4.Versatility of HPL
Unlike in private households, significantly higher requirements apply to HPL and HPL Compact in laboratories and medical hygienic areas. Different cleaning agents and disinfectants are used here, and the cleaning cycle is significantly higher. Thanks to their large formats and seamless, sealed, and smooth surfaces, they do not allow germs and contaminants to adhere, while at the same time offering a robust and abrasion-resistant surface.
HPL in the laboratory
Laboratories are workspaces with a variety of different, usually high requirements for the materials used. Due to their performance and material characteristics, HPL has the prerequisites for meeting those requirements. As decorative design elements, they can additionally cater to individual demands for the furnishing and design of laboratories
As different as laboratories are in their equipment, they all have work tables, desks, furniture and interior fittings in common. For all these, HPL has proven to be a highly suitable material for surfaces as well as in the form of HPL- Compact and is particularly suitable for the following laboratory types:
The following properties are important in these areas:
In laboratories, HPL surfaces on furniture often come into direct contact with chemicals. HPL with a melamine resin surface is resistant to most chemicals. However, some chemicals can affect the surface.
Detailed information on the compatibility of the chemicals used and the necessary resistance of HPL is available from the HPL manufacturer.
Water as a cooling medium and as steam is omnipresent in laboratories. HPL is very resistant to water, moisture and even steam. The large sizes allow joints to be reduced to a minimum, preventing the ingress of water into the substrate (usually wood materials).
Laboratories are often subject to extreme temperature influences which put a great strain on the surfaces. HPL is resistant to brief temperature stress up to 160 °C. The thermosetting resins used for HPL cannot melt or soften. Hot objects should always be placed on a base or in a special fixture. HPL show excellent resistance to cold. It does not become brittle even at very low temperatures. This also makes it highly suitable for use in cold stores, e. g. for food testing.
Worktops and doors in laboratories can be subject to high mechanical impact. HPL is highly scratch resistant, abrasion resistant and shock proof and the combination of these properties makes it one of the materials of choice for laboratory furnishings.
Many laboratories require clean to sterile conditions. HPL meets these requirements with its closed surfaces without pores. The option of large, joint- free units therefore provides advantages over materials with more joints. In addition, HPL is antistatic (109 – 1012 Ω). Electrostatically discharging HPL as a special quality reaches 105 – 109 Ω.
Due to its favourable combination of properties from chemical, mechanical and thermal resistance, HPL, and in particular HPL-Compact, are suitable for manufacturing worktops and fume cabinet for many types of laboratories.
Doors are also an essential part of room design. Laboratory doors are often complex special structures with regard to fire, radiation and sound protection. HPL is ideal as a surface covering for these doors due to its high practical value. In addition to meeting technical requirements, it also offers numerous design benefits such as light cut-outs or adaptation to the interior design concept.
HPL also offers attractive solutions for covering supply shafts, pipe and cable ducts or for machine coverings or housings, particularly as postforming elements, HPL-Compact or compact formed parts. Other proven applications with HPL are buffer panels and splash guard installations.
HPL in medical and hygiene settings:
In addition to a wide range of different design options, antibacterial finishes are also available. Please consult the manufacturer for information on the specific performance characteristics of these surfaces.
HPL is the ideal material for hospital rooms and care facilities, as it combines a warm, inviting, and relaxing appearance with a moisture-resistant and hygienic surface.
Particularly in the case of wall coverings, large-area HPL Compact or HPL elements can reduce the number of joints by up to 90 percent compared to tiles. This results in significant advantages in terms of hygiene and ease of cleaning. Other advantages of HPL elements and HPL Compact include quick and easy installation, which can be carried out in drywall construction. The materials can be easily processed using standard woodworking machines and the appropriate tools.
Wet rooms and bathrooms in hospitals and care facilities must meet high functional requirements. Accordingly, the furnishings in these rooms must meet high aesthetic standards despite the exceptional stresses they are subjected to. Furnishings made of HPL Compact or HPL elements meet these special requirements in many ways. However, when manufacturing bathroom furniture from HPL elements, extra care should be taken with regard to hole and edge sealing, the substrate material, and the choice of adhesive.
HPL Compact is self-supporting in larger thicknesses and is usually decorative on both sides. Due to its high water resistance, HPL Compact is particularly suitable for areas subject to heavy use.
Cut edges and penetrations do not usually require additional protection. HPL Compact can therefore be used in medical and clinical areas for all types of fixtures such as wall coverings (note CE marking requirement), shower partitions, changing rooms, and washbasins.
Prefabricated composite elements with HPL are available on the market that are designed to withstand the particular stresses of damp and wet areas. They consist of resistant substrate materials that have been coated with HPL on both sides using suitable adhesives. Depending on the subsequent stresses, these elements can be selected with different substrate materials and adhesive systems.
Other areas with increased hygiene and cleaning requirements:
Hairdressing and nail salons
HPL is the ideal material for furnishing hair and nail salons. In addition to offering a wide range of design options, it is easy to clean and keep hygienically clean. Residues from commonly used products such as nail polish, hairspray, lipstick, or hair gel can be easily removed. Residues from hair dye or bleach should be removed immediately.
Food industry and trade
Due to their ease of cleaning and resistance to disinfectants, HPLs are particularly suitable for applications in areas that come into direct contact with food. There is no migration of harmful substances that could affect food, meaning that contact between HPL and food is safe and permitted.
