, such as
  • Solid colors
  • Wood and stone reproductions
  • Metal and fantasy decors
  • Customized motifs
• Products with 
  • High abrasion, impact, and scratch resistance
  • Heat resistance and dimensional stability
  • Easy cleaning and hygienic properties
• Special qualities for
  • areas with increased flammability requirements
  • ESD areas
  • Public areas in ship interiors
• Comprehensive range of formats 
  • Large-format HPL panels 
  • Cuts to door size
  • Roll goods 

Through continuous product innovation—including Duropal XTreme surfaces with particularly matt and anti-fingerprint-coated variants—Duropal remains an important driving force in the HPL market and synonymous with high-quality, durable laminate solutions.

Decorative laminates with a thickness of less than 2 mm are used as resistant, easy-care, and durable surface materials. They are glued onto suitable substrate materials such as chipboard, MDF, and honeycomb panels, as well as mineral panels, metals, or various polymer materials.

HPL composite panels are typically processed by:

• Cutting  
• Drilling and milling 
• Edging

Technically modified HPL versions are used for special applications, e.g., monochrome dyed, magnetic, with increased flame resistance, or in postforming quality. These laminate panels may require adapted processing conditions, for example, with regard to minimum bending radii, tool selection, or adhesive compatibility.

For this reason, the manufacturer's product-specific processing recommendations should always be followed. You can find the relevant information for all Pfleiderer HPL laminates on the respective product pages on this website. Additional recommendations and guidelines are also provided by the proHPL specialist group in its HPL Compendium.

The decorative surface and core of HPL laminate panels traditionally consist of several layers of resin-impregnated paper, which are pressed under high pressure (≥ 5 MPa) and temperatures of over 120 °C to form a highly compressed laminate. 
The typical structure of decorative laminate comprises:
• Core layers of phenolic resin-impregnated kraft paper 
• Decorative layer with printed or single-color paper 
• Overlay (protective layer) for additional abrasion and scratch resistance
The resulting laminates form a unique surface material that is not only decorative and customizable, but also particularly robust and hard-wearing.
 

As a company, you can contact Pfleiderer directly as a manufacturer of HPL panels in Germany. Our sales department will be happy to advise you in this regard. You will find the contact details at the bottom of this page. You also have the option of using our sample shop. You can request products from our stock and quick delivery program directly from your dealer on the individual product pages.

The HPL laminates are available in various standard formats 

• 4100 × 1300 millimeters
• 2800 × 2070 millimeters
• 5600 × 2070 millimeters.

The large-format HPL panels offer maximum design flexibility and economic advantages thanks to particularly efficient cut optimization.

In addition, Pfleiderer offers laminate panels in defined door formats, including extra-wide formats for areas such as health and care. All variants are listed in the format tables on the respective HPL product pages. 

The material thicknesses of 0.6, 0.8, and 1.2 millimeters also allow for a needs-based selection in terms of impact resistance and workability, for example for postforming. The 0.35 mm thick roll material (thin laminate) is suitable for coating furniture fronts, doors, and similar applications. 

HPL laminate panels consist of approximately 60 percent paper, which is produced from sustainable forestry. Pfleiderer's HPL laminates also have several environmental and sustainability certificates. For example, the Blue Angel certifies that these are particularly environmentally friendly products. The FSC seal and PEFC quality certification stand for raw materials from responsible forest management.

Last but not least, the great advantage of HPL laminate panels is their robustness and durability. Their long service life conserves valuable resources. At the end of their life cycle, the high-pressure laminates are thermally recycled and contribute to energy recovery.