Decorative laminate

The various layers are described below: Trade names include Formica, Arborite, Greenlam, Wilsonart, GW-HPL, Micarta and Trespa.

After the Kraft papers are impregnated with the resins, the three layers of paper/resin are placed into a press which simultaneously applies heat (120 °C) and pressure (>70 bars).

The pressing operation allows the thermoset resins to flow into the paper, then subsequently cure into a consolidated sheet with a density greater than 1.35 g/cm3 (84 lb/cu ft).

These include the Singapore Green Label which is recognised by the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN) and all its member countries.

[10] Decorative high-pressure laminates are usually used for furniture tops especially on flat surfaces, including cabinets and tables.

Decorative compact laminates are sometimes constructed as toilet cubicle systems, laboratory tables and kitchen tops.

[11] The popularity of large format printing using inkjet printers has produced a cheaper alternative to decorative laminates, minus the quality.

For most uninformed consumers, the large format printing are similar to laminates, and seem to offer more variety of designs and applications.

However, there are health considerations for large format prints because of the solvent inks used, especially with their relatively high concentrations of VOCs.

[12] These health considerations may be alleviated with newer wide format technology that uses Eco-Solvent or Latex inks.