Signage Terms Glossary

This signage terms glossary gives a brief explanation of the words associated with high pressure laminated signs and graphic panels.

CHPL
CHPL is the acronym for Custom High Pressure Laminate. Sometimes known as dHPL – digital High Pressure Laminate.

Custom High Pressure Laminate
Also called CHPL, Custom High Pressure Laminate graphic sign material is composed of several layers of phenolic resin impregnated kraft filler paper, a digitally imaged graphic, a layer of melamine resin, surfaced by a layer of translucent exterior UV / graffiti overlay protection. Also known as dHPL – digital High Pressure Laminate.

dHPL
dHPL is the acronym for digital High Pressure Laminate. In 2013, this term was replaced by CHPL – Custom High Pressure Laminate.

Digital High Pressure Laminate
In 2013, the term “digital High Pressure Laminate” was replaced by Custom High Pressure Laminate. The acronym at that time as dHPL, which has been replaced by CHPL.

HPL Graphic
HPL Graphic, is a laymen’s term for CHPL – Custom Custom High Pressure Laminate.

HPL Sign
HPL Sign, is a laymen’s term for CHPL – Custom Custom High Pressure Laminate.

Substrate
Substrate is the material that provides the structurally supportive surface onto which the CHPL – Custom High Pressure Laminate is bonded to. When bonding CHPL – Custom High Pressure Laminate it is important that you use a proper “Substrate”. For more information see the “Fabrication Tips” section in our Panel Thickness and Installation Guide.

Telegraphing
Telegraphing is the term used to refer to the transfer of substrate surface pattern or substrate surface defects through the thickness of the CHPL – Custom High Pressure Laminate to the visible surface.