Strength and craft in interior design, meaning KRAFFTEN HPL slabs in the Architype offer

The portfolio of high-pressure laminates at Architype is based on proven and carefully selected materials. Some time ago, another brand, alongside Puricelli, joined our offer - KRAFFTEN. The name of this brand is a combination of the words "Kraft" meaning strength and "Craft" meaning craftsmanship. This philosophy is reflected in the technological process, which transforms layers of paper into a structural material of high resistance. In this article, we look specifically at compact slabs, to which all the following properties apply.

The material is produced from layers of kraft paper impregnated with thermosetting (phenolic) resin. The process of their production takes place under conditions of high pressure (7 to 9 MPa) and a temperature of approximately 150°C. The finished product consists of 60 to 70 percent paper and 30 to 40 percent thermosetting resin, which creates a uniform, dense structure. A characteristic element of the slabs is the black core, which defines them as compact laminates. The standard HPL KRAFFTEN format available in our warehouses is 4300 × 1830 × 12 mm, with a sheet weight of approximately 16 to 17 kg/m². Compact slabs show self-supporting properties from a thickness of 6 mm, and the 12 mm variant is perfectly suitable for unsupported horizontal applications. To maintain the stability of the material, an acclimatisation period of the slabs of at least 72 hours in the target environment is recommended. Optimal conditions are a temperature of 18 to 22°C and air humidity of 50 to 60 percent. 

It is worth paying attention to the norms and parameters that confirm the high quality of the material:

• The material is characterised by very low water absorption in accordance with the EN 438 standard, thanks to which it is resistant to moisture and steam.
• The slabs have an emission class E1 according to the EN 717-1 standard, which confirms their neutrality for indoor air quality. Thanks to emission class E1, KRAFFTEN meets the requirements for safe use in residential interiors. It is safe for the health of people and domestic animals, just like all other materials available in our offer.
• The slabs have a fire resistance class D-s1,d0 according to the EN 13501-1 standard. A fire-resistant version with class B-s1,d0 is also available on request.
• Thanks to high density, the slabs show significant resistance to impacts, abrasion, and scratches.

HPL KRAFFTEN is a carefully composed palette of decors (the current offer can be found in our catalogue), which will satisfy lovers of natural motifs (e.g. wood-like patterns), interesting patterns, or uniform colours. An additional tool for designers is the type of surface. The ST variant guarantees a smooth, uniform semi-matt structure on both sides of the sheet. In turn, the DP/ST finish is an interesting hybrid solution, in which the obverse has a deep, stone texture, while the reverse remains semi-matt. This gives great flexibility when designing interior finishing elements and allows for the implementation of interesting, non-standard solutions. 

Taking into account the excellent technical parameters, compact KRAFFTEN HPL slabs constitute an extremely universal finishing material that will work perfectly in every room in the house. Starting from the kitchen, where the slabs are used as countertops, kitchen islands, and a backsplash, through the bathroom with vanity countertops and claddings in wet zones, right up to children's rooms and bedrooms. HPL KRAFFTEN can also serve as a durable windowsill, dining table top, desk, or coffee table top.

At Architype, we are constantly expanding our offer, providing advanced materials for every type of space, which is why we cordially encourage you to regularly follow our news!