A buyer’s guide to solid grade laminate | Exploring its applications and benefits

Is solid grade laminate suitable for your project, and what are the benefits of choosing solid grade laminate? Here, we take you through the different uses for solid grade laminate and how to specify solid grade laminate from Panel Systems. We also discuss how solid grade laminate is manufactured.

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• What is solid grade laminate, and should you use it for your project? - Read the key benefits of solid grade laminate and its popular uses.
• What applications can solid grade laminate be used for? - Find out more about the different applications solid grade laminate can be used for.
• How is solid grade laminate manufactured? - Find out more about how solid grade laminate is manufactured by Panel Systems.
• How does solid grade laminate compare to high pressure laminate? - Find out the key differences between solid grade laminate and high pressure laminate.
• What are the benefits of solid grade laminate from Panel Systems? - Read the key benefits of solid grade laminate.
• Specifying solid grade laminate - Read how to specify solid grade laminate from Panel Systems.
• Frequently asked questions - We answer your common queries on solid grade laminate.

Solid grade laminate is often known as compact grade laminate (or CGL). Providing enhanced performance for high traffic environments, it is a tough, high-quality system and can be made to measure. Renowned for its exceptional hardness, impact, and moisture resistance, it is an ideal choice for demanding environments such as laboratories, schools, hospitals, and public facilities.

Read more about our solid grade laminate here.

Solid grade laminate is a suitable choice for areas exposed to water or humidity, such as showers and swimming area facilities.

In addition to being used to form the door and wall panels of toilet cubicles, solid grade laminate can also be used for other washroom elements such as:

• Shower cubicles
• Vanity units
• Table tops & Furniture
• Laboratory work surfaces
• Kitchen worktops
• Sink surrounds
• Playground equipment
• Locker units.

Read our guide to using solid grade laminate for toilet cubicles here.

Solid grade laminate is also ideal for tables and countertops. Due to its combination of durability, moisture resistance, and chemical resistance, it can be used in various applications across different industries, including:

• Educational Institutions, for applications such as lockers and laboratory countertops. This is due to solid grade laminate’s chemical resistance and hygienic properties.
• Healthcare facilities – for example, surfaces in hospitals and clinics.

Find out more about solid grade laminate here.

Solid grade laminate is manufactured by layering multiple sheets of high-quality kraft paper together with thermosetting phenolic resins. These are then pressed together using intense heat and pressure.

Once completed, the layers of paper provide a high-strength, durable and waterproof material. It is therefore suited to applications in which technical performance is of the utmost importance. CNC machining is then used to create the desired bespoke shape for the solid grade laminate.

Read our guide to using solid grade laminate in laboratories here.

What is CNC machining?

In CNC machining, a computer program containing instructions for the desired part design is created and fed into a CNC machine. The machine then interprets the instructions and uses its cutting tools to remove material from a workpiece, transforming solid grade laminate into the desired shape for the project.

Panel System’s CNC machines utilise the highest quality tooling for greater dimensional accuracy and smoother cuts. The CNC tolerance allows for accuracy up to +/- 0.1mm, which means that when it comes to fitting the laboratory out, all fabricated tops can be installed accurately.

Find out more about the benefits of CNC machining for solid grade laminate in laboratories.

HPL is produced by sandwiching layers of paper and phenolic resins and fusing them together under intense heat and pressure. The thermosetting process transforms the resins into plastic and converts the paper sheets into a single, rigid laminated sheet.

High pressure laminate is perfect for use in environments with intense use such as offices and restaurants and can withstand medium to intense use. However, it isn’t suitable for areas which are constantly wet. If your environment is likely to be frequently wet (like a leisure centre or changing room), solid grade laminate.

Read more about the benefits of solid grade laminate here.

Solid grade laminate panels are waterproof, extremely strong and provide a modern, polished feel wherever they’re installed. This flexibility in design and application makes them a popular choice for construction projects of all types. Additionally, solid grade laminate panels feature the following benefits:

Durable material

Solid grade laminate is highly durable and resistant to impact, scratches, and wear and tear. It can withstand heavy use and maintain its appearance and functionality over time. This can minimise the risk for necessary future repairs. Toilets and washrooms can be tough environments, and grade laminate’s extreme impact resistance ensures it will stand the test of time.

Read more about the benefits of solid grade laminate here.

Non-porous material

Solid grade laminate is non-porous and easy to clean, preventing the growth of bacteria, mould, and mildew. This makes it a hygienic option for applications in healthcare facilities, food preparation areas, and other spaces that require high levels of cleanliness.

Sustainability

Is sustainability a priority for you? If so, solid grade laminate may be a perfect choice for your project. SGL is an environmentally friendly choice as it is made from renewable materials and can be recycled at the end of its life cycle.

Find out more about our accreditations here.

Excellent resistance to moisture

Solid grade laminate has excellent resistance to moisture, making it ideal for environments where water or humidity is present. It does not swell, warp, or degrade when exposed to moisture, making it suitable for use in wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Available in a vast range of colours and designs

Extremely flexible, solid grade laminate is available in a wide range of colours, patterns, and finishes, allowing for aesthetic customization to suit different design preferences. In some cases, it can mimic the appearance of natural materials like wood or stone, offering aesthetic options while providing the benefits of a more durable material.

Specify solid grade laminate for your project today.

Easy to clean and maintain

Solid grade laminate is an easy material to clean, which makes it perfect for use in toilet cubicles. It can be cleaned with a damp cloth without swelling or deteriorating, and in environments such as toilet cubicles, where cleaning is required on a regular basis, this is a huge benefit. Graffiti can also be removed easily using cleaning solutions without damaging the structure or colour of the solid grade laminate.

With direct access to material and CNC fabrication services under one roof, Panel Systems is able to guarantee a reliable service with delivery on time to ensure projects are completed within their specified timeline. With no need to outsource any part of the process, Panel Systems is in full control of the project timeline.

Our team are experts in working with a range of materials and applications and have been providing CNC machining services for Solid Grade Laminate for over 30 years. For more information or to get a quote, call 01909 771 285 or email sales@panelsystems.co.uk.

Why choose solid grade laminate panels from Panel Systems?

All solid grade laminate is available in a wide range of colours and finishes, meaning you are able to choose the best option for your project. The brands we handle include: Formica, Polyrey, Abet, Greenlam and Arpa.

Each range of solid grade laminate is designed in line with compliance with rigorous codes and standards that are required by current laboratory and functional environments. Our solid grade laminate panels offer:

• 24 hours chemical resistance
• Antibacterial
• Scratch and wear resistance
• Easy to clean
• Quick installation
• Excellent machinability
• Suitability for contact with food
• Impact resistance.

We are happy to discuss and quote for small one-off enquiries or large multiple-panel projects.

Contact us today to find out more.

What are solid laminate tabletops used for?

Solid laminate tabletops are extremely versatile, which means they can be used for a wide range of applications in both domestic and commercial settings. Solid grade laminate can be cut into a variety of shapes and is available in a range of finishes, meaning it provides a great solution across a number of the accreditations.

Settings that are ideal for a table with a laminate surfaces include:

• Restaurants, bars, and cafes
• Student housing (communal areas)
• Work canteens
• Schools
• Domestic kitchens
• Kitchen worktops.

Read our guide to using solid grade laminate for tabletops here.

Is solid grade laminate heavier than wood?

Solid grade laminate (SGL) is generally heavier than most types of wood. The weight of solid grade laminate can vary depending on the specific composition and thickness of the laminate panel. However, as a composite material consisting of multiple layers of kraft paper impregnated with resins, SGL tends to have a higher density compared to solid wood.

How do you cut solid grade laminate?

At Panel Systems, the piece of cut down solid grade laminate material is CNC machined to your bespoke size to suit the needs of your project. Panel Systems CNC machines utilise the highest quality tooling for greater dimensional accuracy and smoother cuts.

Find out more about CNC machining here.

Can you use solid grade laminate for school laboratories?

Solid grade laminate’s ability to withstand heavy wear and tear and resistance to the chemicals used in this environment makes it a well-suited and cost-effective material for this purpose. Alongside laboratory worktops, solid grade laminate is also used to line the inside of laboratory fume cupboards too.

Read more about using solid grade laminate for laboratories here.

What are the solid grade laminate thickness options?

Solid grade laminate from Panel Systems is bespoke and can be machined and engraved or digitally printed to suit individual project needs. This includes customisation with branding. This extremely flexible material and manufacturing process allows for greater versatility in design.

• Solid laminate table tops
• An introduction to CNC machining
• Solid grade laminate for a toilet cubicle
• What are laminate table tops and how are they made?
• Choosing a material when specifying a project