Two-dimensional laminates (2DL), three-dimensional laminates (3DL), and film are versatile surfaces in commercial and residential environments that offer excellent options for design freedom, performance, and durability — perfect for cabinets, drawer fronts, furniture, and components.
2DL and 3DL are made from thermoplastic films applied over a substrate, primarily MDF or particleboard, to create a panel or contoured component. Vinyl and polyester, the most common materials, are heated to render the thermoplastics pliable and it is then formed over a contoured or routed substrate using a membrane press.
| Why We Like It! Why are they using 2DL and 3DL? Impact resistance, durability, design, texture/emboss, and finish top the list. Plus, 3DL’s ability to seamlessly seal substrates from moisture and bacteria when membrane pressed. “[We] use 3DL in home organization, kitchen door and drawer fronts, furniture components, store fixtures, accessory mouldings, hospital headwalls and foot walls.” 2DL profile wrapped products are sourced. “Our perfect matte five-piece doors are made from 2D components; we use these doors in the home org and kitchen markets. What’s nice is that we can offer matching components in either 2D or 3D, so they complement each other.” – Cabinetry, closets & furniture components manufacturer |
Inspiration: Popular uses for 2DL include walls and ceilings of recreational vehicles, vertical surfaces for retail fixtures, cabinets, commercial flooring, and residential components. 3DL’s ability to conform to routed shapes and create continuous formed surfaces makes it ideal for Shaker or raised panel doors, retail fixtures, home organization, RV tables, countertops, healthcare, and office furniture.
2D Laminates (2DL)
2DL is any film flexible enough to laminate in two dimensions, primarily used in flat lamination and profile wrapping of trim and mouldings for matching edgebanding, crown moulding, flat surfaces, and more. 2DL is made mainly from vinyl, which uses enough plasticizer to render the material flexible and ideal for a profile wrapping machine.
The flexibility of 2D laminates reduces the stress on the glue line between the substrate and the surface. In addition to vinyl, 2DL includes polyester saturated paper, polyester films (PET), light basis weight paper, decorative foils, and polypropylene films, all of which have excellent flexibility and two-dimensional characteristics.
Vinyl and other film-based 2DL are selected for demanding applications with superior water, chemical, and scratch resistance needs. Based on the film type, 2DL may have an embossed surface for a realistic woodgrain tick or other unique embossed finish to the surface. Paper-based 2DL have varying degrees of durability and offer different finishes, including texture, applied to the surface through their topcoats.
Common uses for 2DL include walls and ceilings of recreational vehicles, vertical surfaces for retail store fixtures, cabinets, commercial flooring, and residential components. To choose the best 2DL product, the specification of either film-based or paper-based 2DL will depend on the application’s durability, performance, and design requirements.
MORE INFO Read the complete Design Portfolio: The definitive guide to sourcing decorative surfaces and composite panels. Composite Panel Association More information, plus industry news, testing & certification, policy and stewardship at the Composite Panel Association's website CompositePanel.org | 
|
3D Laminates (3DL)
3DL, also known as rigid thermoformable foils (RTF), is membrane pressed and allows end users to design components with contoured surfaces and seamless edges without requiring edge treatments. 3DL is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), both of which are thermoplastics, meaning they soften when heated and retain the “rigid” three-dimensional shape when sufficiently cooled. The forming process occurs in a vacuum or membrane press around contoured components, including edges. 3DL can be miter folded and is available in 10 to 16 mil thicknesses.
Coatings on 3DL provide scuff- and chemical-resistant properties in various gloss ranges and finishes, including soft touch, and can be fingerprint resistant. 3DL print offers very realistic simulations of the woodgrains, stone, and abstracts from which they are inspired. 3DL also can be embossed and offers Embossed-in-Register (EIR), where the embossing aligns precisely with the pattern, enhancing realism and making them an excellent match for TFL.
3DL is resistant to impact, chipping, cracking, or breaking, making it a popular choice for retail store fixtures, displays, RV tables, and countertops. In addition, the continuously contoured formed component seals the substrate from bacteria and moisture, which makes them an increasingly popular choice in healthcare settings for bed tray tables, furniture, and cabinetry.
When used with routed MDF, 3DL can be formed into nearly any shape within a design specification, from letters and logos to raised panel and Shaker cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and countertops. Due to its ability to wrap around custom shapes, edges, and contoured surfaces, designers often specify 3DL materials for POP displays, commercial hospitality components, and office furniture.
Films
Films in this category of decorative surfaces include polypropylene, polyester, and acrylic. These films offer water-resistant properties while offering environmental and economic advantages.
Calendered polypropylene films range from 5 to 20 mils in thickness and are available in various solid colors. Sometimes referred to as “Cast Polypropylene,” these films may also be printed. Typical applications include flat laminations and edgebanding for garages and kitchen cabinets.
Biaxially (BOPP) polypropylene films are stretched (oriented) in both the machine and cross-machine direction to deliver improved dimensional stability. Oriented Polypropylene (OPP) is stretched in one direction. Due to its non-absorbent print surface, these films are ideal for high-fidelity woodgrain prints and decorative patterns. Some OPP films may be embossed. Both are typically coated for scuff, scratch, and stain resistance and are water resistant. Oriented polypropylene films are available in thicknesses ranging from 0.9 to 2.2 mil (23 g/m² to 56 g/m²). Typical applications include RTA furniture, cabinets, wrapped profiles, and ceiling and wall panels.
Polyester films are available in both PET and PETG. PET is used for flat lamination, and PETG can be formed and embossed. They are extremely heat resistant and stable films. Both offer excellent print fidelity and are typically coated for scratch and stain resistance. Polyester thicknesses range from 2 to 8 mil. Applications include five-piece doors, healthcare, and residential furniture.
Acrylic films are highly durable and UV resistant and are formulated for thermoforming or flat lamination. They are resistant to chemicals and abrasion and are easy to clean. Acrylic has excellent printability, is usually printed or available in solid colors, and offers beautiful high gloss finishes. They are often laminated to a variety of substrates. Typical applications include cabinet doors, bath and shower surrounds, and retail displays.
Have something to say? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.