At first glance HPL and TFL table tops may look very similar. However most office furniture manufacturers choose one over the other when planning a product or office space. A common misconception is that high pressure laminates and thermally fused laminates are the same. This is not true. So what’s the difference between HPL and TFL? Is one better than the other? Let’s take a quick look at the details for each.
TFL Thermally Fused Laminate Explained
Thermally Fused Laminate TFL Panels are produced by fusing a resin-based sheet of decor paper directly to a core. There are no kraft paper layers used in TFL. Pressure and heat activate the resin-based sheet and create a cross linked bond with the core. This seals the core making it impossible to peel away. TFL panels have a lower cost, but potentially take longer to produce depending on color and pattern requested.
- Permanently bonded to industrial grade particle board or MDF
- Reduced cost
- Fewer colors available
- Hardness: 2144 psi
HPL High Pressure Laminate Explained
High Pressure Laminate HPL Panels are produced by saturating multiple layers of kraft paper layers with phenolic resin. An additional protective overlay as well as the decor paper are placed on top of the kraft paper before pressing. These layers are all fused together with high heat and pressure and glued to the core resulting in a harder tougher surface. Only Table Tops always provides double sided HPL panels as shown here. We have found that paper backers on working surfaces such as table tops, tend to warp over time and do not perform up to our standards.
- Glued to industrial grade particle board, MDF or plywood
- Higher cost
- Expansive color selection
- Hardness: 3618 psi