What are the most significant differences between SIBU Design products and HPL?
As compared to SIBU Design sheets, HPL has a somewhat cold surface, it is very brittle and can only be processed using machinery. The SIBU Design sheets have a warm feel and can be easily worked without the use of machinery. SIBU Design sheets can be simply mechanically processed, e.g. drilled and cut to shape on site. HPL patterning is applied onto an absorbent backing material (raw chipboard, MDF, etc.) using a press and casein glue under pressure at a certain temperature. HPL always requires counter-pressure. Depending on their thickness and application, SIBU Design products are either bonded, or framed as a filling. No machinery is required for this purpose. Further major differences exist with regard to cutting to length. Up to a thickness of 2 mm, SIBU synthetic products can be easily cut manually using a wallpaper knife. The person can simply score the patterned surface and then snap the sheet off.
