Wilsonart Commercial Flooring

Permaplex^® Construction -- The Wilsonart Difference!

Permaplex is manufactured at 1400 PSI of pressure. In comparison, Direct Pressure Laminate (DPI) is manufactured at 300-500 PSI. Even though both laminate types are made of the same basic materials -- just as Diamonds and Coal are both made of carbon -- the pressure used in the manufacturing process helps determine both hardness and performance.

Dent Testing

These photographs illustrate the differences between hardwood, ceramic, vinyl, Direct Pressure Laminate (DPL) and the Permaplex used to manufacture Wilsonart Commercial Flooring. A simulated 14-ounce can (396g) was dropped vertically onto the decorative surfaces of the flooring products from a height of 36 inches (standard countertop height). The flooring was photographed at 10x magnification.

Static Pressure Testing

Static pressure testing was conducted to measure performance differences between hardwood, ceramic, vinyl, Direct Pressure Laminate (DPL) and the Permaplex used to manufacture Wilsonart Commercial Flooring. Two inch square flooring samples were subjected to static loads in accordance with ASTM F970. Loads of 2,000 PSI were placed on each sample for 24 hours. The samples were then allowed to recover for 24 hours in a room conditioned at 72° Fahrenheit / 50% RH before inspection.