Decorative laminates and high-pressure laminate panels (HPL and CPL) for the highest demands
Decorative laminates combine design and functionality to create high-quality surface solutions for furniture, interior design and architectural applications. With HELD’s isobaric double-belt presses, multi-layer decorative laminates are produced continuously. There is a key difference between the production methods of CPL (Continuous Pressure Laminate) and HPL (High Pressure Laminate). CPL is produced continuously using double-belt presses that apply a pressing pressure of 30 to 70 bar and temperatures ranging from 150 to 200 degrees Celsius. The material layers run through the press without interruption, resulting in an endless laminate that is later cut to size. HPL on the other hand, is traditionally manufactured discontinuously in multi-daylight presses at high pressure (up to approx. 70 bar) and high temperatures. Several layers of paper are pressed into rigid panels, which are then further processed.
Modern isobaric double-belt press technology now allows for continuous production of HPL. These systems can maintain the uniformly high pressure and constant temperature required for HPL along the entire length of the press. The result is laminates with the same physical properties as those produced in conventional multi-daylight presses, while offering the benefits of continuous production. This creates surfaces with a homogeneous texture and brilliant color depth. Whether used as top layers for countertops, furniture, facade cladding, or tabletops, laminates produced through continuous pressing stand out due to their high resistance to micro-scratches and exceptional visual quality.
Structure and materials: Layers for long-lasting performance
The range of applications extends from furniture fronts, countertops and flooring to wall panels and façade elements. Precise control of temperature and pressure ensures a perfect bond between paper layers and decorative films, resulting in consistently high quality and an impressive surface appearance in every production batch.
The high-pressure laminates produced in the HELD press consist of multiple layers of kraft paper and melamine-resin-impregnated decor papers with an overlay. These layers are consolidated into continuously pressed laminate under high temperature and pressure. Decorative layers, thin decorative sheets (CPL) with a thickness of 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm, as well as thicker decorative panels (HPL) with a thickness of 0.7 mm to 1.2 mm, can be manufactured on our double-belt press.
Core layer: thermoset resin-impregnated cellulose fiber sheets provide stability.
Decor layer: for example, a wood-grain decor with a natural wood texture.
Overlay: reliably protects against wear.
EN 438 is the key standard for assessing the quality of HPL and CPL in Europe and serves as the basis for product certification and approval testing in the laminate industry. Tests include the abrasion resistance of the overlay, the scratch resistance of the surface, and physical properties such as impact resistance, which is determined by the laminate thickness. Additional tests cover resistance to heat, moisture, stains, chemicals, and light.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for various applications
PVC-based laminates are among the most versatile and high-performance surface materials in today’s furniture, flooring, and interior design industries. Their combination of aesthetics, functionality, and cost-efficiency makes them a preferred material for demanding design and application areas. At HELD, PVC laminates are manufactured on isobaric double-belt presses under precisely controlled pressure and temperature conditions. This technology enables uniform densification and optimal bonding of the individual layers or granulates. Multiple PVC films or granulates are bonded within the press using a pre-fed belt or carrier layers. The result is surfaces with high stability, excellent tactile properties, and long-lasting resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and UV light.
The continuous production of high-pressure laminates on isobaric double-belt presses combines efficiency, precision, and sustainability in a seamless process. Compared to multi-opening batch presses, it offers clear advantages in performance, quality, energy consumption, and process integration, making it the forward-looking technology for modern laminate manufacturing.
Precise control of pressure, temperature, and dwell time results in more compact laminates with minimal internal stress and excellent stability. Continuously produced high-pressure laminates often exhibit better layer adhesion, higher impact and scratch resistance, and lower internal tension than products pressed discontinuously. Thanks to the isobaric pressure distribution and precise temperature control in the continuous process, the laminate layers are compressed extremely uniformly with maximum reproducibility.
Continuous production on an isobaric double-belt press enables an uninterrupted material flow, eliminating downtime and significantly increasing output. In contrast to batch presses, which must be opened and reloaded after each pressing cycle, the double-belt press runs without interruption. The continuous system also allows for lower energy consumption per square metre compared to batch presses, as heating and cooling phases are required only once.
With HELD Technologie, manufacturers of decorative laminates receive a reliable, scalable, and energy-efficient solution for continuous laminate production. Our double-belt presses enable the highest surface quality, precise material thicknesses, and customised decor structures. The process is tailored to the requirements of modern design and furniture industries.
Whether high-gloss, matte, wood, or stone décor: the systems from HELD Technologie provide the technical foundation for aesthetic, durable, and sustainable surface solutions in the furniture and decorative laminate sector. With HELD, you rely on quality made in Germany for composite materials, high-pressure laminates, and PVC sheets. Contact us without obligation and produce your first samples in our technology park.
Further processing of HPL and CPL
CPL is already produced as an endless laminate strip, which significantly simplifies further processing.
Cutting and roll formatting: After the pressing process, the material is either wound into rolls or cut to length. HELD offers longitudinal and cross-cutting systems.
Profile and edge applications: CPL is thinner and more flexible than HPL and can be thermally formed more easily. This makes it highly suitable for wrapping edges, fronts, doors, and shaped components.
HPL panels are cut to the desired format after pressing and then used as decorative surfaces. Typical steps include:
Cutting and calibrating: After cooling, the HPL panels are trimmed and calibrated to an even thickness. This creates precisely fitting formats for various applications.
Bonding with substrate materials: HPL is primarily used as a surface material. It is laminated onto carrier boards such as MDF or particleboard.
Processing and shaping: The composite material can then be milled, drilled, or grooved; edges can be glued or profiled and bent.
Final application: HPL surfaces are used in kitchen countertops, wall claddings, and doors as well as in outdoor applications.