Any sandwich panels really look like a popular type of sandwich – two layers of sheet material and insulation between them. However, such a “sandwich” can have a very different “filling”, perform different functions, and the sheet materials themselves are used very different.
According to their functional purpose, sandwich panels are usually divided into roof and wall panels. It is clear that roofing is used for arranging roofs, including pitched ones. Wall structures can be used as horizontal, vertical and inclined structures during the construction of private houses, industrial and commercial buildings. In addition, it is wall sandwich panels that are used for insulating facades, as internal and external enclosing coatings, including floor and interfloor ones. That is, the scope of application of wall sandwich panels is wider and is by no means limited to walls alone..
1 – outer cladding; 2 – roof lock; 3 – trapezoidal mineral wool lamellas; 4 – constructional lamellas of mineral wool; 5 – two-component glue; 6 – inner lining
As a facing material in the manufacture of sandwich panels are used:
- Paper. Usually with a layer of aluminum foil or polyethylene. Such panels can be used for the purpose of thermal insulation of roofs, wall structures, foundations and floors..
- Metal. Usually, galvanized or thin-sheet stainless steel is used with a polymer coating: pural, plastisols, polyester, polyvinyl fluoride. Steel can replace aluminum.
- Drywall. Such sandwich panels are used exclusively for interior work, since the outer layer, that is, drywall, is not intended for the street, even if it is moisture resistant.
- Wood boards. They can be the usual fiberboard, plywood or cement-bonded particle boards, more resistant, but quite heavy.
- Pvc. Such sandwich panels are a standard three-layer construction with two rigid PVC sheets and insulation between them. Usually used for finishing door and window slopes.
As you can see, the scope of application of sandwich panels depends on the type of facing material – outdoor conditions imply the use of metal or DSP, and all other options are suitable for interior work..
As a filler, that is, the inner layer of sandwich panels, can be used:
- Fiberglass (glass wool).It is an environmentally friendly, vibration-resistant, elastic, lightweight, non-combustible and durable material with good sound and heat insulation performance. However, fiberglass quickly cakes, absorbs moisture, deforms, erodes without wind protection.
- Polyurethane foam. Strong, efficiently conserving heat, resistant to mechanical and thermal deformation, waterproofing, durable, elastic material. The disadvantages of polyurethane foam include flammability – class G2, that is, “easily combustible”, high price and the need for protection from moisture and ultraviolet radiation.
- Expanded polystyrene.Resistant, waterproof, durable, heat-insulating material that is half the weight of mineral wool. Such sandwich panels can be mounted in winter, because expanded polystyrene is not afraid of temperature extremes. Does not deform when exposed to moisture. However, this filler literally breaks down when exposed to sunlight. However, polystyrene foam in sandwich panels is usually reliably covered with two layers of cladding, so this disadvantage cannot be called significant. But flammability – yes.
- Mineral wool. Non-flammable, resistant, sound and heat insulating material, environmentally friendly and easy to install. Minus – mineral wool makes sandwich panels quite heavy, and also has high vapor permeability, which can cause delamination of the filler.
- Both expanded polystyrene and basalt-based mineral wool can be used in combined sandwich panels. In this case, the filler is located in layers, in parallel, and is held together with polyurethane glue..
Sandwich panels differ in the way they are connected. Wall locks are usually equipped with groove-to-thorn locks or seam locks, and roof locks are equipped with overlapping locks, which guarantees greater tightness of the joints, this is very important for the roof.
The standard length of sandwich panels can vary from 2 to 14 m, width – from 1 to 1.2 m, thickness – from 5 to 30 cm.Usually manufacturers indicate for which climate zone a particular sandwich panel is intended, because often they serve as walls of industrial buildings and shopping centers, frost resistance is a significant indicator, as well as the required thickness.
It is important to note that all types of coatings that are applied to the metal facing of sandwich panels can be painted in different colors, in addition, a pattern can be applied using an offset method. This gives such sandwich panels an aesthetic appearance, if they are used for the construction of external walls or facade insulation, no other finishing is required.
If the sandwich panels are fastened to each other according to the “thorn-groove” principle or other locks, then they are usually mounted to the supporting structure with self-tapping screws. It is important that the self-tapping screws are made of stainless steel, and the places for cutting and drilling are then painted over with enamel chosen to match the color of the panels.
What are some popular types of sandwich panels and how do they differ in terms of materials used and applications?
What are the different types of sandwich panels available in the market and what are the specific applications for each type?
There are several types of sandwich panels available in the market. The most common types include EPS (expanded polystyrene), PU (polyurethane), mineral wool, and honeycomb panels.
EPS panels are lightweight and have good insulation properties, making them suitable for applications in walls and roofs of residential buildings and cold storage facilities.
PU panels offer higher thermal insulation and are used in temperature-controlled industrial buildings, such as warehouses and cold rooms.
Mineral wool panels provide fire resistance and acoustic insulation. They are commonly used in commercial and industrial buildings, including offices, factories, and hospitals.
Honeycomb panels have a core made of aluminum or paper and are widely used in aerospace and transportation industries due to their high strength-to-weight ratio.
Each type of sandwich panel has specific features and applications, so it is important to consider the specific requirements of the project before selecting the appropriate panel.
When considering sandwich panels for construction or industrial purposes, there are various types to choose from. EPS panels are lightweight and provide good insulation, making them ideal for residential buildings and cold storage facilities. PU panels offer exceptional thermal insulation and are suitable for temperature-controlled environments like warehouses. Mineral wool panels excel in fire resistance and acoustic insulation, commonly used in commercial buildings and hospitals. Lastly, honeycomb panels, made from aluminum or paper, have a high strength-to-weight ratio, making them prevalent in aerospace and transportation sectors. It is crucial to evaluate the project’s needs and select the panel that best matches the specific requirements.
What are the different types of sandwich panels available in the market, and what factors should I consider when choosing the right panel for my project?